Yisroel R.

Westchester Medical Center held a cultural sensitivity training session this week for Emergency Department staff, aimed at strengthening the hospital’s understanding of Orthodox Jewish patients and helping build greater trust with the community.

The training was held in partnership with Bikur Cholim and Rockland Hatzoloh and focused on the customs, needs, and concerns that can arise when members of the Orthodox Jewish community receive emergency hospital care.

Staff were given a broader understanding of Orthodox Jewish customs and traditions, including Shabbos and Yom Tov considerations and the kosher dietary accommodations and hospital resources available for patients.

The session also covered family involvement and support during hospitalization, Hatzoloh’s role in patient care transitions, caring for patients and families during end-of-life situations, and the resources available to help hospital staff provide culturally responsive care.

Representatives also explained how Hatzoloh operates, highlighting the professionalism of the volunteer emergency medical organization, its unique structure and culture, and the important role it plays during emergency situations.

Rockland Hatzoloh Captain Abe Rosenberg, gave a presentation during the session. Aron Reiner of Bikur Cholim also addressed the staff, while Yochanon Katz of Refuah Helpline attended and participated in the event.

The interactive training was designed to provide practical guidance, useful resources, and real-world insight that can help Emergency Department nurses and staff deliver compassionate and culturally sensitive care to the community.

WMCHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, FASA, also spoke during the training and remained throughout the entire training session, an unusual level of participation that demonstrated the hospital leadership’s strong support for the initiative and the importance it places on serving the community appropriately.

Following the training, Westchester Medical Center expressed its full commitment to strengthening care for the frum community and going above and beyond to ensure patients and their families feel respected, understood, and properly supported. Bikur Cholim, Rockland Hatzoloh, and members of the broader frum community thank the hospital and its leadership for their support and commitment to providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care.