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On May 2, Commissioner Mary O'Dowd updated the Assembly Budget Committee on the Department's FY 2014 proposed budget. |
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On April 17, Commissioner O’Dowd testified before the Senate Budget Committee on the proposed FY 2014 budget. |
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On Monday, April 8, Commissioner O'Dowd joined Governor Chris Christie as he declared April Donate Life Month in New Jersey. |
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On Monday, March 18, Commissioner O’Dowd provided opening remarks at the “Health in All Policies” conference. She discussed the Department’s Shaping NJ initiative and other Department efforts to reduce chronic disease. |
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On February 20, Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jersey City Medical Center to host a roundtable discussion on Superstorm Sandy, which focused on how the health care response worked well in Hudson County and discuss areas for improvement. Following the roundtable, the Commissioner toured the hospital’s Medical Coordination Center, the Emergency Department, and other areas on the first floor which took on several feet of flood water at the height of the storm. |
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Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd joined the New Jersey Human Development Corporation to commemorate National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at the Greater Mt. Zion AME Church in Trenton. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is February 7, encourages African-Americans to get involved in community HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, and to get tested for HIV. The 2013 theme is "I am My Brother's/Sister's keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS." |
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During the Annual Conference of State and Local Health Officials, Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd praised local and county health officers, thanking them for their efforts to protect the health of residents during Superstorm Sandy. As part of the Commissioner’s address, entitled “Building a Healthier New Jersey” she discussed Department and other state and federal resources available to help with Sandy recovery. She also provided an update on key health issues facing the state such as ongoing influenza activity, and other communicable disease such as Pertussis. |
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On January 23, Health Commissioner O’Dowd joined Community Medical Center to host a roundtable discussion on Superstorm Sandy, which focused on how the health care response worked well and also discussed areas for improvement. The Commissioner also toured the hospital and areas of the county to view storm damage. |
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On November 28, Commissioner O’Dowd delivered opening remarks at a symposium held by The New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (NJACC), in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health to discuss elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) -- more commonly known as "angioplasty"- at hospitals without traditional, on-site, cardiac surgical backup programs. |
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On October 23, Governor Chris Christie and Commissioner O'Dowd visited the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation in New Brunswick to announce more than $19.5 million in state funding for 54 community organizations, hospitals and health agencies for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Hyacinth, the oldest and largest organization in the state serving those with HIV/AIDS, received the largest funding award in the amount of $2.1 million to assist in their comprehensive array of services provided to those who need them most. |
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Recognizing the comprehensive services New Jersey's community health care centers provide to nearly half a million of the state's most vulnerable residents, Governor Christie and Health Commissioner O'Dowd announced an increase in funding for these facilities in the Governor's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget - bringing funding to an all-time high of $50 million this year for these critical health facilities. The Governor and Commissioner made the announcement at the Zufall Health Center in Dover Township, a community health center serving the health care needs of some of the most vulnerable New Jerseyans in the Morris and Hunterdon communities. |
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September 10, 2012 NJ-HITECH Conference [pdf 28k] As part of National Health IT Week, Commissioner of Health Mary E. O’Dowd visited the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to speak about how the state is promoting the use of health information technology. NJIT is the first university in the state to launch an Health IT initiative to allow students to create electronic personal health records. |
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On June 7, Commissioner O’Dowd joined healthcare leaders representing NJ’s federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and hospitals at a working session to explore best practices in collaboration. The conference entitled “Increasing Access through Establishing Successful Community Health Center and Hospital Collaborations” was jointly sponsored by the NJ Primary Care Association and the Hospital Alliance of NJ. The conference highlighted successful collaborations in some of our state’s major cities like Camden, Trenton and Newark as well as Morris, Warren, Sussex, Ocean, Monmouth and Hunterdon counties. |
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Shaping NJ Annual Partnership Conference [pdf 112k] On Friday, June 1, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd welcomed Shaping NJ’s 200th partner—Muscle Maker Grill at the partnership’s annual conference at the Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness in Mercerville. In addition to announcing the 200th partner, the Commissioner highlighted some recent ShapingNJ successes. |
