HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
Advancing Health Equity in New Jersey in 2025
By Jamie Grill-Goodman
As the new year unfolds , there is hope for a future where everyone has an equal opportunity for optimal health , regardless of their social , economic or demographic background .
But significantly narrowing the gap in health outcomes in 2025 faces a multitude of barriers , including addressing nutrition , education , health care access , and housing inequities that are detriments to health . Additionally , as artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning ( ML ) become more widespread in healthcare , their adaption offers a double-edged sword . While AI offers many benefits , there is also the risk of biases .
Despite much to overcome , many companies and organizations in New Jersey are up to the challenge . They are making tangible changes , from opening food pantries and offering free patient transportation , to educating students to address the root causes of health disparities .
To learn more about how New Jersey entities are working to improve health equity in 2025 , COMMERCE Magazine interviewed several experts in their respective fields . We also asked for their thoughts on AI and ML , what needs to be done in New Jersey to address social determinants of health , and how average businesses and citizens can take action .
As Dr . Adeola Sonaike , PhD , MPH , Chief Operating Officer , Baker Street Behavioral Health , noted to COMMERCE , sometimes the answer we need is not in the room because we are in the “ wrong room .” With that in mind , here are those that were in the “ room ” for this article :
◾ Joshua Gregoire , MS , MPH , RN , LSSBB , NEA-BC , Assistant Vice President , Quality & Performance Improvement & VMG Clinical Operations for Valley Health System
◾ Andy Anderson , MD , Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Quality Officer , RWJBarnabas Health
◾ Natasha Carew , DNP , ACNP-BC , PMHNP-BC , Professor in the Ramapo College Nursing program
◾ Patrick Mattis Ph . D ., DNP , MSCS , FHIMSS , CPHIMS , CNE , NI-BC , Professor in the Ramapo College Nursing program
◾ Brigitte Johnson , Esq ., President and CEO of CarePlus NJ
◾ Denise Anderson , Ph . D ., MPH , Executive Director , The Center for
Shari Gold , Senior Vice President for Regulatory Compliance & Chief Quality and Equity Officer , Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Health Equity & Wellbeing , New Jersey ’ s Public Health Institute
◾ Shari Gold , Senior Vice President for Regulatory Compliance & Chief Quality and Equity Officer , Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
◾ Dr . Adeola Sonaike , PhD , MPH , Chief Operating Officer , Baker Street Behavioral Health
◾ Chrissy Buteas , President and CEO , HealthCare Institute of New Jersey
◾ J . Cedar Wang , MSN , APN , GNP- BC , CHSE , Vice President of Nursing Operations at Holy Name Medical Center
◾ Denise Rodgers , MD , FAAFP , Vice Chancellor Interprofessional Programs , Rutgers Health , Director-Rutgers Urban Health and Wellness Institute
We hope our readers keep the conversation going and the room open , as we all look forward to a brighter , healthier future for everyone . For now , here is a look at what lies ahead for health equity in New Jersey in 2025 .
Jamie Grill-Goodman : What is your organization doing to improve health equity in 2025 ? Shari Gold : Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is proud of its health equity achievements . We
Denise Rodgers , MD , FAAFP , Vice Chancellor Interprofessional Programs , Rutgers Health , Director-Rutgers Urban Health and Wellness Institute
were one of the first medical centers in the country to receive The Joint Commission ’ s Advanced Certification in Health Care Equity in January 2024 . This has strengthened our focus on diversity . equity and inclusion ( DEI ), hard wiring it into what we do every day for our patients and residents . We will continue to screen our patients for the Social Determinants of Health ( SDOH ) to directly address their healthcare disparities including food insecurity , housing referrals , financial assistance , transportation , and personal safety needs .
We recently opened an onsite food pantry for our outpatient population and provide patients with food , supermarket gift cards , and referrals to local food pantries and meal programs . Our new Logistics Department is not only coordinating providing rides for employees in need , but also for patients facing transportation challenges . Denise Rodgers : Rutgers Health is steadfast in its mission to advance health equity and ensure quality care and access for everyone . In 2025 , we continue to make transformative strides . Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health ( REACH ) grant , which is a four-year , $ 10M initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation , supports
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