Barnabas Health Joins Spirit of Women

Barnabas Health facilities in Monmouth and Ocean County have joined forces with Spirit of Women™, an elite coalition of American hospitals and health care providers that ascribes to high standards of excellence in women’s health, education and community outreach.

Through its exclusive partnership with Spirit of Women, Barnabas Health’s southern region hospitals, including Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Community Medical Center in Toms River and Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood will expand their already wide array of health education activities, including health screenings, workshops, mentoring opportunities and support groups that will reach women in all stages of their lives. 

“This exciting program will help solidify the southern tier of Barnabas Health as the regional leader in women’s health,” says Frank J. Vozos, M.D., FACS, president and chief executive officer of Monmouth Medical Center.  “Because women make up to 85 percent of household health care decisions, the educational and motivational Spirit of Women efforts are expected to positively impact the well-being of the entire family and community as a whole.” 

“Our goal is to bring community awareness about the unique health issues that impact women  and improve the health of women and their families through innovative, educational community outreach,” said Stephanie L. Bloom, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Medical Center.  “The program, especially designed to meet women’s needs, highlights critical areas, including heart disease – the number one killer of women – as well as osteoporosis, breast health, cancer, geriatric health, sleep disorders, pregnancy, gynecological health, diabetes, weight management and more.”

Kimball, Community and Monmouth Medical Centers are also participating in HeartCaring®, a specialty program offered by Spirit of Women™ that was developed in partnership with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.  Through this partnership, Monmouth Medical Center is presenting its Heartfelt Thanks Community Health Fair - a free Heartcaring event to provide a heartfelt thanks to the community for its support of the Roll Out the Ribbons - on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Health screenings, entertainment, dance instruction, refreshments and giveaways will be featured. 

Also taking place on February 15 at Ocean County Mall (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Monmouth County Mall (from noon to 4 p.m.) is “Day of Dance.” The event will feature several dance groups that will perform to encourage people to move. Screening and health information will be available as well. 

Additionally, the annual Spirit of Women Awards program will offer the opportunity to recognize residents who exemplify Spirit in their community by balancing life’s many demands, while still finding time to make a difference in the lives of others.

To learn more about Spirit of Women or HeartCaring programs and services, visit www.barnabashealth.org/spirit or call 1.888.724.7123.

About Spirit of Women
The Spirit of Women Hospital Network is a national coalition that inspires health and wellness on a local level by leveraging national resources. Hospitals and healthcare facilities in more than 85 U.S. communities create the core through which Spirit of Women reaches women and seeks to inspire access and action for better national health.  Utilizing a variety of means, including educational events, national awards and promotion of research, Spirit of Women addresses health topics such as menopause, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, healthy pregnancy and many others.  Visit www.spiritofwomen.com for more information.

About Barnabas Health
Barnabas Health is the largest not-for-profit integrated health care delivery system in New Jersey and one of the largest in the nation, with more than two million patient visits and delivery of more than 17,600 babies annually. The system includes six acute care hospitals, two children’s hospitals, a freestanding behavioral health center, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, pharmacy services, a medical group and three accountable care organizations. As the second-largest private employer in New Jersey, Barnabas Health includes 18,200 employees and 4,600 physicians – or one-fifth of the actively practicing physicians in New Jersey. Barnabas Health is a proud founding partner of the 2014 Special Olympics, which will take place in New Jersey June 14 to 21.  For more information, visit www.BarnabasHealth.org.