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On May 17, Commissioner O’Dowd testified before the Senate Budget Committee on the proposed FY 2013 budget. |
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Commissioner Mary O'Dowd updates the Assembly Budget Committee on the Department's FY 2013 proposed budget. |
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On April 12, Commissioner O’Dowd delivered a presentation providing an overview of how nurses are leading change, advancing health and improving the future of health care in New Jersey. The presentation took place at the New Jersey State Nurses Association Annual Meeting. |
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On April 4, Commissioner Mary O’Dowd joined Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez and Department of Children and Families Commissioner Allison Blake in testifying at the Assembly’s Hearing on the Realignment of Social Services in the FY 2013 State Budget. |
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At the Department’s Health Equity Summit Commissioner O’Dowd discussed the state's efforts to reduce health disparities. The summit, entitled Health Equity for All…think Nationally, Act Locally, was designed to help communities, providers, practitioners and government take action in their communities by identifying strategies to move the state toward its goal of eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity for all residents. The summit featured physicians and other health experts who addressed topics including health literacy, improving access to care, achieving health equity in an urban setting and educating clinicians to provide culturally competent, patient-centered care. |
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During a visit to Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd announced $8.1 million in grants to hospitals, health centers, community organizations and public health agencies providing medical and support services to those living with HIV/AIDS. The Henry J. Austin Health Center will receive $788,771 in grant funding. It provides all aspects of patient care including counseling and testing, transportation, pharmaceutical assistance and two patient navigators who link patients into care and provide monitoring. The center is also adding mental health services. |
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On Friday, March 9, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd attended the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Conference, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Medicare counseling program and also recognized counselors. 175 SHIP counselors attended the conference. |
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On Friday, February 10, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd joined the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) to announce a new partnership to enhance quality and consumer information about assisted living residences in New Jersey. Through this collaboration, assisted living residences in New Jersey—which meet the highest quality standards of care now have an opportunity to receive the designation of "Advanced Standing." |
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On Friday, December 2, Commissioner O’Dowd attended the New Jersey Health Officers Association Centennial Gala at the Newark Museum. Commissioner O’Dowd spoke about public health achievements in the last 100 years. The Commissioner also toured the Generation Fit: Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle educational exhibit on childhood obesity featured at the museum. The exhibit is an “interactive family experience,” this exhibit focuses on the issue of childhood obesity and shows how small changes in nutrition and activity can lead to a healthier lifestyle. |
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On Friday, December 2, Commissioner O'Dowd provided remarks at the New Jersey Public Educators (NJSOPHE) Conference held at the New Jersey Hospital Association Conference Center in Princeton. Pictured with the Commissioner from the left: Iesha Suber, NJSOPHE Program Chair and Rose Jean-Baptiste, 2011 NJSOPHE President and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brito. |
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Commissioner O’Dowd addressed more than 700 EMTS, paramedics, nurses, physician and EMS administrators at the Annual EMS Awards Dinner on November 4. |
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Commissioner O’Dowd addressed the 2011 Annual Conference of State and Local Health Officials, which was held at the Mercer County Community College Conference Center on Thursday, November 3. |
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On October 6, Commissioner O'Dowd accepted the YMCA Alliance's "Spirit of the Y" Award for the Department's Shaping NJ initiative at the 11th Annual New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. The "Spirit of the Y" Award is presented by the YMCA State Alliance to a statewide leader with a passion for strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. |
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On May 25, Acting Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jane Maloney, Executive Director of the Ocean County Division of Senior Services to speak to seniors about 19 free and reduced cost preventive care services now covered under the Medicare Part B program. |
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On May 24, Commissioner Mary O’Dowd joined Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez in testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee on Medicaid funding in the proposed 2012 budget. |
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On May 17, Acting Commissioner Mary O’Dowd delivered remarks at the Health Care Association of New Jersey 13th Annual State Assisted Living Conference. The Commissioner spoke about the FY 2012 budget and the Department’s long-term care initiatives. |
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Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd discusses the Department's FY2012 budget. |
