As Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) approaches 10 years since its 2016 formation, the network celebrates significant growth to 18 hospitals, the launch of the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), and the first graduating classes of its School of Medicine, HMH said in a press statement.
Key milestones include:
🥼Becoming the first in NJ to make the U.S. News & World Report top 20 nationwide
👩🏼⚕️Pioneering AI and robotic surge
🩺Advancing pediatric cancer research through Tackle Kids Cancer
“We had to join the 2016 trend — the year we first formed as an organization,” HMH said on Instagram. “As we approach 10 years as Hackensack Meridian Health, it’s amazing to think of some of the things we’ve accomplished,” according to the statement.
Special Achievements
Welcoming seven new hospitals to our system, for a total of 18
Opening the Center for Discovery and Innovation
Celebrating the first graduating classes at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Taking on a pandemic, including the state’s first COVID-19 patient
Innovating at the forefront of care, from genetic testing to robotic surgery to AI and beyond
Creating better access for our community, including through HMH 24/7, Hospital from Home and the forthcoming Health and Wellness Center at Metropark
Most recently, the health network made history as the first hospital in NJ to make US News & World Report’s top 20 nationwide
“And we continue to honor the foundational leadership of former co-CEO John Lloyd, and co-chairs Gordon Litwin and Joseph Simunovich. Their crucial work during our merger helped set the stage for all that we continue to accomplish today, and they are all deeply missed,” according to the Facebook post.
Reflection on the Past
Since merging with HMH, the network has grown into a massive New Jersey healthcare system with initial annual revenue exceeding $3.4 billion. It now operates 16+ hospitals, including the top-ranked Hackensack University Medical Center. The network expanded rapidly, adding locations like Raritan Bay Medical Center and JFK Health, while fostering high-level specialization in cancer and neuroscience.
Key reflections on the past decade include:
Expansion & Innovation: Formation of an 18-hospital network and the establishment of the CDI, which has secured major NIH funding, including a (\approx ) (108) million grant for COVID-19 research.
Academic Growth: The establishment of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.Accolades: Recognition as a top healthcare system in NJ, including top rankings for adult and children’s hospitals.
Future Focus: Continued investment in “Hospital from Home” initiatives, the new Health and Wellness Center at Metropark, and expanding, modernizing facilities. The merger, which officially took effect on July 1, 2016, created a comprehensive health system aimed at transforming care in New Jersey.