Cortina stars in Olympic healthcare: an occasion that leaves its mark

“ULSS1 Dolomites is doing a great job to ensure care not only for the athletes but also for those who will attend the Olympics, without taking anything away from the citizens.” With these words, Cortina d’Ampezzo Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi opened the conference “Health Care at the XXV Olympic Games and XIV Paralympic Winter Games,” held March 26 at Alexander Girardi Hall.

The event, promoted by ULSS1 Dolomiti, was a moment of discussion and sharing in view of Milan Cortina 2026, with the participation of the Veneto Region’s Councillor for Health and Social Affairs, Manuela Lanzarin, and key players in the regional health system.

At the center of the discussion was the organization of assistance during the Games and-most importantly-the legacy that will remain in the area: renovated facilities, enhanced services, new skills. A tangible legacy that, as Lorenzi himself pointed out, “will be fundamental not only for Cortina but for all of Cadore. Codivilla is a strategic garrison, and thanks to the commitment of the Region and Dr. Dal Ben, it will finally be reopened. ULSS1 is an excellence: we are in excellent
hands, and this is a theme that we will win.”

Commissioner Giuseppe Dal Ben outlined the three axes of the health plan: care for the public and athletes, public health, and legacy for the area. The centerpiece of the speech will be the Olympic Polyclinic at Codivilla Hospital: active during the event and then destined for the local community, it represents a turning point for the area’s health care offerings.

Councillor Lanzarin reassured citizens and practitioners, “Our fellow citizens should rest assured that nothing will change for them; on the contrary: we will leave behind an enhanced health care system with modern facilities and an even greater focus on prevention.”

Speakers during the morning included:

● Giuseppe Massazza, Chief Medical Officer of the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation, who stressed the importance of a legacy also made up of know-how and organization;
● Paolo Rosi, Regional Medical Manager of the Veneto Region, who described the integrated care model for the Games;
● Cristina Barbarino, Director SUEM 118 ULSS1 Dolomiti, with an in-depth discussion on the emergency and rescue system;
● Maria Caterina De Marco, ULSS1 Dolomites Medical Director, who outlined the timeline of structural and organizational interventions;
● Sandro Cinquetti, ULSS1 Dolomites Prevention Department Director, who highlighted measures to ensure food safety, environmental hygiene and health surveillance.

The conference conveyed a clear message: Cortina will be ready to welcome the world, never taking attention away from its own community. The Olympics do not subtract: they add.
And health care will be one of the most tangible symbols of this legacy.