Dr. Ghayalod grew up in East Quogue and completed her residency at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, where she served as chief resident.

“She is a dedicated family practitioner who has also completed fellowship training in addiction medicine,” Dr. Jarid Pachter said. “I believe she will be the perfect fit for our practice in Southold and in helping the many patients suffering from substance use disorders in Suffolk County. I could not be more thrilled to welcome her to Southold Family Medicine and Quannacut Outpatient in Riverhead.”

Dr. Ghayalod earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, and completed a fellowship in addiction medicine with Tufts University at Cambridge Health Alliance, where she taught medical students and residents. She began practicing at Southold Family Medicine in September.

“I’m incredibly proud to join Stony Brook Community Medicine, the place that has cared for me and my family since I was a child,” Dr. Ghayalod said in the press release. “As someone who grew up on Eastern Long Island, the North Fork has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to provide care to this community.”

She is now accepting new patients, with office hours Monday through Friday. Patients who wish to make an appointment with Southold Family Medicine should call 631-734-8742.

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According to the New York State Department of Health, women 40 and older should get a mammogram screening every other year. It also lists common symptoms to look out for as including a breast that has swelling or dimpling, finding a lump in the breast or armpit, having irritation of the skin on a breast, having discharge from a nipple, or feeling pain in the breast or nipple. The early detection of breast cancer is crucial to saving lives.

At PBMC on Saturday, breast health exams will be provided to anyone who shows up. Mammograms will be available on the day of the event at North Fork Radiology for those who are eligible. No prior registration is necessary, and uninsured patients are welcome.

For more information, email pbmccancersurvivorship@northwell.edu.

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Thanks to the Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and Southold Town all residents of the North Fork, Shelter Island and beyond are invited to find resources to build a healthy foundation at the annual health fair. 

The three organizations are continuing their collaboration that started in 2019 to bring all kinds of personal health and wellness support to the Peconic Recreation Center on Oct. 16.

From 2 to 6 p.m. connect with over 20 providers, including Fidelis Health Insurance, The Retreat, Family Service League of Riverhead, THRIVE Recovery Long Island, and Southold Fire Department.

Read more about the Fall Health Fair on northforker.com

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On Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 1 to 7 p.m., Riverhead community members are invited to participate in a blood drive held on the second floor of Riverhead Fire Department, 540 Roanoke Ave. Those who donate blood will receive baked goods and a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream from Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe. 

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, please go to nybc.org. For further questions, contact Jennifer at 516-310-2382.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., a blood drive will be held in Conference Room B and C at Peconic Bay Medical Center, 1 Heroes Way, Riverhead.

Appointments are preferred by walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, please go to nybc.org.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, from noon to 6 p.m., the Senator Anthony Palumbo Community Blood Drive will be held in the Grand Room and Lobby of the Riverhead Library at 330 Court St., Riverhead.

Appointments are preferred by walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, please go to nybc.org.

To donate, eat and hydrate well, bring photo ID, feel good and be symptom-free, and meet the minimum weight requirements of 110 lbs. Donors must also be 17 or older, or 16 with parental consent. To see additional requirements, visit nybc.org.

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Eric’s efforts serve a dual purpose in the community. First, he seeks to contribute to alleviating the serious shortage of O- and B- types facing the state of New York. Secondly, Eric dreams of pursuing a career in the health field.

He is well on his way, volunteering with Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance Corps. In addition to his commitment to the wider Riverhead area, Eric is also the student representative with the Riverhead Board of Education for the 2025-2026 school year.

“People should donate at my scholarship blood drive because one donation can save up to three lives,” Eric informed. “And by giving, you’re also helping support my education and future in healthcare.”

The participating donors in the upcoming blood drive with receive a mums plant sponsored by Gabrielsen’s Country Plant Farm on Herrick’s Lane in Jamesport and owned by the Gabrielsen family.

Visit nybc.org to assess eligibility for making a donating and necessary preparations for giving blood.

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That is why Peconic Bay Medical Center recently unveiled its newest dedicated pediatric room within its emergency department, where children now have a stress-free space to receive the care they need.

Following the opening of its new trauma room last year during its larger emergency department expansion, PBMC was able to transform a 370 square-foot former trauma room into a child-friendly treatment space, which is the first of its kind in Eastern Suffolk County, according to the hospital’s news release.

“This space gives us the ability to care for children in a way that’s developmentally appropriate and family-centered,” said Ninfa Mehta, chair of emergency medicine at Peconic Bay Medical Center. “Whether for short-term observation or urgent treatment, this setup gives our care teams, and parents, greater flexibility and focus.”

The redesigned room includes two curtained beds, essential emergency care equipment and convertible sofas, so parents never have to leave their child’s side. The detachment from the general emergency room area enhances both clinical care and emotional support. Additionally, the cosmetic upgrades bring the comforts of home into a medical setting, where children can feel safe, calm and cared for.

