Newark, NJ (February 22, 2019) – New Jersey Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver delivered the keynote address at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey’s annual Black History Month celebration. She is the first woman of color to serve in statewide elected office in New Jersey.
“It is an honor and a privilege to share our annual Black History Month celebration with the distinguished Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. Her career of service is an inspiration to all New Jersey residents and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from her experiences as a trailblazer in our state and country,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, MPH, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. In 2016, Darrell K. Terry Sr., became the first African-American President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the first man of color to hold this position within the RWJBarnabas Health System.
“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the tremendous impact the African American community has had on our nation and to pay respect to the many trailblazers from New Jersey whose legacies continue to pave the way for others,” said Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “As we celebrate these individuals and their accomplishments, we also acknowledge the many sacrifices and struggles we have had to overcome as we continue on this path for equality and justice for all.”
Acting Governor Oliver began making history in the state of New Jersey in 2010 when she became the first African-American woman in the state’s history to serve as speaker of the General Assembly, and just second in the country to lead a state legislative house. She is a 40-year resident of East Orange, and a native of Newark.
The afternoon celebration also included a moving recitation of an excerpt from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Mountaintop speech, delivered by Master Hilton Rawls III. Several employees were recognized for their commitment to providing high quality, safe care and an excellent patient experience at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey: Quincy Hepburn, RN, BSN, CCRN; Tawana Ellis; and Maria Southerland.
Newark Beth Israel began celebrating Black History Month more than 30 years ago under the direction of Ms. Alma Beatty, a dedicated executive and community champion. Since its inception the celebration has evolved into a month-long set of cultural and educational events for employees and local residents.
About Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a 665-bed regional care teaching hospital that provides comprehensive health care. Newark Beth Israel is a Top Teaching Hospital and home to one of the nation’s top ten heart transplant centers, which has performed more than 1,000 heart transplants; RWJBarnabas Health’s Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program; New Jersey’s only Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program and a Valve Center that performs complex cardiac valve procedures, including minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs). Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is also home to Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ), which cares for children from birth through adolescence, with more than 30 specialized pediatric services including New Jersey’s largest Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; and the Children’s Heart Center that offers a complete range of medical and surgical treatments for the most complex cardiac abnormalities. The Newark Beth Israel robotic surgery program is the most experienced in northern New Jersey. RWJBarnabas Health and The Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - brings a world class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials. Newark Beth Israel also offers many preventive health programs that promote wellness in the community, including The Beth Greenhouse, which provides access to fresh produce and health and wellness education to local residents.
Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ), located at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, cares for children from birth through adolescence, with more than 30 specialized pediatric services including New Jersey’s largest Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; and the Children’s Heart Center that offers a complete range of medical and surgical treatments for the most complex cardiac abnormalities. Children’s Hospital of New Jersey also includes a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Level IV Regional Perinatal Center that offers New Jersey’s only Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy; and the highest level of intensive care for both mothers and newborns.
Contact:
Linda Kamateh
Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications
linda.kamateh@rwjbh.org
(973)-926-3803