SUMMER 2021 FALL 2020
NEWS FROM ENGLEWOOD HEALTH FOUNDATION
building Healthier Communities Philanthropy Broadens Access to Englewood Health Physicians
FEATURES
LEADING WITH VISION 02 Happenings
04 08 10 12 14 16
Rock-solid Supporters Making an Impact
Cover Story
Constructing the Next Era in Healthcare
The Sit Down
Tina Mousouroulis, Executive Director for Compliance and Corporate Affairs, ZT Systems
Faces of Philanthropy
Josh Albom and James Gabriele, Sr.
Know the Pros
New Docs on the Block: Agustin Diaz, MD, Peter Kaye, MD, and Jennifer Wellings, MD
The Breakfast Club Celebrates 10 Years
Q&A with Stephen Brunnquell, MD President, Englewood Health Physician Network
*Englewood Health Foundation maintains strict safety protocols in response to COVID-19. All photography for this issue of Connections adhered to strict social distance guidelines.
CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2021 EDITORIAL STAFF Debra Albanese
Executive Vice President 201.894.3497 debra.albanese@ehmchealth.org
Sandra Sgambati
Director of Development and Communications 201.894.3386 sandra.sgambati@ehmchealth.org
Englewood Health has delivered the highest quality healthcare to the community for more than 130 years. Established in 1995 as a separate 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, Englewood Health Foundation raises private funds to further Englewood Health’s vision to become the regional leader in providing state-of-the-art compassionate care to the community it serves.
HEADS UP … EYES STRAIGHT AHEAD Believe it or not, once upon a time, I was a basketball coach. Granted, it was for my son’s recreational program. I was determined that our team would dribble while keeping heads up and eyes straight ahead. After all, it is the only way to make sure the ball goes in the basket. The global pandemic brought trying days to our doorstep. Englewood Health cared for thousands of patients, around the clock with little to no respite. Throughout it all, our team kept dribbling with sights firmly set on our end game – a 10-year Strategic Plan that positions Englewood Health as the premier regional provider of world-class healthcare. At the core of our Strategic Plan is a growing network of Englewood Health physicians and an aggressive recruitment strategy is in place to maintain the highest caliber of talent. Advanced technologies streamline the delivery of care and result in greater patient outcomes and experiences. For all these reasons and more, it is truly an exciting time at Englewood Health. Walt Disney said, “You can design, create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” You, our supporters, are helping make it all possible. Our collective and bold vision is unwavering. We are always in the game, heads up and eyes straight ahead. With your help and continued investment, we will meet the changing needs of our community and make families stronger and healthier. Debra Albanese
Executive Vice President Englewood Health Foundation
HAPPENINGS There is always something happening here at Englewood Health thanks to the inspiring generosity of our rock-solid supporters. Every day, their commitment helps advance our mission to build stronger, healthier communities. We remain so very grateful.
It was a beautiful spring day when our friends from Investors Bank stopped by to present a check to the Englewood Health Foundation. Their generosity will benefit the Food Insecurity Response Initiative to support patients who lack access to healthy and nutritious food.
Yellow Wagon Landscaping co-owners John Freitag, Allyson M. Jarecky-Freitag and Andrew Lala served up a little bit of spring and a whole lot of smiles with their donation of 500 potted pansies to hospital staff.
2 Englewood Health Foundation
The Englewood Health team was delighted with these sweet chocolate treats donated by Euro-American Brands and longtime benefactors Tami and Brian Targovnik and Dite Van Clief and Andrea Barash.
A great big thank you to Rebecca, a former Englewood Health NICU patient. Using her Bat Mitzvah gifts, she donated copies of the book Goodnight Moon for parents to read to their newborn babies.
Meet Zach! In honor of his Bar Mitzvah and in recognition of the hardworking Englewood Health team, this inspiring young man made a donation to the Foundation’s Power to Prepare Fund.
Summer 2021 3
CONSTRUCTING
Next Era of Healthcare the
If You Build It, They Will Come.
It is a famous line from the 1989 movie Field of Dreams where Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who follows his vision to build a baseball diamond in a corn field. This well-known phrase is a strong reminder of all that can be achieved when embracing a passion for progress and focusing on delivering value to the community.
4 Englewood Health Foundation
BLUEPRINT TO BROADER ACCESS
Founded over 130 years ago as a single-site hospital, Englewood Health today is a robust health system, serving more than two million patients annually in six counties and two states. Credited for award-winning and innovative care, Englewood Health’s strong reputation draws more and more patients each day from across the region. Meeting this demand requires expanding the reach of comprehensive healthcare – beyond the hospital campus – to include preventative care and diagnostics, chronic disease management, community wellness and education programs, and stigma-free behavioral health services. Englewood Health Senior Vice President of Planning and Program Development Michael Pietrowicz says meeting these objectives is the result of careful planning and design. “Serving as our blueprint is The Englewood Health Strategic Plan. It was created in response to the community needs assessment, which identifies the region’s evolving health requirements. With it in mind, we look closely at our growing network of physicians, their office locations and the unique demographics of the communities to ensure we build the right operations and infrastructure.”
