EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Apple Montessori Schools is continuing its expansion to more communities in New Jersey and will be opening a brand-new location at 300D Princeton-Hightstown Road in East Windsor New Jersey this August. Apple Montessori Schools of East Windsor is a modern Montessori school that will offer infant, toddler, preschool/kindergarten, and summer camp programs. The school is now enrolling for the 23/24 school year.
“We are very excited to be expanding our footprint in NJ. East Windsor is a wonderful community and we look forward to working with students both from East Windsor and surrounding areas, “says Andrea Vargas, CEO of Apple Montessori Schools. “Student success in the Montessori environment is developed from engaging and nurturing teachers and an abundance of natural and challenging materials children can work with at their own pace. Our new location will provide this amazing opportunity for many new families and their children, as well as a beautiful facility and outdoor classroom to encourage an understanding and appreciation of nature and the world we live in together.”
Family-founded Apple Montessori Schools has a 50+ year legacy of providing a safe and nurturing environment coupled with advanced academics for the 25,000+ children that have graduated from their multiple locations throughout New Jersey since its inception in 1972. This is the 3rd location that Apple Montessori has opened since 2021 bringing their total schools to 17. Highlights of the newly renovated building include 7 spacious classrooms flooded with natural light (4 preschool, 1 infant, and 2 toddler), a multi-purposes space/indoor gym and advanced safety features including a state-of-the art access controlsystem and live parent video monitoring. The 3+ acre campus features age-appropriate outdoor play areas, a new salt water swimming pool, and a certified Outdoor Classroom with premium wooden materials.
This location is conveniently located off of the intersection of Princeton-Hightstown Road and Old Trenton Road, nearby major retailers and Route 130, Route 1 and 95.
Apple Montessori Schools strives to inspire children to reach their fullest potential— all in a safe, fun, and enriching environment. The Apple team is eager to bring their mission to the families of East Windsor and looks forward to being a part of the new community.
For more information or to enroll, please visit: https://applemontessorischools.com/locations/east-windsor
About Apple Montessori: Family-founded Apple Montessori has set exceptional standards in early childhood education since 1972. Guided by the principles of Maria Montessori, their modern Montessori environment goes beyond the traditional Montessori philosophy to provide an enriching environment where structured freedom creates the foundation for a lifetime of happiness and success. For over 50 years, Apple Montessori Schools has continued to innovate with ongoing professional development programs, well-rounded curriculum, and new additions to facilities including the introduction of Outdoor Classrooms. Apple’s efforts have been publicly recognized and affirmed through accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and IACET accreditation for its training department.
L-R New Apple Montessori East Windsor Building, Danielle Selby, Senior Regional Director and Brian Pascal, Construction Manager at Apple Montessori Schools, what the inside of a classroom will look like when open. Photo Credit Apple Montessori.
On Thursday, July 11, 2024, at approximately 11:20 p.m. officers of the Manchester Township Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of Route 37 and Commonwealth Boulevard for the report of a bicyclist struck by a motor vehicle. Upon arrival officers observed a black 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan with extensive front end damage in the eastbound lanes of Route 37. Also located in the roadway was a bicycle which was split in half by the collision. The cyclist was identified as a 14-year-old Manchester resident and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Dodge identified as 55-year-old Frederick Grimm of Manahawkin; NJ reported no injuries on scene.
The crash investigation revealed that the Dodge was travelling eastbound on Route 37 prior to the crash. As the Dodge traversed the Commonwealth intersection it struck the bicyclist who attempted to cross the intersection during a green traffic signal. The bicycle did not appear to be equipped with any illuminating lamps as required by NJ law when a bicycle is in operation at night.
Assisting at the scene were EMT’s from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Medical Services, and Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, failure to yield is the primary contributing factor in the crash. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Keith Douglas of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Manchester Township Chief of Police Antonio Ellis announced that on June 27, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Ridgeway Road and Hope Chapel Road in reference to a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 25 year-old female with a gunshot wound to her stomach. The victim was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she succumbed to her injuries.
“This incident is currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit; there is no known danger to the public at this time,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer. “Additional information will be released when it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Arrest Made In Fatal Hit And Run Crash That Killed 14-Year-Old Boy
July 7, 2023
SOUTH RIVER, NJ (MIDDLESEX)-Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Mark Tinitigan of the South River Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a hit and run.
