Special Needs Ambassador Program

Special Needs Ambassador Program logo

Our Special Needs Ambassador Program was created to raise awareness about development disorders and to assist individuals with special needs and their families in navigating their hospital experience – whether during an inpatient stay or an outpatient procedure. The goal of the program is to support the patient and family through listening and advocacy.

Our special needs ambassadors receive training on the spectrum of developmental disorders, along with strategies to assist individuals and their families throughout their stay based on an individual plan. They also act as patient and family advocates with health care providers to make the accommodations necessary to make treatment less stressful.

The Special Needs Ambassador Program is currently available in the following facilities:

  • Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville
  • Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston
  • Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City
  • Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch

Families can request an ambassador upon arrival to the Medical Center by asking any staff member to access the Special Needs Ambassador team. You may also request an Ambassador upon registration.

Patient Stories

  • “I always felt very fortunate that every time I needed a transfusion there was blood available for me,” Diego explains. “I have benefitted from the generosity of so many selfless donors. Even today, I depend on them. Every time I needed them, they have ...

    Diego
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  • “My care team always encouraged me. They were so positive. I really felt cared for.”

    Mary
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  • “The whole time, I just felt so supported at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. I put all my faith into the caregivers there, and they just took the best care of me.”

    Christine
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Patient Stories

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