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STAR Program Honored at SUNY Downstate’s 4th Annual Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair

Date: September 6, 2025
Location: Steps of University Hospital at Downstate, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY

The University Hospital at Downstate and the Residency Program Coordinators Forum (RPCF), together with NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie, hosted another vibrant year of the Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair on September 6, and the STAR Program had a truly special moment to share with our neighbors in Central Brooklyn.

STAR receives the 2025 Dellon Angel Service Excellence Award

We are humbled to announce that STAR was selected for the 2025 Dellon Angel Service Excellence Award, a recognition that celebrates service, compassion, and community impact in memory of Dellon Angel. This honor reflects the dedication of our entire team across patient care, research, education, and community engagement.

“This recognition is a tribute to the dedication and excellence each of you brings to our mission every day. It is an honor that belongs to all of us.”
Jack A. DeHovitz, MD, MPH, MHCDS, FACP
 Distinguished Service Professor, Department of Medicine, STAR Program Director

Accepting the award, Nkiruka (Kiki) Nwokoye, JD, STAR’s Director of Development, shared a powerful reflection on STAR’s journey and mission, concluding:

“This award is a tribute to our extraordinary team. There are truly no weak links, and it is especially meaningful to receive this award in memory of Dellon Angel, remembered for his kindness and service. Just as Dellon embodied compassion, STAR strives to do the same every day.”

SUNY Downstate President Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP spoke with pride about the institution’s long-standing role in Central Brooklyn:

“Our commitment is to you and your families. I have the honor of a lifetime to work with outstanding doctors, nurses, therapists, and public health professionals who believe deeply in this community. That is why we love doing this work. We are going to be bigger, better, shinier, newer, but always just as committed to providing excellent care for Brooklyn. We ask for your continued support, because this great hospital is made of great people who care deeply about you.”

Other honorees and participants

The fair also recognized several leaders and community champions. Special tributes were given to the family of the late Dr. James Mahoney, remembered for his extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster, Associate Dean Office of Diversity, Education and Research and Asst. Vice President for Institutional Equity and Dr. Mudar Dalloul, Interim Chair of OB/GYN, for their leadership at Downstate. NYC Council Members Rita Joseph, Mercedes Narcisse, and Farah Louis shared moving stories of their connections to Downstate and voiced their ongoing support. The event also honored Dr. Juliette Green and Alishia Goodrich, long-time advocate and AVP of Government and Community Relations,  for their tireless commitment behind the scenes.

Community first. Health for all.

This year’s fair was full of energy and purpose. Hundreds of attendees visited STAR’s tents to learn about care, prevention, and support services. Our youth program THEO engaged families and young people with peer-led education, while our colleagues from the HEAT Program stood side by side with us to connect adolescents and young adults with trusted resources.

Highlights from the day

  • High-impact outreach: Hundreds of neighbors connected with STAR, THEO, and HEAT services
  • On-site education: HIV and STI prevention, mental health resources, and access to care
  • Youth leadership: THEO peers led conversations and inspired action
  • Family fun: Our Photo Booth captured memories with the reminder that HAPPINESS BEGINS WITH GOOD HEALTH

Thank you, Central Brooklyn

STAR is deeply grateful to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, RPCF, Senator Zellnor Myrie and our other elected partners, volunteers, vendors, and every attendee who stopped by to learn, share a story, or bring a loved one to the fair. This award belongs to our whole community. When we stand together, health outcomes improve and hope grows.

Stay connected to care

Thank you, Brooklyn. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair as we continue building a healthier, happier future together.