“This initiative reflects our continued focus on compassionate, community-driven care,” said Amy Loeb, PBMC president, in a news release. “Transforming this space ensures that children and their families have an environment designed for healing, comfort and peace of mind, when they need it most.”

PBMC recognized Marie and Emanuel Arturi of Laurel at the Aug. 15 ribbon-cutting for their support of the project, which will be in loving memory of their daughter, Daniella. Daniella Arturi passed away at 7 months old almost 30 years ago from complications of a rare blood disorder called Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA).

“This milestone is a testament to the deep roots of philanthropic support we are so fortunate to have,” Ms. Loeb said. “We are incredibly grateful to the Arturi family for their generosity in helping us build what’s best for our youngest community members.”

Under the guidance of PBMC’s new chair of pediatrics, Brenda Marcano-Benfante, the Riverhead-based hospital continues to strengthen its collaboration between emergency care and pediatric services. Emergency department physicians at PBMC trained to manage a wide range of pediatric emergencies will staff the new pediatric room.

“Children deserve the highest standard of care at every stage of life, especially in times of emergency,” said Dr. Marcano-Benfante. “We are committed to ensuring that families across the East End have access to expert pediatric care when they need it most, and this new space is one important step in building a healthier future for our community’s children.”

For more information about Peconic Bay Medical Center, visit pbmc.northwell.edu.

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The $1.2 million investment features 10 exam rooms and four dedicated testing rooms designed to support a wide range of diagnostic services. With a team of 10 Northwell physicians, there will be coordinated care across six medical specialties: vascular medicine, nephrology, cardiology, thoracic surgery, lung transplant and hepatology.

“Our goal is to make it easier for East End residents to get the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Amy Loeb, president of Peconic Bay Medical Center, in a statement. “By expanding services on the east end, we’re not just building a medical office — we’re investing in the health and well-being of this community and the people who call it home.”

Joseph Baglio, senior vice president of ambulatory operations for Northwell Health’s eastern region, said the new multi-specialty site is a “one-stop destination” that provides East End residents with medical experts and advanced diagnostic services closer to home and all under one roof.

Mr. Baglio said that after looking at population data on the East End, Northwell Health invested into the building around 18 months ago because there was a need to further expand its cardiology footprint. He said there were many zip codes “in the Riverhead market” that had seen significant growth during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a study conducted by the NYC Comptroller’s Office on shifts in population trends due to COVID, it analyzed the change in net residential moves in 2020 based on USPS permanent address changes. Among zip codes within New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the largest net gains in 2020 occurred in East Hampton, Southampton and Sag Harbor, according to the study.

“Northwell is committed to meeting the demands of that growth, and as healthcare has evolved outside of the four walls of the [Peconic Bay Medical Center] hospital, we are expanding our ambulatory footprint to meet the needs of the communities that we serve,” Mr. Baglio said.

Reflecting on the last 15 years for the healthcare provider, Mr. Baglio said Northwell’s eastern market footprint, which covers approximately 1,500 miles — from Glen Cove to the east end of Long Island — has boomed from just 34 locations to now having close to 300. Since opening its latest Riverhead practice on July 5, he said the feedback from patients has been positive.

“For residents of the East End, years ago, it was acceptable for those people to travel west to get care,” Mr. Baglio said. “[The Harrison Avenue facility] is a familiar place for patients, more of a one-stop-shop. We even offer integrative wellness now as part of the specialties within that building … between the third and the fourth floor, folks could get a lot of core services right in that building.”

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New York Blood Center’s “Pint for a Pint” campaign will get you just that.

For the fourth year in a row, from July 27 to Aug. 31, anyone who donates blood at one of NYBC’s mobile blood drives or donor centers will receive a voucher for a free drink at participating breweries and pubs or a frozen treat at participating shops. 

The Riverhead Ciderhouse in Calverton is one of the charitable businesses championing donors. 

Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore will also be giving drinks to donors, as well as Moriches Field Brewing Company in Center Moriches.

“We love doing local charity work and getting our customers involved,” said Rich Flynn, owner of Moriches Field Brewing Company. “‘Pint for a Pint,’ is a good example of helping a charity that’s a little bit more than local — that directly helps people.”

Close to 50 other locations around the state will join in celebrating giving back by serving sips and and scoops. Find the full list here.

Where can you donate? 

Come by one of NYBC’s mobile drives, one of which will be hosted by the Ciderhouse on Aug. 21. To find other dates and locations, visit NYBC’s website.

“We have always done blood drives to support our local community,” said Sinead King, owner of the Riverhead Ciderhouse. “Doing the ‘Pint for a Pint’ campaign has definitely increased the amount of donors we see.”  

Donors can also go to centers across Long Island, including the Port Jefferson Station Donor Center or the Bohemia Donor Center, among others listed here.

The campaign, launched in 2022, has doubled in size since its start. 

One donation earns donors 21 and over a voucher to be redeemed on or before Oct. 31, but vouchers cannot be used on the day of donation. 

