■ Healthcare
■ Healthcare
Rutgers faculty and staff collaborating with community-based organizations in Camden , New Brunswick , and Newark to address five social determinants of health : education , employment , food insecurity , housing , and population health . These factors , which influence up to 80 % of health outcomes , are key drivers of health inequities . By bringing together the expertise of those working at the university with the expertise of those working on the ground in the community , we hope to implement more effective and sustainable solutions . Joshua Gregoire : Valley Health System is dedicated to enhancing health equity through a range of strategic initiatives . In 2025 , we will continue our investment in cultural competency training for staff , ensuring that every patient receives respectful and responsive care . We are also increasing the accessibility of screenings for SDOH by utilizing technology that enables patients and families to complete these screenings independently , while offering additional support from staff when necessary . Our data-driven strategies will help us identify health disparities and track our progress in meeting the varied needs of our community . Collaborating with local organizations , we will tackle barriers such as transportation and language access , informed by patient feedback .
To address the link between food access and maternal / infant health outcomes , we are piloting a maternal Food Farmacy to provide nutritious food and nutritionist services to high-risk patients . Furthermore , we are enhancing LGBTQ + cultural competency through a program that uses virtual standardized patients – actors portraying real patients who will meet with Valley staff members – for educational and training purposes to provide valuable feedback on the care experience . Andy Anderson : RWJBarnabas Health is committed to advancing health equity in 2025 through key initiatives aimed at reducing health care disparities and promoting inclusive care . Efforts include seeking National Committee for Quality Assurance ( NCQA ) Health Equity accreditation for all of our acute care hospitals ; operationalizing a system-wide health equity collaborative with hospital-specific advisory boards and community partnerships to standardize health equity ; enhancing health literacy through patient education and improved communication , ensuring patients understand their care and the resources available to them ; leveraging REaL ( Race , Ethnicity and Language ), SOGI ( Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ) and social determinants of health ( SDOH ) data to identify care gaps and develop targeted community programs ; and collaborating with Rutgers University , the State of New Jersey and state partners to drive health equity research and position RWJBarnabas Health as a national leader in health equity . Natasha Carew : Ramapo College of New Jersey integrates health equity into its nursing
Joshua Gregoire , MS , MPH , RN , LSSBB , NEA-BC , Assistant Vice President , Quality & Performance Improvement & VMG Clinical Operations for Valley Health System
curriculum by preparing students to address social determinants of health , promote equitable care , and advocate for vulnerable populations . Courses emphasize the impact of systemic inequities , health literacy , and access to care while fostering cultural competence and advocacy skills . Students engage with diverse patient populations through community partnerships and clinical placements , including underserved urban and rural areas . Classes like Community and Mental Health Nursing challenge students to address the root causes of health disparities and implement evidence-based interventions .
The curriculum promotes interprofessional collaboration , preparing graduates to work across disciplines in delivering patient-centered , inclusive care . These initiatives ensure nursing students are equipped to lead efforts in reducing health disparities and advancing equity in health care delivery . Brigitte Johnson : As one of the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers , CarePlus NJ sets the gold standard for delivering comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services to all who need them . Our commitment to health equity ensures barrier-free access to care and social support , regardless of a person ’ s diagnosis or regardless of one ’ s ability to pay . By addressing essential needs such as employment , housing , education , and transportation , our programs empower individuals and families to lead healthier , more fulfilling lives at every stage of life . Denise Anderson : In 2025 , The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing , New Jersey ’ s Public Health Institute , will develop and implement a three-year strategic plan aligned with its
Andy Anderson , MD , Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Quality Officer , RWJBarnabas Health
mission . We aim to actively promote collaborative and community-driven partnerships to effect policies and practices that improve health , strengthen public health infrastructure , leverage resources to foster collective impact and social justice , and systemically advance equity and quality of life for all . We envision a New Jersey where everyone and their communities have a fair and just opportunity to experience health and quality of life to their full potential . Public health is what we do . Our work prioritizes eliminating disparities and supports communities ' engagement and empowerment . Our nonpartisan , inclusive , committed , and trustworthy team is accountable and data-driven , serving the most in need and addressing social and structural determinants of health . Adeola Sonaike : Health Equity continues to be a fundamental priority for Baker Street Behavioral Health . In 2025 , we are focusing even more on ensuring equitable access to care so that our clients can achieve their full health potential . We have invested in the expansion of our Clinical Health and Geropsychology program which ensures seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions can access care in any of our clinics or via telehealth using their Medicare benefits . Through our Foundation , we are partnering with local businesses and law enforcement to provide Sensory Sensitivity training on neurodiversity to increase opportunities for community inclusion and to ensure safety for people with disabilities . We are providing free transportation to our grant-funded Group Therapy programs so that youth who traditionally have not had access to behavioral health care can access our integrated therapy
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