COUNTY — The Union County Board of County Commissioners recognized the team at Trinitas Regional Medical Center last week for their efforts to bring “hospital-level healthcare” to local residents in need through the State’s first Street Medicine program.
“We are honored to recognize the innovative work being led through this program and the commitment of Health Care Professionals who continue finding new ways to expand access to care and improve outcomes for those in need,” Chairman Joseph Bodek said, speaking during a regular meeting of the Commissioner Board on Thursday.
Commissioners Lourdes Leon and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Bodek in presenting a laudatory resolution to Dr. Edward Egan, the program’s Director, and representatives from Trinitas Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health including President Chief Executive Officer Dr Nancy DeLegro and Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Dr. Maria Garcia.
“This is for the community. This award belongs to the community, and the work we do is so widely important. It’s not just about the medicine, it is about connecting to our community and neighbors who don’t always have homes,” Egan said, thanking the Board.
Other Resolutions on last week’s agenda brought up questions from the public. Garwood Resident Bruce Patterson questioned the Board on the funding of a new playground at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. Resolution 438 states that the project was awarded a proposed contract that will not exceed $2,378,919.75. Patterson questioned what specifically will go into this project. County Manager Edward Oatman explained that it will go towards a playground, shade areas, bathrooms, and lockers.
Patterson also questioned Resolution 440, which describes the purchase of two ambulances from VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists for $599,608.00. Patterson referenced the State’s cooperative purchasing agreement through OMNIA Partners to two companies Farber Specialty Vehicles and LDV Corporation, which allows agencies to buy ambulances, emergency vehicles. “Did anybody look into that co-op to see if they could save money?” Patterson asked.
Oatman confirmed that the co-op was checked and the price provided was the lowest bided price.
Oatman also responded to multiple questions about a potential $5.1 million increase to an existing shared services agreement between the County and the Union County Vocational Technical Schools to offset rising healthcare costs. The additional funding, Oatman said, will be sourced through State grants and tuition rather than by the County or its taxpayers.
Palmieri-Mouded encouraged young women, specifically those between the ages of 18 and 23, to sign up for two free self-defense classes offered by the County. The classes are in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and will be hosted on Wednesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains. “These classes titled: ‘Empower and Protect College- Bound Self-Defense Essentials for Women’ are designed to help young women build confidence, increase situational awareness, and learn practical self-defense techniques as they prepare for college travel internships and greater independence,” Palmieri-Mouded reported. Sign ups can be located on the ucnj.org/women website.
Commissioner James Baker also announced that there will be a watch party for the final match of the Fifa World Cup on July 19 from 2-6 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park. There will be games, a beer garden, and more.
Commissioner Alexander Mirabella invited all residents to enjoy this Summer’s Union County Arts Festival. The Festival features a series of free outdoor concerts at Oak Ridge Park and Echo Lake Park throughout July and August. More information can be found at ucnj.org.
