Q&A

Q.: Why is it so important that my baby have a Social Security number?

A.: Your child may need a Social Security number if you are planning to open a bank account, buy savings bonds, obtain medical coverage, or apply for government services for the child. Your child will also need a Social Security number if you are going to declare him or her on your taxes. Getting a Social Security number for your newborn is voluntary, but it is a ment card, you may be able to request it online by visiting our Social Security Number and Card page at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.

You can also start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time. You may never need to go to an office, but if you do need to visit an office to complete the application then you can save a lot of time by starting online.

• Start an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You can start the application process online and request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits by answering a few questions on our SSI page at www.ssa.gov/ssi.

• Apply for Social Security benefits and other online services good idea to apply when your child is born. You can apply for a Social Security number for your baby when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will give us your child’s information and we will mail you a Social Security card with the child’s Social Security number. Visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber for more information.

For most benefits, you can apply online or start an application online. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. We will review the application and contact you with any questions or if we need more information. Visit our online services page at www. ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability or Medicare.

Many Social Security services do not require an office visit. If you have a personal My Social Security account, you can start or change direct deposit, request a replacement SSA1099, or print or download a current benefit verification letter if you need proof of your benefits.

If you’re not yet receiving benefits, you can use your online account to get a personalized Social Security statement, which provides your earnings information as well as estimates of future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement estimator tool and links to information about other online services. We encourage people without a personal My Social Security account to create one today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Please share this with your loved ones and post it on social media.

Doctor appointed to National Cancer Research board

Physician Steven Duffy of Hematology-Oncology

are listed at cancer.gov.

HOA is a private, community cancer center established in 1982 with a vision to serve Central New York by providing the highest level of quality care to patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders. With locations in Auburn, Camillus, East Syracuse and Onondaga Hill, HOA continues that vision with a multi-faceted team dedicated to holistic, patient-centered care.

for the community in collaboration with all CMH-affiliated orthopedic surgeons.” recently as Loretto’s housing nurse screener before being promoted to assistant director of clinical services for housing.

Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed fellowship training in orthopedic trauma. She specializes in comprehensive fracture care, post-traumatic reconstruction, and total joint arthroplasty of the shoulder, knee and hip.

Steven Duffy

Associates of CNY, has joined the board of directors of The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. Duffy is a medical oncologist/ hematologist at HOA who is board certified in internal medicine, oncology and hematology. He specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer and blood disorders in adults, and serves as HOA’s director of research.

The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, of which HOA is a member, seeks to reduce the impact of cancer by uniting a broad community of scientists and clinicians who are committed to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the alliance includes nearly 10,000 cancer specialists at hospitals, medical centers and community clinics across the United States and Canada. This partnership allows HOA to offer patients research opportunities utilizing state-of-the-art cancer treatments with access to many of the same clinical trials typically available at large cancer treatment centers.

“Dr. Duffy’s appointment to the alliance board underscores HOA’s steadfast commitment to offer clinical research to provide our patients with the highest level of cancer care,” said HOA CEO Maryann Roefaro. “Some of the newest, most innovative cancer treatments are available only through clinical trials, and we encourage patients to speak with their care team about research options that might benefit them.”

Roefaro added that HOA also offers the general public the option to contact its research department at 315-472-7504, extension 1350 with questions about clinical trials. There is a clinical trials section of the HOA website at hoacny.com/clinical-trials, and all NCI clinical trials nationwide

HOA is the only cancer practice in CNY certified for quality by The American Society of Clinical Oncology, and one of only nine practices in the country certified for patient centered care as an oncology medical home.

Orthopedic surgeon joins Community Memorial

Orthopedic surgeon Richelle

In February 2022, after completing extensive training and certification, Takemoto became the first female surgeon in the world to use the VELYSTM Robotic-Assisted Solution and developed a successful robotic surgery program at CMH. Takemoto will continue to expand this service as part of the CMH team.

“Lindzey’s knowledge of the Loretto system, as well as her experience, passion and commitment have well prepared her to be successful in this role,” said Robin Bennett, director of clinical services for Loretto housing.

Nasholts will provide guidance and leadership to the clinical operations for Loretto’s assisted living, enriched living and housing functions. This includes strategic planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating services and activities as well as coordinating interdisciplinary teams for resident care, quality improvement, clinical and financial operations to assure safe, effective, and efficient services.

Richelle Takemoto

Takemoto has recently joined Community Memorial (CMH) in Hamilton. Previously with a local orthopedic surgical practice, Takemoto decided to seek out other opportunities to serve the community. Endeared by Hamilton and the surrounding region and the supportive team of nurses and staff, Takemoto saw the potential to build on the orthopedic legacy at CMH.

“I am very committed to serving the patients of our community and believe that partnering with the hospital will help to better support patient care. My goal is to provide efficient, high-quality care for our community that will remain in place long after my career. I am dedicated to providing excellent, quality orthopedic services and working collaboratively with the entire orthopedic surgical team providing services at Community Memorial.”

“We welcome Dr. Takemoto to the CMH family and thank her for the advanced services she has brought to us in the last year,” said Jeff Coakley, president and CEO of Community Memorial. “We look forward to growing orthopedic services

Takemoto is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and is a graduate of the Punahou School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1999 and is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, where she earned her MD in 2002. She completed a residency in orthopedic surgery from NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City under the tutelage of renowned surgeon Joseph Zuckerman. Following her residency, she completed the Altman Fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She is an active member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO North America and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Lindzey Nasholts promoted at Loretto

Registered nurse Lindzey

Nasholts has been promoted to assistant director of clinical services for Housing at Loretto.

Nasholts has had a progressive career in longterm care, starting as a certified home health aide, then becoming an administrator for two area adult homes, and a case manager at Loretto’s Sedgwick Heights and Buckley Landing facilities. She has served as a home care registered nurse and most

Nasholts earned her associate of applied science in nursing from the Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital.

Nascentia Health selected as a best company to work for in NYS

Nascentia Health has been recognized as one of the best companies to work for in New York for the fifth consecutive year. The award is administered by the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management Best Companies Group, and the Rochester Business Journal.

For 2023, Nascentia was ranked in the top 29 large companies across the state. The final rankings of the 29 winners will be announced on April 19 at a ceremony in Albany.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized five years in a row for our outstanding workplace culture and our commitment to be the place where the best people choose to work,” said Kate Rolf, Nascentia’s president and CEO. “I truly believe that we have the best group of people working in