The Far Hills Race Meeting Association and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Community Health Partnership recently awarded $300,000 to Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) in Bedminster, a nonprofit organization providing psychosocial support and education, at no charge, to address the social and emotional impact of cancer on patients, caregivers, loved ones, and children.
With these funds, CSCCNJ is embarking on Multicultural Cancer Outreach in Somerset County to increase access to cancer support, programs, and services. The initiative will allow CSCCNJ, in partnership with RWJUH Somerset, to provide culturally appropriate, evidence based education; health and wellness; and nutrition programs to cancer patients and their families (with a special emphasis on children impacted by the disease) who come from traditionally underserved communities.
In addition, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s professional staff will partner with CSCCNJ in the community and at their Bedminster campus to provide community health education programs, including cooking classes and educational seminars on cancer prevention presented by a hospital nutritionist.
“This grant will help us reach cancer patients and their families who may not be accessing the support services they need due to language or cultural barriers and will expand the educational programs we offer in our community,” said Amy Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey. “We are grateful for the support of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.”
Through the partnership between the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, a total of $885,000 in funds were distributed to five non-profit organizations that serve northern Somerset County. The funds, which will be disbursed over the course of three years, are awarded through proceeds from the Far Hills Race Meeting and are administered through Somerset Health Care Foundation, the hospital’s fundraising arm. In addition to the funds, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset will support the organizations through professional training and development, community health education, support groups and other health care services.
Along with CSCCNJ, other recipients included LifeCamp in Pottersville; The Arc of Somerset County, Bonnie Brae in Liberty Corner and Community in Crisis in Bernardsville.
About Far Hills Race Meeting Association
Far Hills Race Meeting is New Jersey’s premier social and sporting event. For nearly a century, this annual gathering has attracted a large and loyal fan base who return, year after year, to watch the world’s finest steeplechases, reconnect with family and friends, network, support worthy causes and make memories to last a lifetime. Over the years, Far Hills Race Meeting Association has given more than $18 million to support local health-care organizations. With its newly introduced pari-mutuel wagering program, Far Hills Race Meeting—which boasts the largest purses in the industry—is bringing steeplechase racing to new audiences, locally, nationally and globally. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2019. For more information about attending the event, visit www.farhillsrace.org.
About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Located in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a nationally accredited, 341-bed regional hospital providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical, behavioral health and rehabilitative services to central New Jersey residents. As a designated teaching hospital of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the hospital maintains a family medicine residency program with 21 residents.
RWJUH Somerset has earned significant national recognition for clinical quality and patient safety including the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence and designation as a “Top Teaching Hospital” by the Leapfrog Group. As the first hospital in New Jersey to offer primary health care services for the LGBTQIA community, RWJUH Somerset has been honored as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.
The Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJUH Somerset, a clinical research affiliate of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, has been designated as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
For more information, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.
About Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey:
Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) is a registered 501c(3) and an independently licensed affiliate of Cancer Support Community, an international nonprofit organization. As experts in oncology mental health, the organization provides support, education, and hope to all people with cancer and their loved ones, So That No One Faces Cancer Alone®. Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes social and emotional support, CSCCNJ creates a caring community to help individuals live with, through, and beyond cancer. At no cost to patients, family members and caregivers, the organization delivers essential programs and services including individual and group support; educational workshops; hands-on nutrition and healthy cooking education; classes to enhance health and wellness; and social activities for the entire family. In 2019, the organization is celebrating 15 years of Community + Compassion. For more information please visit their website at cancersupportcnj.org or call (908) 658-5400.
