Jabari Brisport, Phara Souffrant Forrest and Lincoln Restler at The Brooklyn Hospital Center’s 2026 Legislative Breakfast

The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Cynthia Chen, DO, breast cancer surgeon, who outlined current guidelines on breast cancer detection and screening. Also present State Senator Jabari Brisport, State Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest and City Council Member Lincoln Restler. All three addressed the audience as well, pledging their commitment to TBHC to support the hospital’s efforts toward economic stability.

Representatives from the offices of State Senator Andrew Gounardes, State Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon and City Council Member Crystal Hudson also attended, with other community stakeholders.

“This is a wonderful presentation and so important to our community,” said Darold Burgess, Resident Association President of Ingersoll Houses. “Plans were made on the spot to have Dr. Chen visit and present to our community, providing education on essential preventative healthcare to our residents.”

Gary G. Terrinoni, TBHC President and Chief Executive Officer, who also provided remarks, emphasized the significance of such partnerships within the community. “We are making diligent efforts to ensure the organization sustains itself for another 180 years. TBHC offers vital healthcare access to over one million residents of Brooklyn,” he stated. “Additionally, we are equally committed to exploring opportunities to collaborate with the State and all of you, our community leaders, to realize this objective.”

State Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest

City Council Member Lincoln Restler

Cynthia Chen, DO