UHS proudly hosted the Broome Leadership Institute’s (BLI) 2026 Healthcare Day on Feb. 19, welcoming the Class of 2026 for a full-day, immersive look into how UHS cares for the community and supports the region’s evolving healthcare needs.
Participants began their day at the UHS Population Health offices and UHS Food Pantry, where UHS President and CEO—and BLI alum—John M. Carrigg offered opening remarks over light refreshments. From there, attendees experienced a comprehensive lineup of tours, demonstrations, and interactive learning opportunities across multiple UHS locations.
The day’s first session, Meeting Needs, Improving Lives: Population Health Highlights, explored the UHS Food Pantry, the new Stork Support and Durable Medical Equipment hygiene closets, and highlighted how care coordination teams connect patients with essential resources to improve outcomes and community well-being.
A guided tour of the UHS Child Care center followed, led by Director Maureen Mecca. Attendees learned how the center strengthens workforce recruitment and retention while serving as a trusted resource for exceptional childcare for families in our community.
A highlight of the day was Hands-On for Health & Safety at UHS Binghamton General Hospital, where Certified Recovery Peer Advocates shared their personal experiences supporting individuals navigating behavioral health challenges. Their stories helped reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder and emphasized the power of compassion. Attendees then rotated through hands-on training stations, covering a variety of topics such as Narcan administration, Stop the Bleed instruction, and a Tai Chi demonstration focused on fall prevention.
During lunch, participants sampled popular UHS patient menu items as part of Healthy, Happy & Delicious, showcasing how nutritious, great‑tasting meals can support healing and elevate the overall patient experience.
The afternoon continued with Care Beyond Walls: Community Paramedicine in Action, where UHS community paramedics and virtual health leaders demonstrated how mobile care teams and digital tools extend medical support directly into patients’ homes.
At UHS Wilson Medical Center, the class explored the often unseen world of Environmental Services and Sterile Processing during The Hidden Engines of Patient Safety. Attendees observed a patient room turnover emphasizing infection prevention and saw firsthand how surgical instruments are sanitized and prepared for safe use.
Attendees also enjoyed an aerial view of Johnson City from the helipad atop the UHS Wilson Main Tower.
The day concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wilson Emergency Department. Nursing and operations leaders guided the group through the fast-paced environment, highlighting the complexity, coordination, and rapid decision-making essential to emergency care.
Jay Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, wrapped up the experience with an interactive discussion, inviting participants to reflect on where they observed the UHS values—Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation—come to life throughout the day.
BLI is a six‑month community leadership program organized by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, giving business professionals firsthand exposure to the corporations, organizations, and industries shaping the Greater Binghamton region. UHS was honored to support this year’s Healthcare Day, offering participants an inside look at the people, programs, and innovations driving high‑quality care close to home.
