Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has received a $500,000 donation from the Far Hills Race Meeting Association for behavioral health services. In recognition of the generous donation RWJUH Somerset has dedicated The Far Hills Race Meeting Behavioral Health Unit in the association’s honor.
The Far Hills Race Meeting Association donation through Somerset Health Care Foundation, the hospital’s fundraising arm, will enable RWJUH Somerset to enhance its inpatient behavioral health services, partial hospitalization / intensive outpatient behavioral health services and crisis center, which sees more than 200 patients each month. The hospital plans to add 12 beds to its existing 16-bed inpatient treatment unit which was renovated in 2017.
“Mental illness is a critical public health issue, making it imperative to fund and support services so those in our local community can get the proper care they need,” said Ron Kennedy, Chairman, Far Hills Race Meeting Association. “The Far Hills Race Meeting Association recognizes the strong need to enhance behavioral health services at RWJUH Somerset to provide a safe and supportive healing environment where patients, from all walks of life – all economic, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds – can understand their illness, build on existing strength and develop new coping skills.”
The Far Hills Race Meeting Association has a long history of fundraising for RWJUH Somerset supporting the critical health and wellness needs of the community. Since the 1950s, the proceeds from the Far Hills Race event - more than $18 million to date – have benefited the hospital, greatly impacting its growth and ability to offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical services to New Jersey residents. The hospital’s Steeplechase Cancer Center, which opened in 2007, is named in honor of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, the hospital’s most generous benefactor.
“We are grateful to the Far Hills Race Meeting Association for supporting the growth and expansion of RWJUH Somerset’s behavioral health services, which will enhance our efforts to enhance the delivery of mental and behavioral health care to the communities we serve,” said Tony Cava, president, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. “The financial support from organizations like the Far Hills Race Meeting Association make it possible for the RWJUH Somerset to continue to meet the demands for physical growth and modernization.”
The hospital-based behavioral health program at RWJUH Somerset provides careful assessment of an individual both psychologically and physically. The program integrates a full range of care into each patient’s treatment as appropriate to maximize the benefits of hospitalization and the hospital’s diagnostic services assure accurate and swift testing.
The program includes 24-hour care in a secure hospital setting for patients in acute stages of psychiatric illness. This highly structured program includes group therapy to focus on coping skills and finding solutions, a spirituality group, medication management and family meetings. Inpatient care includes a diagnostic evaluation from a team of experts including psychiatrists, licensed therapists, nurses, and psychiatric advance practice nurses that provide crisis stabilization and intensive treatment with the goal of transfer to a lower level of care.
RWJUH Somerset’s partial hospitalization program provides a step-down from inpatient care and includes daytime treatment for those significantly impaired by a psychiatric, emotional or behavioral disorder while participating in treatment Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Treatment also is available for those with the dual diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and substance dependency. The intensive outpatient treatment program allows patients to benefit from active involvement in an organized therapeutic setting that emphasizes education, counseling and peer support. Attendees typically participate in this half-day program three days a week.
“Life presents us with an array of challenges and stressors – and most people, at one time or another, may need some assistance in dealing with them. At RWJUH Somerset we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health,” said Jaspreet Uppal, MD, Medical Director of the RWJUH Somerset Behavioral Health program. “Through our comprehensive Behavioral Health program, we provide a full continuum of care to promote personal growth and mental health wellness through holistic approach to care based on individual needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
For more information about Behavioral Health Care and the Far Hills Race Meeting Association Suite at RWJUH Somerset, please visit: https://www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-somerset/treatment-care/mental-health-and-behavioral-health/ or call 800.300.0628.