Amid Pandemic, Hospitals and Communities Support Each Other

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities served by Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey did not hesitate to provide support, donating food and personal protective equipment to the organization and its front-line workers.

Since the pandemic began, local food banks have experienced a 40% increase in demand. To support their efforts and “return the favor” to the communities, Hackensack Meridian Health hosted a networkwide food drive in 13 different locations in early June during Community Health Improvement Week. The health care organization partnered with food banks throughout New Jersey that will give the goods collected to communities in need.

In addition, Hackensack Meridian Health's Community Outreach Department is partnering with the Healthy Plainfield Coalition to assist in packing backpacks for the Family Success Center in Plainfield. These backpacks will be distributed to children in need that attend Plainfield schools.

The Hackensack Meridian Health website has its own “Updates from the Front Line” page with photos and videos shared by teams across its network – all working 24/7 to fight COVID-19 and care for community members.