On Wednesday, representatives from RWJBarnabas Health and leaders of New Brunswick and Middlesex County met to discuss a $1.5 million investment strategy for various organizations in the area that work to improve access to care, food security and economic stability, according to a press release.
RWJBarnabas Health’s “Our Healthy Communities” initiative combines state appropriations and the health care provider’s own funds to partner with organizations that help to address the social determinants of health, the non-medical conditions that influence human health.
“RWJBarnabas Health continues to demonstrate what true community partnership looks like. These investments will directly support organizations that are doing extraordinary work every day to improve the lives of residents throughout New Brunswick and Middlesex County,” New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill said in the release.
The Civic League of Greater New Brunswick received $450,000 to grow its resources and better provide access to community members experiencing food insecurity.
Also receiving $450,000 grants are My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Middlesex County and The Urban Health Collaborative (UHC). MBK’s funds will be used to build and implement programs that uplift boys and young men socially and economically. Meanwhile, UHC will work to increase access to health services for underserved New Brunswick residents.
The fourth and final group supported by the investment is the Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation, receiving $150,000. The Foundation will use the grant to span Middlesex County and improve many facets of health, including career development programs, emotional programs and access to screenings.
According to the release,RWJBarnabas Health has allocated more than $151 million to communities in need, through the “Our Healthy Communities” program and a working partnership with the New Jersey government, with the goal of improving long-term health outcomes across the state.
“These investments reflect our continued dedication to New Brunswick and the Middlesex County communities that we are a part of as a caregiver, a neighbor and an employer,” Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital CEO Bill Arnold said. “They reflect our commitment to work hand-in-hand with community partners to remove barriers, expand opportunity and ensure residents have the support they need to thrive.”