Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset and the Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) have partnered on a promotional campaign to encourage community members to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As part of the campaign, 12 businesses and restaurants are offering incentives for patrons who are vaccinated. RWJUH Somerset and DSA also collaborated on posters that are displayed in storefront windows and videos in English and Spanish which will be posted on social media and shared on local cable channels.
“Downtown Somerville is looking forward to getting back to business as usual,” said Natalie Pineiro, executive director, Downtown Somerville Alliance. “To do so safely, we need to have the majority of our community vaccinated against COVID-19. We encourage everyone to get the vaccine when it is available to them.”
“The COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in preventing the spread of the virus and reducing the risk for serious complications,” said Ronald Nahass, MD, epidemiologist, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. “Getting vaccinated is key to helping end this pandemic.”
“We are pleased to partner with the Downtown Somerville Alliance in spreading this important message about vaccination,” added Tony Cava, president and chief executive officer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, the health of our community goes hand in hand with the health of our economy.”
Anyone who presents their COVID-19 vaccination card at the following downtown Somerville businesses on Wednesdays in April and May beginning April 7 will get a special discount: Blue Sheep Bake Shop, Kuay Tiew Noodles and More, De Martino Restaurant, Incogneeto Vintage, Artisanal Tattoo, Division Café, Evolve Clothing Gallery, Rita’s Italian Ice, Mike’s Courtside Kitchen, Minuteman Press, Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins and Turf, Surf & Earth. Discounts vary for each location and are subject to change.
“We think it’s part of our job as members of the community to help stop the spread. We want to give people incentive to get the vaccine so we can get back to a more normal lifestyle where we can continue giving back to our heroes and our community,” said Mackenzie Stahl and Byron Salazar, owners of Turf, Surf & Earth. “It’s a passion of ours as restaurant owners. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable.”
The vaccine campaign videos feature representatives from 17 downtown Somerville businesses, including Personalized Paraphernalia, Minuteman Press, Blue Sheep Bake Shop, Kuay Tiew Noodles & More, Graceful Beauty Hair Salon, Division Café, Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins, Maintain Bespoke Barbering, De Martino Restaurant, Turf, Surf & Earth, Evolve Clothing Gallery, Artisanal Tattoo, McLachlan Real Estate & Insurance, Mike’s Courtside Kitchen, Rita’s Italian Ice, Revive Consignment and Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant. The videos also include messages from Dr. Nahass and Dr. Raul Gonzales, family medicine resident, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.
To register for the COVID-19 vaccine and for a complete list of vaccine clinics throughout New Jersey, visit www.covid19.nj.gov.
About the Downtown Somerville Alliance
The Downtown Somerville Alliance is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are the District Management Corporation for Downtown Somerville, NJ - one of New Jersey's premiere downtowns. The district has become known for its colorful dining scene, flourishing retail, and up and coming arts and culture scene. They promote balanced and progressive economic development and leverage the art of creating experiences that continue to bring a new and diverse population to Somerville. The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects and work with historians and environmentalists alike to maintain and promote the historic charm that is unique to the district.
Visit them online at DowntownSomerville.com.
About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset is a nationally accredited, 341-bed hospital in Somerville, New Jersey, providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical and rehabilitative services.
The hospital is nationally recognized as a Magnet® hospital for nursing excellence and has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Score from Leapfrog - its highest patient safety rating.
The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has earned national accreditation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. The hospital is also distinguished for its Joint Surgery Institute, receiving the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total knee and total hip replacement surgery, and is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has been named a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. In addition, it has received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its acute myocardial infarction program.
Honored as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign, the hospital was the first in New Jersey to offer primary care services for the LGBTQIA community.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset also offers outpatient services at convenient locations in Central New Jersey, including physical therapy services in Bedminster, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Princeton and Flemington and an urgent care center and a sleep disorders center in Hillsborough. In addition, the hospital’s affiliated physician practices provide care for families throughout its community. For more information about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.