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School( RWJMS) and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’ s Hospital( BMSCH), has been approved by the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association( ACPA). The approval spans a five-year period beginning in January 2025, recognizing programmatic excellence for multidisciplinary care for children and families afflicted by this condition at birth.
A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the roof of the mouth doesn’ t close completely during fetal development. This leaves an opening that can extend from the front of the mouth( hard palate) to the throat( soft palate). Remediating cleft palate is an extended process that includes multiple surgical interventions and ongoing outpatient therapy.
ACPA advocates for the highest standards of care for patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Achieving ACPA approval means that the Rutgers Health Cleft Clinic at RWJBH is recognized for its dedication to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment. As an ACPA-approved team, the clinic also has access to valuable ACPA resources and is listed on its website as an option for patients and families to consider when seeking care.
BMSCH is part of the Children’ s Health Network of RWJBarnabas Health and the hub of NJ’ s only academic pediatric medical campus alongside Rutgers Child Health Institute and the PSE & G Children’ s Specialized Hospital for Rehabilitation.
In addition to BMSCH’ s program, other RWJBarnabas Health Children’ s Health Network facilities offering cleft palate surgery include Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’ s Regional Craniofacial Center and Monmouth Medical Center’ s Regional Cleft Palate Center.
“ We’ re proud that our team and program have achieved this approval,” says Aditi
Kanth, MD, a craniofacial surgeon and pediatric plastic surgeon with BMSCH, Director of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at RWJMS.“ Our program, specifically our Cleft Palate Team, focuses on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of care, which can significantly improve the overall quality of life for patients and their families.”
Valley Health’ s Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Office Recognized
Valley Health System announces the construction of the multidisciplinary cardiovascular offices, located on the sixth and seventh floor at 140 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus, NJ, was recently recognized by the Association of Medical Facility Professionals( AMFP).
This project was recognized during AMFP’ s North / Central New Jersey: First Annual Awards Gala as part of the Under $ 50 million Ambulatory Locations category.
“ The new cardiac outpatient facility consolidates services from The Valley Hospital and other Valley Health System locations, offering a seamless and comprehensive cardiac care experience for patients,” said Joseph Lorino, Vice President of Facilities Management at Valley Health System.“ This consolidation improves operational efficiency and enhances accessibility, ensuring patients have a streamlined journey from diagnosis to treatment in one centralized location.”
The teams that worked on this cardiovascular office project include ZGF Architects; JFK & M Consulting Group, LLC; FMG General Contracting, Inc; Gilsanz Murray Steficek, LLP; and Batska Consulting Group. For more information about heart care services at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth. com / Heart.
American Lung Association Report Examines Nitrogen Dioxide Hotspots
Essex County, NJ, is one of four counties used as examples in the American Lung Association’ s new report,“ Something in the Air: Nitrogen Dioxide and Community Health,” which examines the use of satellite data to evaluate the health impact of nitrogen dioxide( NO 2).
NO 2 is a widespread but under-monitored and under-regulated air pollutant. The report finds that stronger monitoring and protections are needed, particularly in communities near major highways, industrial facilities and other high-emission sources where NO 2 pollution is most concentrated.
The new ALA report highlights how NO 2 pollution disproportionately impacts certain populations, particularly low-income communities and communities of color, and how satellite-derived data can provide a more detailed, neighborhood-level view of NO 2 exposure disparities.
The report maps out exposure disparities in four counties used as examples, including Essex County, NJ, demonstrating how emerging technology can provide a more localized perspective on air quality.
“ Nitrogen dioxide is a dangerous pollutant and a particularly difficult one to monitor. Through this new report, we are finding that people in one neighborhood may have little exposure to NO 2, while families in a neighboring community may be significantly impacted by NO 2 pollution,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.“ This is why the use of satellite data is critical because it provides a more detailed picture of who may be impacted. This is also an important tool to highlight the urgent need for stronger air quality standards and more comprehensive monitoring to protect families across the U. S.”
Aditi Kanth, MD, with The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’ s Hospital( BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital( left), and Joseph Vella, MD, PhD, BMSCH, lead the Rutgers Health Cleft Clinic at RWJBarnabas Health.
Valley Health System’ s multidisciplinary cardiovascular office was recognized during an Association of Medical Facility Professionals Awards Gala.
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