ON THE DRAFTING TABLE
Construction plans are currently underway for the Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center at 2 Journal Square in Jersey City. This 75,000-square-foot signature medical complex will be the health system’s largest investment in Hudson County and philanthropy is playing a major role. A historic $4 million pledge to the Englewood Health Foundation from Secaucus-based ZT Systems and its CEO Frank Zhang will help deliver clinical care, essential services and diagnostic screenings closer to the doorsteps of Hudson County families. “In addition to a very large patient community, we have several well-established providers in
Hudson County, and particularly in Jersey City, who have sought to be a part of our network for quite some time,” shares Michael. “Now we can bring them on as Englewood Health physician partners by relocating their practices to a state-of-the-art facility with all the services they need to support their patients’ care.” It is a model that has already proven successful for the health system. In 2019, the Englewood Health Physician Network (EHPN) marked the grand opening of its first multispecialty practice, Englewood Health Physician Network – Cliffside Park, giving patients one-stop access to primary care and a broad range of specialists. Englewood Hospital Imaging at Fair Lawn opened earlier this year. It offers greater patient convenience to advanced diagnostic imaging, as well as comprehensive breast care services. Co-locating provider practices with support and diagnostic services streamlines care across the continuum and EHPN President Stephen Brunnquell, MD, considers this a benefit to his colleagues and moreover, a significant value to patients. “It is a game changer in improving patient outcomes, especially in underserved communities like those where we are investing.” Fair Lawn resident and councilmember Gail Rottenstrich agrees. As a breast cancer survivor, Gail credits Englewood Health and her physician, V. Merle McIntosh, MD, for life-saving care that today allows her to remain active as a wife, mother and CEO of her family’s manufacturing company. She recently visited the breast center in Fair Lawn for an MRI. “I noticed something concerning and I was understandably worried but my experience at Fair Lawn was wonderful,” explains Gail who was given a clean bill of health and is grateful to have the convenience of these critical services. “I’d travel as far as necessary to receive Englewood Health’s quality care but knowing that the same standards of compassionate care are here, in my backyard, is peace of mind for me and I am sure many other patients.” Summer 2021 5
THE SOLID FOUNDATION
Enhancing the patient experience through coordination, convenience and efficiencies is built on the strong partnership between the health system and its high-caliber physicians. Access to primary care, as well as specialty and subspecialty physicians, is a top priority identified in the community needs assessment. Demand continues to grow alongside an aging population that faces more complex medical conditions. At the same time, the Association of American Medical Colleges is projecting a physician shortfall by 2033. Englewood Health is responding to these challenges with an aggressive investment in physician retention and recruitment.
6 Englewood Health Foundation
Beginning in 2011 with two multisite group practices, EHPN is now a physician-led network of over 500 multispecialty providers in over 100 locations throughout New Jersey and Rockland County, New York. It is this strong foundation of expertise that, with continued philanthropic commitment, attracts the best and brightest physician leaders. “Medical care is complex and it requires a significant and ongoing investment. At Englewood Health, we have a mission to provide as many patients as possible with the highest caliber clinical care,” explains Dr. Brunnquell. “Donor support allows us to draw the most sought-after physicians who know they will have the resources to do their job well.”
FUNCTION AND FORM
Bringing talented physicians closer to communities of need is especially important as data points to rising public health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 10 Americans has diabetes. By 2030, one in two Americans will be obese. Depression affects about 16 million U.S. adults every year. These conditions, while significant on their own, contribute to an increased risk of chronic disease, especially among underserved groups. Jersey City is an area with a large population of Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and Indian residents – demographics that carry a high-risk health profile for serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. By prioritizing access to an array of healthcare resources, Englewood Health empowers patients to become more active partners in their health
journey. The Diabetes Center planned for Journal Square is just one example. Here, in this one location, patients will access their primary care physician, endocrinologist, nutritional counseling, diabetic education, and resources for their annual foot and eye exams. This convenience allows for better disease management and improved well-being. Creating new delivery points, investing in revolutionary medical advancements and recruiting compassionate, talented doctors are possible thanks to philanthropic partners. To address the needs of growing and diverse communities with world-class healthcare, we must maintain a bold vision. Together, we will build it so that our families – and their future generations – will come to enjoy healthier tomorrows.
“The importance of high-quality, community-based care has never been greater. It is why we are investing significant resources to align with the emerging needs of the region by increasing access to preventative and critical care, recruiting the best medical professionals, developing new facilities and advancing technologies.” Warren Geller | President and CEO of Englewood Health
Englewood Health Physician Network – Cliffside Park Summer 2021 7
The
SIT T a DOWN n i with
s i l u o r u o s u o M
Tina Mousouroulis loves to travel. Whether a rustic countryside, a busy international city or tranquil seascape, she appreciates diverse cultures and the opportunity to connect with many different people. Although she spent decades visiting new places near and far for vacation and business, this New York mom says her heart belongs to this regional community. We sat down with Tina who serves as executive director for compliance and corporate affairs at ZT Systems in Secaucus at an exciting time. Just days earlier, the company made a historic pledge of $4 million to the Englewood Health Foundation. We asked her about the impact she hopes it will make. 8 Englewood Health Foundation
ZT Systems’ recent pledge is quite extraordinary. How does the company prioritize philanthropy?
