Numerous factors go into creating a healthy community. However, unemployment rates, crime rates, and poor community relations are among the elements that can cripple a municipality’s economy. So, what can be done to mend an ailing community in need? RWJBarnabas Health thinks reaching beyond the bounds of its hospitals can improve local areas.
This topic is the focus of a recent Caucus: New Jersey with Steve Adubato episode. Joining the show is Michellene Davis, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at RWJBarnabas Health; of course, one the other side of the table is show host, Steve Adubato, PhD. They discuss RWJB’s commitment to making New Jersey communities healthier; in particular, by developing what they call the Social Impact and Community Investment initiative.
[bibblio style=”bib–row-3 bib–hover bib–white-label bib–font-arial bib–default bib–size-16 bib–shine” query_string_params=”eyJ1dG1fc291cmNlIjoiQmliYmxpbyIsInV0bV9tZWRpdW0iOiJNb2R1bGUiLCJ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24iOiJSZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMifQ==” recommendation_type=”optimised”]
How RWJBarnabas Improves the Health of Local Communities
“As a health care institution… we would be remiss if, in fact, we attempted to ever think that we were just supposed to be in a community but not of that community,” says Davis. “…what if we began to literally look at ‘well, what are the social determinants that cause you to be a patient of ours in a chronic manner?'”
Davis says high rates of unemployment and violence within communities are areas RWJB wishes to positively affect. As such, the health care network plans to continue to expand their resources and help countless other people. “I really think what [President and CEO Barry H. Ostrowsky] has done is made certain we do more than that which is required as a non-profit health care system.”
“We’re going to begin to develop tool-kits that will then help other communities in other states; and perhaps one day other nations, on how to bring about community healing,” Davis explains.
To hear more about how RWJBarnabas Health is beginning to improve communities across the State of New Jersey, check out this segment of Caucus: New Jersey with Steve Adubato.
For more stories that impact New Jersey residents, click over to our Hot Topics in NJ series.