With an increase in trauma cases and a decrease in donations during the summer, the need for blood donors is at its peak. The supply of O-negative blood — used in serious situations when patients’ blood type is unknown, and O-positive blood — the most common type, in constant demand for a multitude of medical needs — are at critical levels, 25 percent below the necessary amount to meet current hospital demand. 

“Every pint counts, especially in the summer, and we are so grateful to these local establishments for coming together to support the critical need for blood donations in the summertime,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at NYBC. “We hope this fun incentive will inspire returning and first-time donors to donate blood and enjoy a refreshing beverage or frozen treat on us.”

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Thanks to last year’s $5 million donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Harnisch of Southampton, PBMC is on its way to building Suffolk County’s first dedicated, state-of-the-art neuroscience center, equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

The center will also serve as the only Eastern Long Island facility capable of performing a cerebral mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that can remove a blood clot and quickly restore blood flow to the brain after a major stroke — bringing critical neurological care much closer to home for East End residents.

With construction expected to be completed by the end of this year, PBMC president Amy Loeb revealed at the wall-breaking ceremony that the hospital plans to begin treating patients at the new facility in the first quarter of 2026.

“The residents out here facing advanced stroke emergencies historically have always been experiencing significant distances — losing time when every second counts,” Ms. Loeb said. “The Bill and Ruth Ann Harnisch Neurosciences Center will change that soon. It will bring life-saving interventions directly to our community. This means faster treatment, preserving vital brain tissue [and] preventing loss of function.”

PBMC is already a state-designated stroke center and treats roughly 1,000 patients each year for stroke or stroke-related illnesses, according to the hospital’s website. Dr. Richard Jung, Northwell’s stroke director for the Eastern region, said the neuroscience center will be able to expand PBMC’s medical capabilities, such as providing high-quality angiograms in the arteries of the brain to scan for various neurological diseases.

Other more advanced procedures that will be offered through the center include carotid artery stenting and middle meningeal artery embolization to treat chronic subdural hematomas. Treatment for brain aneurysms will come in the future as well, Dr. Jung said.

“With the additional, more invasive treatment for acute ischemic stroke, it doesn’t just require a machine, it requires the elevation of everything in the hospital: hospital services, nursing care, hospital resources, surgical care, expansion of different hospital departments just to provide this level of care,” Dr. Jung said. “For the region, it’s big win, because the hospital has to work harder to get better to provide this level of care.”

The neuroscience center is part of PBMC’s $92 million investment in the expansion of the Riverhead hospital, which also includes the launch of the Center for Women and Infants and a newly expanded emergency department — the Poole Family Trauma and Emergency Center.

“Nothing comes close to what this facility here can provide,” Mr. Harnisch said, before he and his wife were given sledgehammers to break through the first wall to make way for construction. “I think we’re going to save lives.”

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability and fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association. With May being National Stroke Awareness Month, knowing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. is crucial to saving lives. Learn more about the warning signs and stroke prevention by visiting Stroke.org.

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 This year’s gala will honor The Simmons Point Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC with the NFBHC Corporate Leadership Award. 

“We’re honoring Janney Scott because of their long-standing financial support of our organization,” said Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski, NFBHC president and chair of the Pink Pearl Gala. “They have been on the ground since day one with very generous contributions and always helping and willing to do whatever we need. They’re always the first ones to say, ‘Do you need funding for this? Do you need funding for that?’ They’ve just been extremely generous and we’re very, very grateful for their support.”

Lisa and Anthony Sannino are also being honored with the Community Spirit Award for hosting the NFBHC Stage IV summer fundraiser for the last three years at Sannino Vineyard in Cutchogue. 

“Anthony and Lisa Sannino stepped up to the plate when we were looking for a place to hold our Stage IV event,” Ms. McEvoy Zuhoski said. “We started the fund about five years ago, and we started raising money for it by holding an event. [We] were looking for a place to hold it, and they offered to have it there. We don’t pay for anything. They take care of everything. It’s pretty amazing.”

The Sanninos also have a personal connection to the cause; Mr. Sannino’s mother is a cancer survivor.

“[The award] was very humbling. Yeah, not expected. It touches our heart,” Mr. Sannino said. “We feel like [offering our space] is a great gesture to give back because the cause is incredibly important.” 

The gala features a gift basket raffle that benefits NFBHC’s Keri Lynn Stromski Stage IV Breast Cancer Research and Support Fund, which helps oncologists treating local patients and doing research. The fund also supports Stage IV thrivers coping with the unexpected costs often associated with treatment. You do not need to be present to participate in the raffle.

The North Fork Breast Health Coalition provides massage therapy, reflexology, acupuncture and exercise classes free of charge to breast cancer patients in the service area. The group also offers $1,000 Helping Hands grants for patients to use as they wish. 

“That’s for somebody that’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, their doctor [has to] sign off on the application, but that is money for them to do whatever they want with, whether they need it for co-pays, for transportation or if they want to have a day of beauty before they undergo treatment,” Ms. McEvoy Zuhoski said. 

Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

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