Pulse - NOW 30 Years!
For over a quarter century, Pulse has stood as a beacon of excellence in healthcare advocacy, embodying an unwavering commitment to transforming patient safety. Throughout these distinguished 30 years, our pioneering nonprofit has catalyzed groundbreaking awareness initiatives, fostered pivotal cross-sector collaborations, and championed innovative programs that have fundamentally elevated healthcare quality nationwide. Our enduring legacy of compassionate advocacy continues to inspire meaningful change across the healthcare landscape.
Explore Our Legacy of Patient Safety Advocacy
Key Educational Milestones: Glimpses from Our Rich History
Achievements, Impact and Events
Most Recent​​​​
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* Highlights from Pulse Fundraisers Here!​
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* 2024 and 2025 Family Centered Patient Advocacy Training
Training follows the “Family Centered Patient Advocacy Training Manual,” developed in 2006 by Pulse. Local, national and world leaders in patient safety participated in the development of this program. The collaboration of medical professionals, community members, healthcare advocates and patient safety experts has made this educational tool the first of its kind in the country. Photo Gallery
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The FCPA training supports family members and community members to develop skills for partnership with the medical team for the best possible outcome in a patient’s care.
* 2023 - The Current Landscape of Patient Safety: Where We've Been, Where We're Going
Predating the Institute of Medicine's pivotal 'To Err is Human' report, Pulse CPSEA has worked to improve patient outcomes by preparing effective advocates, analyzing error prevention, and promoting family engagement to avoid adverse events. Ad video Event Flyer
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* 2022 - TakeCHARGE 5 Steps to Safer Health Care: Communication is Key
Pulse's 2022 Symposium marked the third year of the TakeCHARGE Campaign, offering participants access to industry-leading professionals, innovative safety tools, and targeted educational opportunities supporting personal and professional development goals. Event Flyer
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* 2019 - Patient Safety and Health Equity in Vulnerable Populations
Pulse CPSEA's 2019 annual symposium advanced healthcare equality by addressing access challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including Limited English Proficiency patients, those with Alzheimer's/dementia, and LGBTQ community members. Full Report Summary Paper
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* 2018 - Annual Spring Symposium
This pioneering event united Long Island nonprofit organizations with four Patient Safety experts to collaboratively develop strategies for enhancing community-based safety education, establishing a foundation for ongoing regional awareness initiatives. Event Report Event Flyer
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* 2017 - Infection Prevention Begins with You
Despite progress in reducing healthcare-acquired infections, they remain a critical safety risk. CDC data shows at least two million Americans annually contract antibiotic-resistant bacteria during medical care, with 23,000 resulting deaths. Event Flyer
Historical Timeline of Pulse
1996
Pulse representatives engage community groups about physician transparency in response to pending New York State Physician Profiles legislation.
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2000
Pulse gains nonprofit status, receives Long Island Community Foundation grant, and creates a diverse board. Helps pass NY State's 2000 legislation establishing physician profiles and a patient safety center.
1997
Pulse of NY formally established as a Social Action initiative at South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation, offering monthly layperson-led support groups for medical injury survivors.
2001
Pulse president appointed co-chair of National Patient Safety Foundation's Patient and Family Advisory Committee (2001-2004) while organization develops medical student disclosure training implemented at a local medical school.
1999
Pulse develops a patient safety educational program while members participate in the National Patient Safety Foundation's second annual conference in Chicago.
2002
Pulse leads Patient Safety Awareness Week, featuring a 26.2-mile Safety Marathon through two counties on Long Island's streets. Pulse president assumes patient safety research position at a local hospital.
2003
Pulse president appointed to the prestigious National Patient Safety Foundation board of governors, serving continuously through 2017 and contributing strategic leadership to national patient safety initiatives during this extended tenure.
2006-2007
FCPA Manual created with national safety leaders while Pulse expands educational reach through school curricula and community health initiatives. President authors safety guide, receives ISMP Cheers Award, joins Joint Commission Health Literacy Roundtable, and secures major NYC Health System contract.
