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Health Care Advocates Find Unity At Networking Event In Newark: 'All Of Us, Together'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 8:06 GMT by Patch
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Health‑Care Advocates Unite in Newark at “All Us Together” Networking Event

Newark, NJ – On Thursday night, a quiet gathering in the heart of Newark’s downtown turned into a powerful reminder that, even amid the many challenges facing the city’s health‑care system, community leaders, clinicians, and advocates can find common ground and a shared vision for the future. The “All Us Together” event, hosted by the Newark Health Equity Alliance (NHEA) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health and a coalition of local non‑profits, drew more than 200 participants to a downtown conference room at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The evening’s conversations, panels, and networking opportunities offered a roadmap for addressing the systemic disparities that plague Newark’s residents and the wider New Jersey population.

A Moment of Unity

The evening began with a modest opening ceremony, after which the event’s co‑hosts—Dr. Maya Patel, a public‑health professor at Rutgers University–Newark, and Maria Gonzales, executive director of the Newark Health Coalition—each shared a short speech. Dr. Patel emphasized the importance of data‑driven solutions, noting that the city’s health‑care disparities are rooted in a “complex web of socioeconomic, racial, and structural factors.” Gonzales countered with a heartfelt story about a young mother in the Ironbound neighborhood who struggled to find a primary‑care provider that accepted her Medicaid benefits. The dual messages set the tone for a night focused on collaborative problem‑solving rather than finger‑pointing.

“We’re not just talking about health care; we’re talking about health equity,” Gonzales said, “and that starts with all of us—doctors, nurses, patients, city officials—working together.” The phrase would become a recurring refrain throughout the evening.

Who Came Together

The attendees represented an eclectic mix of stakeholders:

This cross‑sector representation underscored the event’s core message: no single entity can solve Newark’s health challenges alone.

Panel Discussions and Breakout Sessions

After the opening remarks, the evening unfolded into a series of three panels, each followed by a breakout discussion. The panels were moderated by Dr. Patel, who guided the conversation with a balanced mix of data analysis, personal anecdotes, and forward‑thinking strategies.

1. “Bridging the Access Gap” – Focused on transportation, health‑insurance enrollment, and the role of community health workers. Key takeaway: “Mobile clinics can serve as first‑line outreach points in underserved neighborhoods,” suggested Dr. Ortiz, citing a recent pilot program that brought a health van to the Irvington area.

2. “Health Literacy in a Digital Age” – Highlighted disparities in telehealth usage and digital literacy. Maria Gonzales urged local libraries to become “telehealth hubs,” offering Wi‑Fi and in‑person tech support. The panel also noted the success of a recent “Digital Health Literacy” grant funded by the New Jersey Health Department.

3. “Mental Health & Social Determinants” – An emotionally charged session that addressed the stigma surrounding mental health services and how socioeconomic factors drive mental‑health disparities. Reverend Brooks shared stories of how faith communities are becoming safe spaces for mental‑health support. The panel concluded with a call for a “Mental‑Health Equity Task Force” co‑led by the Department of Health and local churches.

Following the panels, breakout rooms—each with a facilitator from one of the partner organizations—allowed participants to drill down into actionable plans. Notable outputs from these sessions included:

• A partnership agreement between the Newark Department of Health and the Newark Health Coalition to conduct a city‑wide health‑literacy survey.
• An initiative to recruit and train 30 community health workers in the Newark‑Jersey City corridor over the next 12 months.
• A memorandum of understanding between St. Mary’s Church and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to host free health‑screening events during the summer.

Data and Real‑World Impact

The evening was underpinned by data that shed light on the stark realities faced by Newark’s residents. The NHEA’s latest report, released on the same day, highlighted:

• Disproportionate Hospitalization Rates – Newark residents are hospitalized for heart disease and diabetes at 25% higher rates than the state average.
• Insurance Coverage Gaps – Over 20% of residents under 65 lack insurance, a figure that has stagnated in the last decade.
• Mental‑Health Service Utilization – Only 18% of adults with a diagnosed mental‑health condition in Newark have accessed professional treatment, compared to 34% statewide.

“These numbers are not just statistics; they’re the pulse of our city,” said Dr. Lee in his closing remarks. “The challenge is translating them into policy and practice.”

The event’s digital companion, hosted on the Newark Health Equity Alliance website (nhealliance.org/all-us-together), offers a downloadable white‑paper that distills the event’s findings and outlines a 12‑month action plan. The white paper includes a Gantt chart, budget estimates, and suggested metrics for measuring success.

Looking Forward: Concrete Steps and Long‑Term Vision

While the evening concluded with optimism, the participants agreed that meaningful change requires sustained effort and political will. The “All Us Together” coalition set forth a four‑step roadmap:

1. Data‑Driven Community Health Needs Assessment – Completed by the end of Q3 2025, leveraging the city’s health‑information exchange.
2. Policy Advocacy for Expanded Medicaid Reimbursement – Targeting a 30% increase in reimbursement rates for community‑based clinics by 2026.
3. Telehealth Infrastructure Expansion – Securing $2 million in state and federal grants to upgrade broadband access in underserved neighborhoods.
4. Community‑Led Health Equity Task Force – Convening quarterly, comprising representatives from all stakeholder groups.

The coalition also announced a partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to host a “Health in the Arts” festival next summer, blending music, food, and health education to engage families and youth.

A Resounding Call to Action

“Health equity is a collective endeavor,” Dr. Patel summed up, “and the success of this evening shows that when we bring our differences to the table, we can create solutions that resonate across all of Newark.” Her words echoed through the packed room as participants exchanged business cards, laughed, and shared stories.

The “All Us Together” networking event served as a microcosm of what Newark’s future could look like: collaborative, data‑driven, and deeply rooted in the lived experiences of its residents. While challenges remain—particularly in funding and policy reform—the sense of unity and shared purpose is an encouraging first step toward a healthier Newark for all.