Today, July 7, 2023, at 4:21 p.m., South River police responded to the intersection of Whitehead Avenue and Russell Avenue following the report of a hit and run. Upon their arrival, authorities located the victim, a 14-year- old boy, who was struck by a white work van while riding his bicycle. The victim was transported to the hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kenneth Nale of South River Police Department at (732) 254-9002 X123 or Sergeant Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at approximately 2:59 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of State Highway 70 and Beckerville Road, to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers observed a silver 2011 Saab 93 Aero, fully involved with flames with no occupants in the vehicle. The Saab was observed to be facing west in the eastbound lane of Beckerville Road with extensive front end damage. Additionally, officers observed a blue 2020 Ram ProMaster with front end damage facing north also in the eastbound lane of Beckerville Road. Officers also observed a 2012 Chrysler with front end damage in the westbound shoulder area of Beckerville Road. The investigation revealed that the Ram was traveling east on Beckerville Road and failed to yield to the right of way of the Saab while conducting a left turn into a driveway. After initial impact with the Ram, the Saab engulfed in flames and shortly thereafter was extinguished by several responding fire companies. The Ram then rotated approximately 90 degrees and impacted the Chrysler which was also traveling east on Beckerville Road.
The Ram was operated by 54-year-old Moussa Traore of Burlington, NJ who was transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of his injuries. Mr. Traore is currently listed in stable condition.
The Saab was operated by 24-year-old Terry Cain III of Manchester, NJ who was transported to Community Medical Center via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of his injuries. The Chrysler was operated by 19-year-old Stine Eriksen of Plumsted, NJ who was uninjured as a result of the crash.
Assisting at the scene were Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Manchester Township Fire Department, Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Joint Base Fire Department and Accurate Towing. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point it is believed that failure to yield to the right of way appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
June 28, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora stated, It is with mixed emotions that I announce the resignation of Trenton’s Business Administrator, Adam Cruz. Adam has served our city with dedication and distinction over the last six years, and his contributions have been invaluable in our collective efforts to enhance the quality of life for all Trentonians. Adam has decided to accept an offer to work in another New Jersey municipality, Dover, and we wish him all the best in his new role.
During Adam’s tenure, Trenton has achieved numerous milestones. Under his leadership, we have successfully balanced our budget and maintained zero municipal tax increases over the last three years. We have made significant investments in public safety, Trenton Water Works, and the Department of Recreation. Additionally, we have enhanced our city’s parks and repaved a record number of streets, greatly improving our infrastructure.
State aid to Trenton has increased remarkably from $6 million in 2018 to a proposed $47 million in direct aid to the Capital City. This financial support has been critical in our efforts to provide essential services and maintain our city’s growth and development. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trenton was one of the few municipalities in the state that continued to provide in-person daily services to the public, ensuring that our community’s needs were met even during the most challenging times.
Furthermore, we have managed to reduce employee health insurance costs by millions of dollars while maintaining the same level of coverage for our employees, showcasing our commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the well-being of our workforce.
In the coming month, we will initiate a search for Adam’s replacement in conjunction with the NJ Department of Community Affairs, as our fiscal monitor. While Adam’s departure is undoubtedly a loss for Trenton, he leaves behind an administrative foundation that has put our city in a stronger, more resilient position.
On behalf of the City of Trenton, I extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Cruz for his exceptional service and dedication. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
June 28, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at approximately 9:25am officers of the Manchester Township Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of State Highway 70 and Manchester Boulevard for the report of a two-car motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival officers observed a silver 2021 Hyundai Accent with extensive front end damage facing north in the westbound left turn lane of State Highway 70 and a blue 2014 Hyundai Elantra with extensive front end damage facing east on the eastbound dirt shoulder of State Highway 70. The driver of the Hyundai Accent, identified as 68-year-old Fredric Mohr of Manchester, NJ was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ with several internal injuries, where he is listed as critical but stable condition. The driver of the Hyundai Elantra identified as 37-year-old Michael C. Odom of Manchester, NJ sustained minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ.
The crash investigation revealed that the Hyundai Accent was in the left turn lane of westbound State Highway 70 and was attempting to make a left turn onto Manchester Blvd. The Hyundai Elantra was traveling eastbound on State Highway 70 as it approached the intersection. The Hyundai Accent began to initiate the left turn and entered the path of travel of the Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundai Elantra impacted the Hyundai Accent in the intersection causing the Hyundai Accent to rotate approximately 180 degrees and come to final rest facing north in the westbound turning lane of State Highway 70. The Hyundai Elantra after initial impact came to final rest facing east on the dirt shoulder of eastbound State Highway 70.
