By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a facility under the RWJBarnabas Health umbrella, has been awarded a substantial $5 million grant to launch the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program within the city of Newark.
This five-year initiative is dedicated to improving health outcomes, preventing chronic diseases, and reducing health disparities among Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latinx communities facing the highest rates of chronic disease in Newark.
The program's reach will also extend to Essex, Union, Hudson, Middlesex, and Ocean counties over the course of the next five years.
The REACH program aims to tackle healthcare disparities head-on by establishing comprehensive initiatives in partnership with state and local organizations and coalitions.
It seeks to leverage existing resources while addressing the unique health needs of Newark's communities.
Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children's Hospital of New Jersey, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "Over the years, we have created many programs and outreach initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and improving health outcomes for the many communities that we serve. The REACH Program will greatly enhance our efforts and allow us to continue to address healthcare disparities in a meaningful way."
RWJBarnabas Health, in collaboration with Newark Beth Israel, will be at the forefront of these transformative efforts.
Barbara Mintz, Senior Vice President of Social Impact and Community Investment at RWJBarnabas Health, highlighted the significance of the REACH funding, saying, "This REACH funding will allow us to expand our community health education programs, establish new connections, and strengthen existing relationships with community members and partners to innovate and achieve our mission of creating healthy communities, together."
As one of 41 REACH program recipients, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health will implement a range of proven public health strategies, including promoting food access and nutrition guidelines, expanding fruit and vegetable voucher incentive programs, producing medically tailored meal programs for individuals with chronic health conditions, and extending the reach of Newark Beth Israel's nationally recognized KidsFit Nutrition education program to more schools in New Jersey.
Terry O'Toole, Program Development and Evaluation Branch Chief in CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, expressed CDC's excitement regarding the REACH funding, stating, "CDC is excited to announce this new REACH funding to 41 communities across 27 states and the District of Columbia.
With this funding, organizations will plan and carry out local, culturally appropriate programs to address a wide range of health issues among racial and ethnic minority groups where health gaps remain. REACH intends to improve health where people live, learn, work, and play."
For a complete list of CDC's REACH recipients and additional information, interested parties can visit the REACH website.
