CarePoint Health - Bayonne Medical Center
Bayonne, NJ (PRWEB) February 28, 2014
The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) and its Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey (HRET) have chosen CarePoint Health - Bayonne Medical Center’s Neighborhood Health Center as the recipient of the 2014 HRET Community Outreach Award for Improving Access and Quality of Care to Reduce Healthcare Disparities. The NJHA, based in Princeton, is the statewide advocate for its 108-member hospitals, its 300-plus post-acute members and the patients they serve. It recognizes organizations that identify community needs and implement programs to serve those needs.
The Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) is available to walk-in patients, regardless of geography, that have no medical insurance, and to those with charity care and Medicaid. Currently, adult patients age 18 and older are seen in the health center. In the near future, the NHC anticipates serving pediatric needs. Patients at the health center receive comprehensive primary and post acute follow-up care, blood work, vaccinations, immunizations and age-appropriate screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies, at no cost. They also receive routine follow-up care for chronic disease management including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Those who are unable to pay for medications receive 100 percent cost coverage from the center for any medications over $10.
In addition, the NHC has hired a social worker, dedicated to the NHC, to assist low income, insured, uninsured, and underinsured community members who face barriers to quality care. The NHC also provides coverage for patients who require educational consultations on diabetes education or nutrition counseling. The program partners with various cultural and religious organizations, local churches and Senior Community Centers, as well as the Bayonne Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy. The results of the program include a reduction of unnecessary ER visits by over 40%, reduction of avoidable admissions by over 60% and better overall health outcomes.
At a time of high state-wide unemployment and with many families often without adequate medical or prescription coverage, the mission of the Neighborhood Health Center has never been more important. Those without insurance are at a high risk of developing chronic disease and face rapid health deterioration due to the lack of follow-up care. The Neighborhood Health Center plays a vital role in maintaining the health and wellness of all members of the Bayonne community.
For more information about the Neighborhood Health Center, contact:
Allyson Miller
CarePoint Health
Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 201-858-5297
Fax: 973-646-5563
Email: AMiller(at)bayonnemedicalcenter(dot)org
About CarePoint Health
CarePoint Health is bringing quality, patient-focused healthcare to Hudson County. Combining the resources of three area hospitals — Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital in Jersey City, and Hoboken University Medical Center — CarePoint Health is a new approach to delivering healthcare that puts the patient front and center. With a focus on preventive medicine, disease management and healthcare education, CarePoint Health provides patients with 360 degrees of coordinated care, delivered by the area’s best and most dedicated doctors, nurses, hospitals and medical staff.