Floating Hospital President Sean Granahan has a tale to tell, one of dramatic free-fall and hard-fought redemption — the story of The Floating Hospital itself. 

Luxury abroad, hope at home‍ ‍| Standing up by wearing denim | Marching with pride | Fighting germs, one hand wash at a time | Ship’s Log: The story behind a postcard

The story behind a postcard

Both Floating Hospitals appear together in this postcard, but neither would be named as we know them. The new boat on the left was known then simply as the “Floating Hospital” while the older boat on the right was named the “Robert Fulton.”

Since 2020, Bank of America has supported The Floating Hospital through grants, volunteerism, and leadership development — enabling expanded relief, healthcare, education, and social services for New York City families with the most need. Named a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder, we received $200,000 in flexible funding to deepen our impact.

We are thrilled to announce that Floating Hospital Dental Manager Ernesto Hart has received the 2026 Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation. The national award honors leaders transforming access to dental care for children. 

We are delighted to note that National Volunteer Week is now taking place until April 25. The Floating Hospital volunteers are central to our mission and how we help families every day.

Back in the early ’80s—the 1880s that is—one of our doctors would have been a celebrity to everyone who came aboard The Floating Hospital. To the Evening World, he was “one of the Guild’s most earnest workers.” But that wasn’t why he was famous. The paper also reminded its readers that “He was the first doctor to reach Lincoln’s side after Booth’s bullet struck him.”

In order to access the ship in the early days, all passengers were inspected by two doctors—one of our own and one from the Board of Health. They made sure the person standing in front of them matched the physician-signed ticket with the child’s illness indicated; that no child was older than six, unless a “little mother” (an older sister in charge of a younger sibling, with the mother absent); and to make sure no one had a contagious disease.

For women living in family homeless shelters, self-care is rarely a priority and is often difficult to access. Between work, managing childcare, and navigating shelter systems, a mother’s health can easily fall to the bottom of her priorities list.

A night to remember: Since 1866, The Floating Hospital has ensured that New York City families have what they need to survive and thrive by providing healthcare, education, and relief services to all who come through our doors. This year, we turn 160, and we are celebrating!

Thank you for lighting the way | Platinum Seal of Transparency | 16 candles for 16 decades | In memoriam: Claudia Coger | Ship’s Log: 1951-Civil Defense

In December, Candy Cane Lane once again transformed The Floating Hospital’s Community Center into a jolly replica of Santa’s workshop, with twinkling lights, tinsel, and gifts galore, prompting squeals of delight and merry faces everywhere. 

The flu season this year in the city and state is worse than usual, and in some ways even record-breaking. Although cases appear to be subsiding from their highs in December, city health officials and Floating Hospital medical staff are still urging caution as the flu season can run until May.

We are all feeling warm and fuzzy this December thanks to another generous cash donation for coats and clothing from Rise Light & Power and the clever and resourceful staff at Kohl’s Vestal, New York location.

On the verge of The Floating Hospital’s 160th anniversary, external and internal changes that have occurred this year have been as reinvigorating as they have been challenging.

The year’s end marks a milestone for The Floating Hospital, with the retirement of Vice President of Communications and Marketing Barbara LaPlaca.

The time for giving | Coats, toys and pjs, oh my! | On an international stage | In the long run

Welcome back to Leadlines, a collection of recent articles highlighting topics that are relevant to The Floating Hospital’s mission. We hope it will provide a fuller understanding of the issues that drive our work each day.

What started with a vision of The Floating Hospital waiting room filled with patients reading books has turned into a reading program that travels from the main clinic to our other sites at family shelters in the Bronx and Brooklyn.

When our new clinic opened in 2021, it took center stage in our model of patient care. Our bright and cheerful waiting areas and exam rooms along with a teaching kitchen and classroom for kids and adults have reassured and even delighted patients, many of whom are experiencing the most difficult challenges of their lives.