Agreement will expand access to medical screenings, health education, preventive care, vaccinations
West Orange, N.J., June 10, 2026 – RWJBarnabas Health and Union County today announced the signing of an agreement to roll out a new mobile pediatric unit that will provide local children with essential health services. The strategic partnership through the Union County Office of Health Management builds upon RWJBarnabas Health’s ongoing work to expand healthcare access and address barriers to care, particularly in historically underserved communities.
“This mobile unit is built on a simple premise – connecting children with the preventative health care services they need to grow and flourish,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO, RWJBarnabas Health. “Where roadblocks to care exist in Union County, this mobile unit will roll over them, bringing our world-class pediatric care directly into the neighborhoods we serve. We are grateful for the partnerships supporting this effort and our mission to build and sustain a healthier Union County and New Jersey.”
Once licensed by the State Department of Health, the mobile unit will travel to Linden, Union Township, Rahway, Elizabeth, Plainfield and other communities across Union County, offering a robust schedule of community health clinics in convenient locations where children and their families live, work, and attend school. RWJBarnabas Health clinical staff will provide essential pediatric health screenings, physicals, immunizations, health education, and routine preventive services.
“This is an incredible step forward in expanding access to care for the children of Union County,”said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “I am grateful to see state appropriations making a meaningful impact on the health of our families and neighbors. I will continue to support initiatives that provide critical resources and care to our communities that need it most.”
This announcement follows the April launch of a mobile pediatric unit in Essex County that expands access to care for children across the county.
“We are proud to partner with RWJBarnabas Health to make it easier for Union County families to get their children the care they need,” said County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “Our partnership is a strong example of how local government and healthcare providers can work together and maximize resources to have a greater impact on the health of our communities.”
The Union County Mobile Pediatric Health Unit is part of RWJBarnabas Health’s Our Healthy Communities initiative to address the social determinants of health that impact health outcomes. The health system is partnering with local leaders, health care providers, civic organizations, clergy and community-based organizations to strengthen critical social and health care infrastructure and expand patient access to care, healthy foods, nutrition education, transportation, economic mobility, and stable housing. Supported by community health resources from the State of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health has reinvested more than $151 million in community health initiatives beyond traditional medical care to build and sustain long-term health for the residents and communities it serves.
“The Union County mobile pediatric unit will be a huge step forward in reducing barriers to high-quality care for families,” said Margie Heller, Senior Vice President, Community and Global Health, RWJBarnabas Health. “Through this partnership, we can continue to support vulnerable communities and expand our reach to bring healthcare and resources to kids in every corner of the county.”
In addition to partnering with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) including Neighborhood Health in Elizabeth and Plainfield, the health system recently launched the state’s first-ever street medicine program at Trinitas Regional Medical Center (TRMC) to deliver care to those experiencing homelessness. Union County previously collaborated with TRMC and Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) to enhance access to essential prescription medications for more than 54,000 residents facing financial difficulties.
“This agreement and mobile unit will be essential to delivering high quality care to children across Union County,” said Juliana Silva, Director, Union County Office of Health Management. “We are working to save residents time and money while advancing the health of our communities. I look forward to our continued collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health.”
RWJBarnabas Health operates several hospitals and centers for compassionate clinical care across Union County, including Trinitas Regional Medical Center (TRMC) in Elizabeth, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in Rahway, and Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) Long Term Care Center in Mountainside.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org
Contact:
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org