Hunterdon Health Foundation Receives Significant Grants to Bolster Community Health Initiatives

Hunterdon Health Foundation proudly announces the receipt of two significant grants. These grants will provide crucial support for vital community health programs. A $10,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation will benefit the Healthy Harvest Rx program, while a $12,000 grant from Solventum will support the Community Care Liaison program. These contributions underscore a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents of the greater Hunterdon County region.

The Healthy Harvest Rx program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, addresses food insecurity and chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes and obesity, within the Hunterdon Health patient population. This innovative program provides free healthy food, comprehensive nutrition education, and strategies for healthy living to approximately 85 individuals annually. By partnering with America’s Grow-a-Row, a non-profit farm, and local retail supermarkets, the program ensures access to fresh produce year-round. Outcomes are rigorously evaluated through changes in health metrics and participant surveys, demonstrating increased fruit and vegetable consumption and improved health indicators like weight and blood sugar levels. Participants also report enhanced knowledge about healthy eating and food preparation.

The Community Care Liaison program, funded by Solventum, focuses on breaking down barriers to healthcare access for individuals facing significant challenges. Through the dedicated work of Community Health Workers (CHWs), the program conducts outreach and disseminates crucial health education throughout the community. Recent needs assessments highlighted transportation, lack of awareness of services, language and cultural barriers, and the cost of care as major impediments to healthcare access. The bilingual CHWs assist individuals in navigating the healthcare system by scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, connecting them to community resources, and helping them find primary care or specialist physicians. The program aims to attend at least 50 community events, outreach to 7,000 individuals, and assist 400 patients with healthcare navigation annually, significantly increasing access to preventive healthcare services and promoting healthy lifestyles.

"We are incredibly grateful to the TD Charitable Foundation and Solventum for their generous support," said Kim Blanda, Hunterdon Health Director, Community Relations. "These grants are instrumental in allowing us to continue and expand two of our most impactful community health initiatives. The Healthy Harvest Rx program directly addresses food insecurity and its health consequences, while the Community Care Liaison program ensures that our most vulnerable residents can access the care and information they need. Together, these programs are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families in our neighborhoods."

The Hunterdon Health Foundation remains committed to securing ongoing funding to sustain and grow these essential programs, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Pictured above left to right: Bonnie Petrauskas, Chronic Disease Coalition Coordinator, Claudia Shore, Registered Dietitian, ShopRite, Rachel Schilp, Cedar Crest College Intern, Janet Acosta-Hobschaidt, MPH, CHES, Project Coordinator, NJCEED.