Hackensack Meridian Health Launches ‘Your Health On The Move’ to Bring Free, Convenient Health Screenings to Communities Across New Jersey

Two State-of-the-Art Mobile Health Vans, Funded by the legacy of Janice Mitchell-Vassar, Will Offer Prevention and Wellness Services in Underserved Areas

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most integrated health care network, and home to New York New Jersey metro area’s and the nation’s top-ranked hospital, is expanding access to lifesaving screenings, launching Your Health On The Move, a new community health initiative designed to improve access to care across the state. Starting this month, two state-of-the-art mobile screening centers are traveling from Bergen to Ocean counties, providing free preventative health screenings and wellness services directly to residents in their neighborhoods, with a focus on reaching underserved populations.

“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we know that increased access to health care has never been more important. Preventative services like the ones we are offering through our Your Health On The Move wellness vans are key to managing chronic conditions and improving health outcomes, ” said Patrick Young, Hackensack Meridian Health president of Population Health. “Too many people do not have a primary care doctor and miss out on regular health screenings. Our health care professionals are thrilled to be able to bridge gaps in care by bringing our team of experts into communities across New Jersey, giving everyone the ability to get important information about their health.”

The mobile wellness offices will be stationed at accessible locations such as supermarkets, community resource centers, homeless shelters, food pantries and local community events. No appointments are necessary for the services offered, which are designed to provide a crucial snapshot of an individual’s health. Screenings will include:

• Blood pressure screenings
• Glucose testing
• Visual acuity screening
• Memory and cognitive screening
• Overall health and cardiovascular assessment
• Individualized education and information about health resources and services

The program is funded through the generous legacy of Janice Mitchell-Vassar, a longtime supporter of Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health, who passed away in 2019 and left significant funding through her estate to support community health initiatives and programs for the visually impaired.

"The legacy of Mrs. Vassar continues to have a lasting impact on her beloved community. She was a passionate advocate for accessible health care, particularly vision screenings for those in need," says Mrs. Vassar's attorney, Janice Miller, Esq. "Having her name on the new community outreach vans is a truly special tribute that will continue her important work.”

The health and wellness vans are just one of the many ways Hackensack Meridian Health is expanding access to quality health care, including the opening of health and wellness centers throughout the state, hosting other community health events and a Hospital From Home program, just to name a few.

The vans have a schedule of visits to community centers, churches, senior centers and more. For a list of locations, visit this website.

More information about the Your Health On The Move vans can be found here. Additional photos of the vans can be found here, courtesy of Hackensack Meridian Health.