Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Donor Impact Report

THANK YOU

DONOR IMPACT REPORT

Foundation

INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGIC INTERVENTION IS SAVING LIVES

The Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation’s Institute for Immunologic Intervention (3i) was established to fight infections, cancer and inflammatory diseases by finding a better way to restore and bolster the human immune system to beat disease and save lives. The expert scientists in this new institute develop innovative strategies that enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy, find interventions for autoimmune and alloimmune conditions and work to prevent infections. We are grateful for our donors whose generosity fuels this work.

“These scientists are tackling disease at the basic level of discovery - but with an eye toward finding real-world solutions in the near future.”

DAVID PERLIN, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and executive vice president, Center for Discovery and Innovation

Advancing the Art and Science of Nursing

The Sheila Cancro Institute for Nursing Leadership and Practice Excellence offers a monthly lecture workshop series that provides insight into the essential skills effective nurse leaders require.

To date, 10 workshops have been held with more than 550 nurses participating. New programs, including NSPIRE, an apprenticeship program for nursing school graduates, and Beyond the Residency, a nurse residency program, offer mentorship to nurses. More than a dozen students completed the NSPIRE program, and 375 new nurses have participated in Beyond the Residency. In addition, the New Career Initiative helps pay tuition for nursing students pursuing a higher degree. Since inception, 41 students have participated, enabling us to retain outstanding nurses and continue providing exceptional patient care. We are grateful for our donors who have partnered with us in this important work.

Scholarships Support Tomorrow’s Physicians

First year medical student Philip Melnick decided to become a physician at an early age, and his work as an EMS provider during high school and college reinforced his desire to help people in the community. Scholarship support from our donors has made this dream a reality. Relief from the financial stress of paying for a medical school education enables Philip and his fellow students to focus more on their studies, taking a huge burden off their minds, as they look forward to providing outstanding clinical care to their future patients.

“My goal in becoming a physician is to inspire in my patients the confidence to make that transition from dependence and despair to independence and insight. I firmly believe that with the right mindset, and a supportive physician, health and well-being can be a source of tremendous personal growth.”

PHILIP MELNICK, first year medical school student

EXPANDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Hackensack Meridian Health is able to meet the growing need for behavioral health services in our communities, including:

J● Constructing a new inpatient adolescent behavioral health unit at Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic,

J● Providing specialty psychiatric services in geriatric psychiatry and dual diagnosis behavioral health at Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center,

J● Opening urgent care with behavioral health services to treat short term outpatient mental health disorders,

J● Developing programs to help those impacted by domestic violence through Project HEAL at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and

J● Hiring and training more clinicians and residents from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

Providing Critical Adolescent Behavioral Health Care

The need for comprehensive adolescent behavioral health care has increased dramatically. Fortunately, thanks in part to donor support and a generous grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Carrier Clinic will soon open a new inpatient unit for adolescents that will increase the number of children that can be treated, including patients as young as 7 years old. The unit will also incorporate the latest technology, such as multi-sensory rooms and interactive equipment. Importantly, the new unit will further allow Carrier Clinic to participate in research studies and trials, ensuring that the latest therapies are made available for our patients.

“Patients will benefit from testing that can detect cancer early, when it can be treated more effectively; from individualized care plans tailored to their unique cancer risk; and from coaching that empowers them to reduce their own risk and improve their overall health and wellness.”

ANDRE

GOY, M.D., physician-in-chief, Oncology; chairman and chief physician officer, John Theurer Cancer Center

JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

The Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine (ICAP) is made possible thanks to a donation of $25 million to Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation by the Hennessy family. Its purpose is to reduce the burden of cancer, empower patients to reduce their risk of cancer, prevent recurrence, improve the outcome of cancer patients and develop exportable strategies locally, nationally and globally. It is a very timely mission for several reasons: cancer rates have increased by 79% over the last three decades in people under the age of 55 and they are anticipated to increase by more than 50% in the next 25 years overall, while 70% of cancer deaths and diagnosis today have no screening tests; and, additionally, early diagnosis has a huge impact with a 5-year overall survival in the 80-90% range versus 10-15% in advanced stage for the most common difficult cancers such as lung, pancreas and ovarian. Leveraging technology, genomics, wellness, molecular medicine and digital therapeutics, we can change the way we view cancer, reduce the overall burden of cancer, and improve outcomes for patients. The Hennessy Institute will also address health inequities in cancer research, prevention and treatment. A further goal is to show payors and employers the health, quality of life and cost benefits of cancer prevention and early detection, persuading them to cover these services. We are grateful to the Mike & Patti Hennessy Foundation for its visionary support.