The N.J. Department of Health and Rowan University have entered into an agreement to expand and enhance psychiatric care at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital – a partnership that will strengthen mental health services in South Jersey and bring academic medicine into one of the state’s key behavioral health facilities.
Beginning this month, physicians from Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine’s department of psychiatry will join the medical staff at the 515-bed facility in Hammonton, addressing a critical need for psychiatric care in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, Rowan-Virtua SOM will supply up to six psychiatrists to the hospital, significantly expanding Ancora’s capacity to provide specialized psychiatric care while incorporating modern, evidence-based practices.
The integration of academic medicine into state psychiatric care represents a significant advancement, combining clinical expertise with the latest research developments, officials at the DOH and Rowan said.
Officials said this approach has been shown to improve patient outcomes while creating valuable training opportunities in psychiatry.
“As we work to address the mental health challenges facing our communities, this partnership represents an important step forward,” Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston said. “By combining Rowan’s academic resources with Ancora’s specialized care, we’re bolstering a vital safety net for New Jersey families when they need it most.”
As one of New Jersey’s four state psychiatric hospitals, Ancora provides comprehensive treatment with a focus on helping patients regain independence and move toward returning to their communities.
According to CEO Christopher Morrison, the hospital’s specialized units serve various needs: psychiatric treatment, support for people with both mental illness and substance use disorders, and various co-morbidities of medical and psychiatric care.
“This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for mental health care in South Jersey,” he said. “By partnering with Rowan, we’re not just addressing immediate staffing needs – we’re creating opportunities to enhance the quality of care while building a stronger pipeline of psychiatric professionals dedicated to serving our community.”
Rowan University President Ali Houshmand emphasized the importance of the agreement in boosting the University’s overall impact on health care in the state and region.
“This collaboration exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking partnerships that enable us to address urgent community needs,” he said. “By working closely with our partners at Ancora, we will foster a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and improve care for the individuals and families who depend on these vital services.”
Richard Jermyn, Dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, said the agreement reinforcing the mission of caring for the most vulnerable populations and train the next generation of health care professionals.
“It underscores our commitment to advancing both patient care and medical education, ensuring the highest standards of psychiatric care are accessible to those who need it most,” he said.
