A new partnership is helping to improve the lives of Somerset County residents.
Every October, for the last 98 years, the Far Hills Race Meeting has attracted loyal fans who gather to watch the Steeplechase horse race This support has enabled the Meeting to donate more than $18 million to local health care organizations. This year, the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset are partnering to invest in the health of community members.
Five nonprofit organizations that serve northern Somerset County received $885,000 in funding, which will be disbursed over the course of three years (the first installment has already been distributed to each organization).The funds are administered through the Somerset Health Care Foundation, the hospital’s fundraising arm.
RWJUH Somerset is supporting the charities by providing community health education and other resources. “At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, we recognize that promoting good health is not confined to just what goes on within the walls of our hospital,” says Anthony Cava, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJUH Somerset. “As part of our mission, we work closely with partners in the business, nonprofit, government and education sectors to improve the quality of life for all those who live and work in Somerset County.
Our partnership with the Far Hills Race Meeting Association will help us build new relationships that will e..pand our efforts to enhance the health of underserved populations in our community.”
The following charities are the beneficiaries of the awards:
• Bedminster-based Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) provides free services to help cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones cope with the disease’s social and emotional impact. ..e funds are being used for programs affiliated with CSCCNJ’s Multicultural Cancer Outreach Initiative. RWJUH Somerset is partnering with CSCCNJ to provide community health education programs, including cooking= classes on cancer prevention.
•.The Arc of Somerset County provides comprehensive services for children, adolescents and adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. The funds are being used to improve access to preventive health care and to enhance health outcomes for people with disabilities. RWJUH Somerset and The Arc are providing professional training for hospital staff to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
• Bonnie Brae is a residential treatment center in Liberty Corner that cares for adolescent boys who have been neglected, abused or abandoned. The award is being used to provide therapeutic space in the new Family Resource Center. RWJUH Somerset is offering professional training and development for the center’s staff.
• Community in Crisis, which is based in Bernardsville, is dedicated to fighting the opioid epidemic. The funds are being used to enhance prevention initiatives and expand programs for people in recovery, including employment services and support groups. RWJUH Somerset is leading support groups and educational seminars.
• LifeCamp is a six-week summer day camp for Newark-area youth in Pottersville. The award is being used to improve the camp’s infirmary and aquatics program. RWJUH Somerset is providing professional training and development for camp staff, as well as community education and outreach. Last summer, the hospital’s Community Health Department conducted health education programs for campers on topics, such as hydration and dental hygiene. The RWJBarnabas Health Wellness on Wheels van visited the camp in July, giving campers the opportunity to learn about hydroponics and healthy eating.