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Autism Spectrum Disorders were the subject of a statewide conference at which Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd discussed the Department's initiatives to assist individuals with autism and their families. Held at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, the conference also featured the work of many other organizations, and included the release of the Department of Human Services' new resource guide and web site for families affected by autism. |
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Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd provides testimony at her Confirmation Hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee with former Assembly Speaker Jack Collins. |
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Acting NJDOH Commissioner Mary O'Dowd gives remarks at the grand opening of the new Virtua Voorhees hospital. |
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NJDOH Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd updates the Assembly Budget Committee on the Department's FY 2012 proposed budget. |
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Acting Commissioner Mary O’Dowd joined Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez in testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee on Medicaid funding in the proposed 2012 budget. Acting Commissioner O'Dowd's remarks centered on how the Department plans to reform the Department of Health' portion of the Medicaid program. |
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Previous Speeches: | ||
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Commissioner Alaigh provided an update on Department activities to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, including the Department's work in the area of reducing the state's physician shortage and promoting public health collaborations including implementing Health information Technology in the state. |
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The medical home approach requires a partnership among many organizations, Dr. Alaigh told conference participants. Local public health agencies and the DOH -- especially the Department's Center for Health Innovations -- will play an important role in the statewide effort to improve the health of individuals and communities. |
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At the Rutgers University's Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging, Dr. Alaigh discussed the need for all health care providers to understand the health advantages and health challenges faced by New Jersey's many foreign-born racial and ethnic groups. Delivering high-quality health care requires that providers tailor their care to patients' cultural needs.
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Chilton Hospital's Comprehensive Breast Center will help women live longer, healthier lives by providing critical screenings, preventive tests, education and help navigating the challenging decisions women face when diagnosed with breast cancer, Commissioner Poonam Alaigh said at the Center's grand opening on February 16. |
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We must empower women to learn more about their risks for cardiovascular disease and the important lifestyle choices they can make to reduce those risks, Commissioner Alaigh told women business leaders at the annual American Heart Association -- Northern New Jersey Chapter's Go Red for Women Luncheon.
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Oral health plays an important role in overall health, and the Department of Health has worked to improve access to these vital health care services, Commissioner Alaigh told the New Jersey Oral Health Coalition. |
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On January 18, 2011, Commissioner Alaigh gave a presentation to physician leaders of our state's Emergency Departments during the annual meeting of the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (NJ-ACEP). |
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On January 10, Dr. Alaigh spoke to fifty Robert Wood Johnson Medical School students on the topic of Health Equity. She spoke about the increasing diversity in New Jersey and the Department's efforts to close the gap on health disparities. |
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At a meeting of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Commissioner Alaigh discussed key health issues facing the state and steps New Jersey is taking to expand the use of health information technology, improve health care quality, address the projected physician shortage, and expand care options for the senior population. |
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Dr. Alaigh attended an event to announce that the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program, which was launched in New Jersey in 2009, is expanding to 28 states in 2011. The program helps veterans of all ages at risk of nursing home placement remain independent in their homes and communities with needed services. This event was held at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System-Lyons Campus. |
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"Cabinet Road Show" sponsored by the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. The Road Show took place at the Novo Nordisk office in Princeton, NJ. |
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Dr. Alaigh spoke about challenges and opportunities regarding the health care workforce in our state at the New Jersey Funder’s Summit held at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. |
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On November 10, Dr. Alaigh, toured Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, with Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System and Joe Hicks, Executive Director of Kimball Medical Center. Following the tour, Dr. Alaigh spoke to the hospital staff about critical health issues facing the state. |
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In a presentation to the Health Committee, Dr. Alaigh outlined key DOH initiatives. These include promoting the use of Health Information Technology and Electronic Health Records, improving New Jersey's medical practice environment to ensure an adequate supply of physicians, and continuing to shift the state's long-term system to include even more home and community-based care options that enable seniors to live with independence and dignity. |
