THANK YOU DONOR IMPACT
REPORT
NEW MUSIC THERAPY AT JOHNSON REHABILITATION
INSTITUTE
“We are excited to bring this innovative therapy to our patients. Music has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with neurological conditions, including improved communication, motor skills and mood.”
SARA CUCCURULLO, M.D. CHAIR, VICE PRESIDENT AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR JFK JOHNSON REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
COGNITIVE
WELLNESS PROGRAM KEEPS
MINDS SHARP
Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute recently added a unique music therapy program for patients in its Extended Recovery Unit (ERU). The ERU is a specialized sub-acute inpatient treatment unit, specifically designed to support patients with brain injuries. These patients have progressed past the initial inpatient brain trauma treatment phase, but still require additional rehabilitative services before they can safely return to their communities. This program, in partnership with MedRhythms, will provide patients with access to Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)®, using music and evidenced-based interventions to improve areas of movement, language and cognition.
As individuals age, many often experience cognitive challenges and impairments. It can be frustrating having trouble finding words or recalling memories. Recognizing the growing need to address such challenges, the speech pathology team at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation started a Cognitive Wellness Program. Donor support has enabled the team to offer two different sessions designed for people at different stages of cognitive impairments, allowing them to offer more customized care. Last year, nearly 40 patients participated in the program.
HANDS-ON LEARNING IN SIMULATION LAB
The Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing and Medical Imaging at JFK University Medical Center has recently modernized its simulation center. The newly constructed space, using state of the art high fidelity simulation technology, features rooms specifically designed to reflect many areas within the hospital, including pediatrics, labor and delivery, emergency, triage, critical care and surgery. This allows nursing and radiology students to practice in a controlled environment and learn skills that are fundamental to their profession. The simulation experience provides each student with the opportunity to learn on advanced equipment before moving on to treating actual patients. Philanthropy has always played a large role in the nursing school, and the simulation center modernization was made possible through donor support.
CANCER CENTER EXPANSION
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, renovations for a new state-of-the-art oncology facility at JFK University Medical Center were recently completed, significantly enhancing patient care and streamlining treatment processes. The design includes large windows in every patient bay, ensuring plenty of natural light. New recliners also offer each patient comfortable seating during treatments. Patients can choose privacy or open panels, and every recliner has its own TV set, providing entertainment and distraction during long treatment sessions.
TAKING A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO FAMILY MEDICINE
“By helping our patients address the challenges they face outside of their medical care, the social worker has provided invaluable support in improving the overall health and wellbeing of our patients.”
ZAHRA JIWANI MANAGER OF FAMILY MEDICINE
The mission of the JFK Family Health Center is to ensure access to comprehensive, compassionate medical care through collaborative and ongoing relationships with our patients and health care teams. Donor funding enabled the hiring of a social worker which has increased the team’s ability to provide patients with complete care. The social worker has helped greatly by addressing patients’ basic needs for food and shelter, so doctors can better treat their medical issues. The range of assistance includes helping patients with insurance problems, finding specialty providers, arranging transportation, addressing food insecurity, mental health concerns, housing and financial matters.
Be The Difference is a transformational effort focusing on four key pillars: enhancing the delivery of patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research and discovery, expanding equitable access to advanced care and revolutionizing medical education while supporting the nursing profession.
Through this ambitious initiative, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation aims to reshape health care for patients, clinicians and the diverse communities it serves, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future. Thank you for making a difference!
WELCOMING BABIES AND SUPPORTING MOTHERS
Every year, the Labor and Delivery department at JFK University Medical Center welcomes approximately 1,300 babies. With 13 beds and two private operating rooms, there is ample space and increased flexibility for scheduling C-sections. The nursing staff are highly engaged in each delivery and are trained in the “Spinning Babies” approach, which helps mothers progress through labor. Breastfeeding educators and lactation consultants are available to help guide new moms and babies. Last year, JFK became a certified baby-friendly hospital, which was made possible thanks to philanthropic support.
“I am very proud of our nursing staff in Labor and Delivery. They do a lot of work, and they all feel incredibly lucky to be involved in such a special moment for families.”
EILEEN MCFADDEN DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND NURSING ADMINISTRATION