Assisting at the scene were Fire Fighters and EMT’s from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Medical Services, and Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, failure to yield to oncoming traffic is the primary contributing factor in the crash. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner Yatauro of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
June 28, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Manchester Township Chief of Police Antonio Ellis announced that on June 27, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Ridgeway Road and Hope Chapel Road in reference to a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 25 year-old female with a gunshot wound to her stomach. The victim was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she succumbed to her injuries.
“This incident is currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit; there is no known danger to the public at this time,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer. “Additional information will be released when it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Yesterday January 15, 2025 around 4:20 p.m. the Monroe Township Fire Department was dispatched to McDonald’s on Route 33 for a truck fire. Firefighters responded and found a box truck on fire in the McDonald’s parking lot. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames keeping the fire from spreading to the resturant. No other information is available about the incident.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 27, 2023, Porfirio Serrano-Cruz, 40, of Seaside Heights, was sentenced by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison, as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred in Seaside Park on June 30, 2022. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Serrano-Cruz will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Serrano-Cruz pled guilty to the charge before Judge Rahill on August 14, 2023.
On June 30, 2022, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Officers from the Seaside Park Police Department responded to a residence on O Street in response to a 911 call; the caller stated that someone had broken into his residence and tried to kill him. Responding Officers found a 39-year-old male victim with multiple stab wounds to the arms, chest, abdomen and groin. The victim was air-lifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries. He was subsequently treated for his injuries and released.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, and Seaside Park Police Department, determined that Serrano-Cruz was the individual responsible for the stabbing of the victim. On June 30, 2022, Serrano-Cruz was located in Seaside Heights and taken into custody without incident by Officers from the Seaside Heights Police Department. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Serrano-Cruz’s apprehension, guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Coast Guard rescued three mariners from a grounded pleasure craft near the entrance of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, on Sunday December 26, 2021.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received a report via VHF channel 16 from the 36-foot pleasure craft Phyllis II stating that the vessel ran aground near the entrance to Little Egg Harbor.
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay dispatched a 29-foot Response Boat Small –II boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City to the scene. The boatcrew was unable to approach the Phyllis II due to low tide.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City was launched to the scene. The aircrew hoisted the three mariners and transported them to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.
“Situations like this emphasize the importance of using Channel 16 as an effective way to seek help in times of distress,” said Chief Petty Officer Charles Osenbach, the command duty officer in the Sector Delaware Bay command center, “We encourage mariners to be prepared at all times when on the water.”
Story by: Fonda Bock, U.S. Army Human Resources Command
FORT KNOX, Ky. – The remains of Army Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, a Soldier killed during the Korean War, will be interred June 28 at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey. Maxwell Funeral Home, Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, will perform graveside services preceding the interment.
A native of North Arlington, New Jersey, Lopa was a member of Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons (Self Propelled) Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He was killed in action Aug. 31, 1950, while fighting the North Korean People’s Army along the Naktong River, near Yongsan-Myeon, South Korea. He was 17 years old.
Lopa was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency July 21, 2023, after the remains of Korean War unknowns were exhumed for identification July 2018 from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Past Conflict Repatriations Branch, under the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division at U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, plays a key role in the process of locating Family members of missing Soldiers from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The process begins with locating the Family member most closely related to the missing Soldier, known as the primary next of kin, followed by a request for Family reference samples or DNA, which are used as a main source in identifying remains.
Once a Soldier has been identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, the PCRB notifies and briefs the Family about the results of historical, forensic and DNA reports, benefits and the mortuary process including burial with full military honors.
Above file photos of Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey.
June 13, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 13, 2024, Anthony Brown, 20, of Toms River, was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with an incident that occurred on June 12, 2024, in Toms River.
On June 12, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Adams Avenue for a report of a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 24-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries, where he was treated and subsequently released.
An ensuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Township Police Department revealed that Brown retrieved a handgun from the subject residence and fired two shots at the victim’s vehicle, striking the victim. Brown then fled the scene.
A short time later, Brown was taken into custody at his residence without incident. Brown was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
June 13, 2024
TOMS RIVER — Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 12, 2024, Million Brown-Bey, 47, of Toms River, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm.
On January 7, 2024, the Lakewood Township Police Department received a 911 call reporting gunshots in the area of the West Gate Shopping Complex. A short time after the 911 call, a 27 year-old male victim arrived at Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township with gunshot wounds to both of his arms. The victim was treated for his injuries and released.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that the victim arrived at a residence on Hillside Avenue, at which time an individual approached his vehicle and fired at least one round – striking the victim, causing injury to both of his arms. The victim was able to leave the area and drive himself to the hospital. Through further investigation, law enforcement identified Brown-Bey as the individual responsible for the victim’s shooting.
