RWJBarnabas Health has awarded a combined $1.7 million to support local organizations working to address barriers to care, food insecurity and economic stability among underserved communities in Hudson County, including a $400K commitment to the Town of Kearny’s Health Department.
The grants are fully funded through RWJBarnabas Health’s Our Healthy Communities initiative and supported by state appropriations to address the social determinants of health to create stronger communities and improve health outcomes for residents.
This, importantly, means the program will not cost the Kearny taxpayer a dime.
“There are few better investments than the ones we can make in the communities we serve through the partners with whom we share common values,” Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer of RWJBarnabas Health, said. “Whether it is combatting food insecurity or eliminating barriers to social services and healthcare, these investments are driven by a shared mission of building and sustaining a healthier Hudson County and New Jersey. I thank County Executive Guy and his team for their efforts in making this day possible.”
Specifically, the funding will support the Kearny Department of Public Health to improve resource navigation to connect residents of low socioeconomic status to preventative healthcare and social services. The health department will also hire additional staff to promote community events and support seniors applying for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and other assistance programs.
The Youth Foundation of Jersey City (YFOJC), North Hudson Community Action Corporation and Hudson Pride Center will receive the balance of the funding.
RWJBarnabas says through Our Healthy Communities, it’s partnering with local leaders, health care providers, clergy, civic and community-based organizations to strengthen critical social and health care infrastructure and expand patient access to care, healthy foods, nutrition education, transportation, economic mobility and stable housing.
Through the community health resources from the State of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health has reinvested more than $151 million in community health initiatives beyond traditional medical care to build and sustain long-term health for the residents and communities it serves.
“Thank you RWJBarnabas Health for understanding the needs of our residents for health care and social services,” Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle said. “Your grant will benefit those who struggle trying to navigate and receive assistance. This grant will play a critical part to ensuring essential services.”
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.