Hackensack Meridian Health Nurses Launch New Pilot Program with American Red Cross
February 25, 2020
Led by its nursing team, Hackensack Meridian Health today formally launched a new, first-in-the-northeast pilot program with the American Red Cross during a volunteer event held at Riverview Medical Center. This pilot program focuses exclusively on providing nurses with the opportunity to volunteer with the Red Cross in their communities.
“This pilot program of the American Red Cross recognizes that, as a profession, nurses are uniquely able to help improve their communities beyond the traditional health care setting. We are excited to pilot this initiative with Hackensack Meridian Health and its dedicated nursing team,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region.
The volunteer event held today formally kicked off this new pilot program and provided nurses from Hackensack Meridian Health’s central region an opportunity to sign cards for veterans and assemble comfort kits for those in need after disasters. The well-attended event included nurses from JFK Medical Center in Edison, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy and Old Bridge, and Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel. Theresa M. Brodrick, RN, Ph.D., NE-BC, who serves as executive vice president and network chief nurse executive also attended.
“Collaboration and caring for our communities are key tenets of our nursing practice at Hackensack Meridian Health,” Dr. Brodrick said. “We are thrilled that our nursing team is leading the way on this important effort and we look forward to a rewarding and impactful partnership with the American Red Cross as they continue their incredible work to help prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.”
The American Red Cross partnership represents one element of a year-long effort Hackensack Meridian Health is undertaking to engage and highlight its more than 8,000 nurses in recognition of the World Health Organization’s designation of 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife.”