Bits 'n' Pieces

NIH Stroke Research

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center will be part of a multi-centered, randomized, Phase 3 research study to determine whether the recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) can reduce bleeding in the brain in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a type of stroke with no proven treatment. The research is part of a national effort funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to identify effective therapies for one of the deadliest forms of stroke.

The study, titled Recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) for Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke Administered at Earliest Time, also referred to as the FASTEST trial, is part of a nationwide initiative to evaluate potential early interventions for hemorrhagic stroke. Participants in the clinical trial will receive either the experimental drug rFVIIa, a protein naturally produced by the body and involved in blood clotting, or a placebo with no active ingredient, along with the best standard medical care.

“Intracerebral hemorrhage is the deadliest form of stroke and occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures within the brain, causing bleeding that creates pressure and damages brain tissue,” said Nima Ramezan, M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, Long Beach Medical Center. “At this time, there are no treatments proven to reliably stop this bleeding. The goal of early intervention is to limit further damage, and emerging therapies administered within the first two hours may help reduce bleeding and improve patient outcomes.”

Intracerebral hemorrhage accounts for more than 10% of the estimated 17 million strokes that occur worldwide each year and is the deadliest type of stroke, with a mortality rate of more than 40%. Currently, there is no effective treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage.

The FASTEST study will include adults ages 18 through 80 who experience spontaneous bleeding in the brain. The study medication will be administered within two hours of stroke onset. Because acute intracerebral hemorrhage is a life threatening condition requiring immediate treatment, some patients may be enrolled without consent if they are poorly responsive or if a family member or other legally authorized representative is not readily available. Every attempt will be made to locate family members prior to enrollment to allow them to decide about the patient’s participation in the study.

Before the study begins at Long Beach Medical Center, participation requires engaging in community outreach to provide information, answer questions, and gather public input about this important clinical research. Long Beach Medical Center will be reaching out to community members to ensure awareness and to gain as much feedback as possible.

Learn more about the FASTEST trial or call (657) 241-3740.

LBCEC $33M Overhaul

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (LBCEC), a City of Long Beach-owned venue, today announced the completion of a three-phase infrastructure and sustainability initiative totaling $33 million. The final phase, the installation of 5,355 solar panels across the venue’s roof, is now live, feeding clean energy directly into the public grid and establishing the LBCEC as one of the most energy-forward convention facilities on the West Coast.

The project unfolded across three stages beginning in Q3 2025 when over 566,000 square feet of roofing was replaced under a new Cool Roof System, improving the campus’s insulation, preventing leaks, and reducing the load-bearing weight of the structure by more than 707,000 pounds.

In December 2025, 32 Air Handling Units (AHUs) – the venue’s first HVAC replacement in 35 years – were delivered and installed by helicopter due to the scale and rooftop location of the equipment, delivering 952,320 cubic feet per minute of airflow capacity at 20–25% greater efficiency than the systems they replaced.

The third and final phase, now complete, sees the Convention Center and Terrace Theater rooftops covered in solar panels capable of generating an estimated 4.6 to 4.8 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year.

At full output, the solar installation is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 700 homes annually. The system feeds directly into the municipal grid, contributing to the City of Long Beach’s broader sustainability and carbon reduction commitments. Combined with the more efficient HVAC infrastructure, the venue anticipates a substantial reduction in overall energy consumption year over year.

“This $33 million infrastructure transformation at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center demonstrates our city’s unwavering commitment to environmental leadership and fiscal responsibility,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By modernizing this iconic waterfront facility with cutting-edge HVAC systems and transforming our roof into a solar power plant, we’re not only reducing operational costs for taxpayers – we’re generating clean energy that powers hundreds of Long Beach homes. This project exemplifies how we can upgrade our public assets to serve today’s needs while building a more sustainable future for generations of Long Beach residents.”

“The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center has always been a cornerstone venue in our portfolio, and this infrastructure transformation reinforces our commitment to sustainable venue operations across North America,” said Josh Kritzler, president, North American venues & content for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Projects like this demonstrate how our venues can partner with municipalities to modernize older facilities while simultaneously advancing environmental goals. The combination of energy-efficient systems and renewable energy generation sets a benchmark for the entire industry, proving that convention centers can be both operationally excellent and environmentally responsible.”

The LBCEC hosts hundreds of events annually, including the Long Beach Grand Prix, major conventions, and entertainment productions. As a city-owned facility, the center’s infrastructure improvements reflect a long-term commitment by the City of Long Beach to modernize its public assets, reduce operating costs, and invest in a more sustainable future for the community.

“This project represents a transformative moment for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. By replacing critical infrastructure that has served us for decades and adding a substantial solar installation, we’re not just modernizing the facility, we’re establishing a new operational standard for convention centers nationwide,” said Robert Smit, general manager of the LBCEC for Legends Global. “Guests will benefit from improved climate control and reliability, while the City of Long Beach gains a venue that actively contributes clean energy back to the community. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for generations.”

CARE Celebrates 40 Years

The CARE Center at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of commitment to public health and the well-being of the greater Long Beach community. Since its inception, the CARE Center has stood as a beacon of healing, hope and support for individuals at risk or living with HIV/AIDS.

The CARE Center’s comprehensive services include vital testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services, mental health support and dental care. Each service reflects a dedication to personalized care, delivered with dignity, confidentiality and compassion. The center has consistently evolved, adapting to community needs while maintaining its core mission of providing innovative care and clinical excellence.

“The 40th anniversary of the CARE Center is a profound moment for Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center and the entire Long Beach community,” states Carolyn Caldwell, FACHE, president and CEO of SMMC. “For four decades, the CARE Center has embodied our mission of providing compassionate, quality care. Its consistent presence and innovative approach have been instrumental in supporting public health, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our staff and a celebration of the countless lives touched by their humankindness and clinical excellence.”

SMMC has been designated as LGBTQ+ Healthcare High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). This national acknowledgment highlights inclusive policies and practices for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees, reflecting the long-standing values upheld by the CARE Center.

The CARE Center also plays a vital role in community education and engagement, promoting proactive health strategies for sexual wellness. Through emergency HIV/STI testing, rapid access to PEP in emergency rooms, and specialized long-term HIV care, the center ensures comprehensive support beyond initial diagnosis. Community events, such as the annual Easter Walk, further support its mission and raise vital funds.

Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit, remains committed to providing expert, affirming and compassionate care, supporting the health journey of all individuals to lead authentic, joyful and vital lives. For more information about the CARE Center and its services, please visit dignityhealth.org/care.