On January 11, 2024, Brown-Bey was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department. Brown-Bey was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs/Intelligence/Homeland Security Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, South Toms River Police Department, Lakehurst Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
June 13, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER) – Asrith Katragadda, a senior at Robbinsville High School with an interest in math and computer science, has been named a National Merit Scholar.
Katragadda will use his $2,500 scholarship to help pursue studies at the University of Texas at Austin as he pursues a career in software engineering. He is eager to take the next step in his academic pursuits.
“Robbinsville High School has excellent teachers who made learning these fundamentals really fun, which helped a lot,” he said. “The most satisfying part is knowing that my hard work paid off and this will give me confidence in my academic abilities ahead of college.”
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced more than 2,900 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. An additional group of scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2024 competition to more than 3,600.
“I would like to thank my mother for always pushing me with my education and giving me the mindset to strive for excellence,” Katragadda said. “That mindset is what made me a competitive and academic driven person.”
When he is not studying computer science, Katragadda enjoys playing volleyball and basketball and watching cricket.
Asrith Katragadda, a senior at Robbinsville High School with an interest in math and computer science, has been named a National Merit Scholar.
New Brunswick, NJ — Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s (RWJUH) Health Equity Program has been honored by the American Hospital Association (AHA) with the 2023 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award. RWJUH accepted the award at the AHA’s Annual Leadership Summit in Seattle.
The Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award is an annual recognition of outstanding efforts among hospitals and health care systems to advance equity of care to all patients and to spread lessons learned and progress toward diversity, inclusion and health equity. Lewis was the first African-American and first hospital trustee to chair the AHA Board.
RWJUH, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, was selected as the Equity of Care Award, Emerging Winner for dismantling structural barriers in its care delivery system and the community it serves. RWJUH launched a Health Equity Department to refine its organizational equity strategies, strengthen the delivery of equitable, person-centered and culturally sensitive care to its populations and foster a workforce culture of equity and inclusion. To support its community engagement efforts, RWJUH embraces representation and direct feedback from community leaders through advisory councils, community events and growing community relationships.
“We are proud of our team’s efforts to increase access to essential health care services in our community through identifying and removing barriers and we are honored to be recognized by the American Hospital Association with this prestigious award,” said RWJUH President Alan Lee. “Eliminating health care disparities requires systemic change in care delivery and the courage to address the root causes of the challenges that our diverse communities face. We continue to evaluate the equity of our healthcare delivery systems, identify areas for improvement and collaborate with our various partners to better serve our patients and communities.”
RWJUH and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) have a shared vision to improve the health of the communities they serve through the delivery of person-centered care and a diverse workforce culture that is inclusive and equitable . RWJMS faculty partner with the hospital health equity team across programming.
“This award recognizes the commitment of RWJUH and RWJMS as partners in ensuring that every individual in our community has access to culturally-sensitive, comprehensive care,” said Amy P. Murtha, MD, dean of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “It is through embracing diversity and cultivating an inclusive culture that we can achieve our mission of improving health and well-being for all.”
RWJUH in collaboration with RWJMS developed an Equity/Population Health steering committee in 2022 to help improve data collection of Race, Ethnicity, and Language (REaL) and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity (SOGI) data. This initiative focused on improving comprehensive REaL electronic health record data. Further, RWJUH also established various policies to create an environment that is safe and inclusive. For example, RWJUH ensures culturally sensitive care for the LGBTQ+ community by establishing the PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey in partnership with RWJMS, to offer hormone therapy and other therapeutic models contributing to more equitable outcomes in care.
Additionally, RWJUH and RWJMS work closely with community partners and the Rutgers Eric B. Chandler Health Center, a federally qualified health center, operated jointly by the medical school and a community board, to help patients who would traditionally receive their primary care services from the Emergency Department obtain access to comprehensive care at the health center. The model has been expanded to include postpartum and newborn care to ensure that all services are properly coordinated within the allotted time post-discharge. RWJUH’s Health Equity Team also provides breast care referrals for screenings, language support services, medical appointments, discharge calls, and navigation services among others. These services are provided through dedicated community medical programs staffed by multilingual health navigators.
Accepting the American Hospital Association (AHA) 2023 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award for RWJUH’s Health Equity Program are from left to right: Stephanie Zou, MA, Regional Director, Community Specific Medical Program; Franck Nelson, Assistant Vice President, Health Equity; and Melissa Hernandez, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, Director, Health Equity & Breast Care Connection. RWJUH accepted the award at the AHA’s Annual Leadership Summit in Seattle.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
USCG photo and video
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
