Six winners from Jefferson Health – New Jersey were recently named at its first-ever “Giving Tank” competition during the Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey Gala last week at Borgata Hotel & Resort in Atlantic City.
More than 30 Jefferson NJ employees submitted proposals that would either help improve their work, benefit patients or enhance well-being. Six awards — ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 and totaling up to $275,000 — were granted in categories that included: clinical, spaces and wellness.
Twelve finalists presented their ideas before a panel of judges at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital the week prior, and the winners were announced at the gala, Jefferson NJ’s largest annual fundraising event.
The winning proposals will fund various projects in service lines ranging from behavioral health and cancer care to Jefferson NJ’s LGBTQ+ affirming medical practice.
Grants were also awarded for several educational efforts: training community members to become doulas to help improve the birth experience for patients; training Advance Practice Providers through a simulation lab; and enabling 25 clinical nurses to attend a national conference.
One $100,000 grant was awarded for:
- Behavioral health facilities furniture upgrades throughout Jefferson Health – New Jersey facilities to purchase safe, durable, purpose-built furniture to provide a therapeutic environment to aid in improving patient outcomes. Presenting this proposal was Behavioral Health Nurse Director Lynn Ives.
Two $50,000 grants were awarded for:
- An Advanced Practice Provider Procedure Pathway Program to purchase training equipment for simulation laboratory-based learning for APPs (physician assistants or nurse practitioners). Presenting this award were Danielle Trotter and Kiersten LeBar.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Transportation Fund to remove transportation barriers to ensure patients receive consistent critical cancer treatments. Presenting this proposal were Michele Gaguski, Shelley Fralinger and Abigale Hassel.
Three $25,000 grants were awarded for:
- The establishment of a Community Doula Program to provide support during pregnancy and ensure equity in birth outcomes. Presenting this proposal was Marilyn Mapp, director of Women’s & Children’s Services and chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.
- 25 Nursing Conference Scholarships to provide education to nurses on the newest evidence-based practices that ensure a continuum of high-quality nursing care. Presenting this proposal were Susan Fisher and Elizabeth Zwillinger.
- An LGBTQ+ Patient Assistance Fund to ensure access to care and services despite limited insurance coverage or financial means. Presenting this proposal were Samuel Samsel and Denine Gorniak.
