Hackensack Meridian Health spent the season of giving helping thousands of residents in the Garden State. Hackensack University Medical Center donated roughly $500,000 worth of winter items and gift cards for food to 200 shelters across New Jersey.
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, used its size to its advantage, utilizing its 38,000 members in a Day of Connection to pack over 10,000 warming bags, filled with gloves, hats, neck gaiters and socks, which were then donated to shelters and warming centers throughout the state. The Day of Connection is a day dedicated to helping others in the community, ensuring that everyone is able to spend the holiday season without worry and struggle. The warming bags will come with a $40 Doordash gift card, allowing those in need to purchase any food or other necessities.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, our commitment extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals. The Day of Connection embodies our core mission to build healthier communities and provide compassionate support to those who need it most, particularly during the holiday season,” said Hackensack Meridian Health CEO, Robert C. Garrett, FACHE. “The stark reality is that homelessness deeply impacts a person’s well-being. I am deeply honored to participate and am incredibly proud of our team members across the network who volunteered their time and energy to make this day a success, demonstrating profound empathy and professionalism. By mobilizing our people and providing essential resources to our most vulnerable neighbors across New Jersey, we are actively addressing the underlying factors that affect health. This initiative is a powerful reflection of our network’s dedication to making a real, tangible difference and ensuring every individual is treated with the dignity and care they deserve.”
The donations were made possible by generous contributions to the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, which is committed to addressing key issues in the Garden State and ensuring access to healthy food and housing. The efforts have allowed thousands of New Jersey residents to have access to basic necessities that can improve their quality of life.
“The holiday Day of Connection is a vital opportunity to address the critical link between social factors and community wellness. For individuals experiencing homelessness, basic needs like food security and shelter are immediate health crises,” said Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, Ed.D., MCHES, Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Population Health at Hackensack Meridian Health. “Through this initiative, we are not just providing donations, we are purposefully tackling systemic barriers. We understand that stable access to nutritious food, warmth, and basic necessities is foundational to any successful health outcome. Our efforts are focused on integrating social impact into our health strategy, ensuring we meet our neighbors where they are and provide the holistic support needed to foster resilience and equitable health across New Jersey.”
As the holiday season winds down, the impact left by the generous work of Hackensack Meridian Health will be felt far beyond then. Through the countless donations made, thousands of New Jersey residents will not have to worry about staying warm this winter.