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Commissioner Alaigh discussed New Jersey's progress in adopting Health Information Technology during the Medical Society of New Jersey's third annual Health Information Technology/Electronic Medical Records Open House on November 4. To the left of Dr. Alaigh is William O'Byrne, executive director of the Regional Extension Center of the New Jersey Institute of Technology. |
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Dr. Poonam Alaign, Commissioner DOH and John Gribbin, president and CEO, CentraState Healthcare System and Betsy Ryan, President & CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association photoed at a flu clinic aimed at vaccinating health care workers. The clinic took place on November 1, at CentraState Hospital in Freehold New Jersey. |
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The Women and AIDS Network is a vital partner in the statewide effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through outreach, education and routine HIV testing of women, especially pregnant women, Commissioner Alaigh told the Network's "Confronting the Crisis: Women and HIV" conference that proper care of HIV-positive pregnant women has dramatically reduced the number of children exposed to HIV. |
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Commissioner Alaigh discusses the important role public health professionals play in protecting and promoting the health of New Jersey's residents. |
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Dr. Poonam Alaigh visited the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center in Basking Ridge to highlight the importance of getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of flu, colds and respiratory illnesses. During her visit Dr. Alaigh spoke to seniors about how the flu is spread and how critical vaccination is to staying healthy. |
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New Jersey is taking necessary steps to prepare for the successful implementation of federal health care reform in the state. Commissioner Alaigh described Governor Christie's and the Department's initiatives, including efforts to help New Jersey attract and retain a strong physician work force. |
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Dr. Alaigh recently joined Ronald Rak, President and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System (pictured far left), when he announced that Saint Peter’s University Hospital will now serve as a Regional Medical Campus for Drexel University College of Medicine. This new partnership aims to attract students who will ultimately practice medicine in New Jersey, strengthening and growing our state’s physician workforce. Pictured far right is Syad Hamad Mirzan, a Drexel medical student at Saint Peter’s who is a resident of New Jersey. |
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DOH Commissioner Poonam Alaigh and Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari (both on the far left) pictured with Ocean County seniors who have completed the County's HealthEASE wellness program. Commissioner Alaigh presented the HealthEASE Wellness Coalition with a proclamation from Governor Chris Christie congratulating the Coalition on the 6th Anniversary of the HealthEase program. |
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In celebrating Minority and Multicultural Health Month, Commissioner Alaigh (center), SKN Foundation Founder Dr. Naveen Mehrotra (second from left, top) joined with The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) Director Dr. Robert DiPaola, (third from left), to deliver preventive health education messages to the South Asian community during a special dance event. Cancer survivor, Rohit Baxi (far left) of the Satrangi School of Fusion, led more than 100 children in interpretive dance that depicted one’s journey with cancer. |
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New Jersey's teaching hospitals play a vital role in ensuring access to health care for all residents, Commissioner Alaigh told the Council. She also discussed the important role of health information technology in helping providers deliver the best possible quality of patient care. |
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Commissioner Poonam Alaigh points to a healthy eating food pyramid at East Orange Hospital's Family Health Fair. The event was held on September 18 to celebrate Minority and Multicultural Health Month. |
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Commissioner Poonam Alaigh pictured with Jay Jimenez, Vice President of Government Affairs, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; Mathieu Nelessen, Executive Director, NJ American Diabetes Association; and Thomas Spiesman, Esq., Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, PC & Community Leadership Board Chairman, NJ American Diabetes Association. The photo was taken Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the 2010 American Diabetes Association 2010 Rainbow Gala, at Castle and Skylands Manor in Ringwood, NJ. |
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Commissioner Alaigh (third from right) joins Dean Rene John (left) of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at the Trenton church's Healthier Heart Farmer's Market on September 9. Trinity is the newest member of DOH's Shaping NJ initiative to improve community health. Partners in the farmers market include Capital Health System at Mercer, St. Francis Medical Center, Horizon NJ Health, Trenton Health and Human Services, Mercer County Office on Aging and Dept. of Human Services, and Pineland Farms. |
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On September 1, Commissioner Alaigh kicked off Minority and Multicultural Health Month with the South Asian Total Healthcare Initiative (SATHI), a program at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to improve the delivery of culturally sensitive health care and information about total health for the South Asian community. Commissioner Alaigh is pictured here with Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, a founding member of SATHI. |
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| Department of Health P. O. Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 Our Locations |
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