2004
Community work groups assess advocacy needs among vulnerable patients to determine Pulse's support role. Simultaneously, Pulse members collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop a concise one-hour patient safety presentation for community education.
2008-2009
​Pulse earns 'Organization of the Year' from Long Island Women's Agenda, publishes plain language white paper, while president conducts national hospital lectures, receives AHA/NPSF leadership scholarship, and testifies at NY State's patient safety hearings.
2005
Pulse president appointed to The Joint Commission Board of Commissioners, serving through 2018 in this prestigious national role. As a commissioner on healthcare's leading accreditation body, the president provided crucial patient advocacy perspective in establishing safety standards and quality measures.
2010
Pulse establishes Patient Safety Advisory Council with multi-organizational support. President named among Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Powerful People and appointed to Joint Commission LGBT work group.
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2012
Pulse leads system-wide PFAC development for major health system. President joins ACOG Patient Safety board while Dr. Farrington receives Soroptimist award. Launches six-month community patient empowerment series in Freeport.
2015
Pulse finalizes strategic plan, implementing organizational name change and updated mission statement. Hosts impactful symposium on 'Just Culture' featuring legal expert David Marx, JD, with Program Chair Robin Moulder, RN, coordinating the professional event.
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2013
Dr. Farrington, Pulse Board Chair, appointed to ACOG Patient Safety in Women's Healthcare work group, while Pulse president earns recognition among Becker Hospital Review's Top 50 Leading Experts in Patient Safety.
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2016
Symposium features ISMP's Michael Cohen while Pulse secures major health system contract for transgender care support. Board members lead Women of Color documentary project as FCPA enters university curriculum. Marissa Abram, PhD, RN appointed Board Chair.
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2014
Patient Safety launches with monthly Freeport, LI meetings; People for Patient Safety and hosts first symposium on advance directives and palliative care. Pulse conducts inaugural annual patient safety symposium on diagnostic errors featuring Joint Commission Medical Director Dr. Ron Wyatt and author Trisha Torrey.
2017
Patient Safety Advisory Council evolves into Healthcare Equality Project as organization rebrands to Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy (CPSEA) with updated mission. Hosts Infection Prevention symposium while securing LIUU Fund grant for 'Ask For Your Life' initiative led by Dr. Farrington and Beverly James, RN.
2018
Abram, Corina and Halperin published in peer-reviewed Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America journal. Pulse CPSEA launches well-received Patient Activation through Community Conversations program in virtual and in-person formats, while hosting nonprofit symposium and establishing Patient Safety Education Fund.
2021
Found a new way of reaching the world via Zoom. Implemented more presentations, programs and workshops.
2019
Pulse commemorates inaugural World Patient Safety Day with 'Sign the Pledge' campaign, while hosting Healthcare Disparities symposium uniting diverse professionals and community advocates representing LGBTQ, limited English proficiency, and Alzheimer's/dementia caregiving populations.
2022
Pulse enhances its digital presence through expanded online community workshops and develops accredited continuing education courses offering CE credits for Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA) seeking patient safety training.
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2020
Covid! Rolling out the Take Charge Campaign, paused.
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2023
Pulse CPSEA works to improve outcomes by preparing effective patient advocates through a virtual symposium The Current Landscape of Patient Safety: Where We've Been, Where We're Going
Visionary Leaders & Dedicated Champions
are the Driving Force Behind Our Mission
Throughout the calendar year, Pulse orchestrates an exceptional array of community-centered events that captivate and unite participants from all walks of life. These meticulously curated gatherings—occurring with impressive frequency—range from invigorating marathons promoting holistic wellness to uplifting comedy showcases that nurture mental health through shared laughter. Our thoughtfully designed game nights foster meaningful connections through friendly competition, while our curated shopping experiences bolster local economic vitality. Each event serves as both a celebration of community spirit and a powerful extension of Pulse's core mission: advancing comprehensive wellbeing through engaging, accessible programming that strengthens the fabric of our shared community.​
Scroll through photos below to see additional history
Patient Safety Marasthon 26.2 miles
First Patient Safety Awareness Week Marathon
Fun and Laughter
Patient Safety Marasthon 26.2 miles
