Project Independence
Project Independence, designed to help patients who fall behind on their bills through catastrophic crises, has been described as a saving grace during their darkest time by one recipient of the one-time grant. Established and sustained by the William E. Simon Foundation, charitable giving has allowed this relief fund, unique to Morristown Medical Center, to help 63 patients last year with mortgage bills, medical expenses, transportation costs and managing food insecurity. A total of 2,580 patients have received assistance since the start of the program. The continued success of the program was made possible in part by $1 million in funding from a new board-designated endowment in 2023.
Soothing Paws® Program for Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)
Studies prove that time spent with animals can decrease depression, lower blood pressure and ease anxiety. Through philanthropy, Morristown Medical Center has trained more than 80 pet therapy teams; each team includes a volunteer and their pet. These teams average more than 30,000 visits annually. Funds help to facilitate volunteer training programs, an annual conference, expenses associated with each pet visit and special events throughout the year.
Dental Treatment Access Fund
In 2023, a significant grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, Inc., provided access to dental care for approximately 750 underserved children, seniors and those with developmental disabilities at Morristown Medical Center.
Pastoral Care Fund
Comforting patients and their families during a crisis is pivotal to healing and central to patient-centric care. Thanks to donor contributions, the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Morristown Medical Center continually adds to this important team and trains pastoral interns and residents on providing spiritual care to patients and their loved ones during their most stressful moments in the hospital.
Community Health Worker in Social Determinants of Health
Nearly 80 percent of our health is influenced by factors outside a doctor’s office, including access to nutritious food, safe housing, financial stability, insurance and transportation. That is why Morristown Medical Center focuses on connecting clinical, behavioral and social services across the health care continuum to produce excellent health outcomes, improve the patient experience and lower the total cost of care. Community Health Workers are an important part of this effort and are trained lay people and natural helpers who meet with at-risk patients in their communities to provide at-the-elbow support, including health system navigation, disease management education, action plan development with achievable goals and linkages to affordable housing, nutritious food and employment. The Tepper Foundation continues to support at-risk communities served by Morristown Medical Center through funding for this important position.
Memorial Gifts
On September 7, 2023, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center hosted the Memorial Wall Dedication on Rooke Family Plaza, an event celebrating the lives and legacies of loved ones. The Memorial Wall was created in 2014 and pays tribute to more than 100 individuals annually.
The evening featured a presentation of the names memorialized on the wall and remarks by Robert Tafaro, chair of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board of Trustees, Brandee Fetherman, chief nursing officer for Morristown Medical Center, Caroline Unzaga, manager of Spiritual Care for Morristown Medical Center and Jennifer Smith, chief philanthropy officer for the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center. Attendees also enjoyed a heartfelt performance by vocalist, Madelyn Pasuit from the Mayo Chorus.