More than 200 community members and legislators joined in a rally Oct. 8 to demonstrate their support for keeping Heights University Hospital open.
The event was held at 11 a.m. outside Heights University Hospital, bringing together residents, employees, and local leaders to “Save Our Hospital.” Hudson Regional Health, which operates Heights University Hospital, said it is working with its partners to ensure that health-care access in Jersey City is preserved.
Among those who spoke at the rally were state Sen. Raj Mukahji, Assemblyman John Allen, Brianna Menell from the county executive’s office, state Sen. Angela McKnight, and former Gov. Jim McGreevey, as well as other community leaders and longtime employees of the hospital
Mukahji and Allen, along with state senators Brian Stack and Angela McKnight, introduced the proposal for a $25 million appropriation to stabilize Heights University Hospital last week.
“We are heartened by the outpouring of support for Heights University Hospital,” said Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, president and CEO of Hudson Regional Health. “This rally underscores how deeply this hospital matters to the community, our patients, and our employees. Together with our legislators, we are working to keep Heights open and strong.”
Since taking ownership last year, Hudson Regional Health has invested nearly $300 million across its network, including major upgrades in technology, new clinical equipment, facility improvements, and expanded service lines aimed at strengthening the network’s ability to deliver care close to home.
Despite these efforts, Heights University Hospital has experienced significant financial challenges, including $60 million in operating losses in 2025. To stabilize the hospital, legislators have proposed a $25 million appropriation as part of a broader effort to ensure Heights University Hospital can continue serving patients. Without this funding, Heights University Hospital faces the possibility of closure.
“Our hospital must stay open. Closure is not an option, and we at Hudson County will not accept that. We join the healthcare workers at Heights Hospital in calling on the Governor to fund the hospital to ensure it can continue to provide quality healthcare to the residents of Jersey City and Hudson County. For decades, this hospital has been a lifeline for countless of residents — including seniors, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. Access to local healthcare is a necessity, and as Chair of the County Commissioners, we are all committed to ensuring it is preserved for generations to come,” said Anthony Romano, Chairman of the Hudson County Board of Commissioners
Hudson Regional Health operates four acute care facilities: Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, Bayonne Medical Center, Hoboken University Medical Center and Heights University Hospital in Jersey City.