Is that value a reason you choose to invest your time serving on the Englewood Health Foundation Board of Trustees?
Why this particular investment in Jersey City?
Why is that?
Putting people first is at the heart of our company mission. That means a strong focus on caring and connecting with the communities where we live and work. It comes right from the top with our CEO Frank Zhang and takes many shapes across our multiple locations. We want to lead by example and this pledge to Englewood Health is an amazing opportunity to help families in Hudson County. The current and projected growth in the area makes Jersey City the perfect location for this comprehensive care center. The population there is projected to increase by over 60 percent in the next five years. It is exciting to know that this 75,000-square-foot medical hub will allow a growing number of patients access to a multitude of quality healthcare resources – all under one roof. It is the future of healthcare and that forward thinking aligns with our company’s vision and values.
How so?
ZT Systems strives to be more than a designer and builder of computer hardware. Our goal is to provide pioneering solutions that power progress and improve lives. We see Englewood Health very much the same, leading through innovation, medical excellence and a defined culture of caring. Having been a patient at Englewood Health, I understand that value first-hand and why, even though I live in New York, I choose Englewood Health for my healthcare. Many of our employees do as well.
It sure is! Relatively new to the board, I am still getting acclimated, but I intend to sit on the strategic planning committee. There, I hope to lend my background in finance and charitable giving compliance to help advance the delivery of high-quality healthcare throughout the region. Pursuing equity and knowing that all families can have access to exceptional care is something I am passionate about, especially now. The pandemic reaffirmed the importance of preparedness and the impact doctors, nurses and frontline workers make on our lives. You can travel the world and not find the level of patient-focused care delivered here. Englewood Health truly is a world-class healthcare system thanks to an ongoing investment in clinical expertise, advanced technology and infrastructure. I am proud to help drive forward that philanthropic commitment.
summer this or that? > Lake or Ocean? Ocean
> Bike Riding or Mountain Climbing? Bike Riding
> Ice Cream or Watermelon? Ice Cream
> Hot Dog or Hamburger? Hamburger
> Good Books or Good Beats? Good Beats Summer 2021 9
P hilanthropy FACES of A SON’S PROMISE
Just a few years ago, Josh Albom and his wife, Sari, were expecting the birth of their first child. They were overjoyed. As the due date grew closer and the nursery began to take shape, their excitement was overshadowed by devastating news. Josh’s mom, Robyn, was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer. An only child, Josh recalls the strain and uncertainty of that time. “I worried about my mom. With little fight in her, she was angry, tired and hopeless. Nothing we said or did made a difference,” explains Josh. But someone was able to make an impact with Robyn – Englewood Health’s Heel the Soul program founder Joanne Ehrlich. “I arrived at my mom’s hospital room just after her visit with Joanne and there she was with a Heel the Soul comfort bag and a renewed spirit,”
recalls Josh. “I remember thinking, ‘thank goodness for this unexpected breakthrough.’ In that moment I made a promise to lend my support to this amazing program.” Last year, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the annual Heel the Soul event. With his mom as inspiration, Josh stepped up his support to assume the chair position for a fundraising campaign. “Englewood Health and this program saved my mother, so I know the impact first-hand. I was not going to allow anything – even a pandemic – to prevent us from raising money to help those who need us.” Josh and more than 100 generous supporters kicked it into high gear to raise over $134,000 in 2020 to benefit Heel the Soul.
B U I LT O N A F O U N D A T I O N T O C A R E James Gabriele, Sr. is a life-long Hudson County resident. It is a community he has loved and served for decades, beginning when he was just 16 years old as president of the Dynamites, a group of boys with a clubhouse on 12th Street in Hoboken and a mission to help neighbors. Even with these strong community roots, James chooses to make the 45-minute drive to Bergen County for his and his family’s healthcare. “Englewood Health has the best team of doctors and nurses. For all the advances in medicine, they still choose to connect with patients as individuals, treating you like a member of their own family,” says James. “That level of care is not found everywhere and it is a reason I choose to support the Englewood Health Foundation. I am so pleased the health system is opening a facility in my Hudson County community.” It is easy for James to recognize compassionate care because helping others has always been his gift. After marrying his “blue-eyed beauty queen,” Patricia, 57 years ago, James became involved in the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus, holding leadership roles over the years. In the 1980s, he decided to take a giant step in his desire to assist local senior residents by constructing two affordable housing buildings in Hoboken: Columbian Towers and Columbian Arms. 10 Englewood Health Foundation
Heel the Soul was launched at Englewood Health in 2015 with a mission to make a difference in the lives of women facing serious illness. Today, with the help of generous donors, the program has grown – delivering comfort, compassion and hope to thousands of men and women who are patients at Englewood Health. To learn more and to make a gift, visit EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org.
Josh Albom outside his office in Englewood Cliffs
Today, with four children and a grandson, the Gabrieles are retired and living in Jersey City. Their leadership-level giving continues through the Columbia Arms Foundation, which was established in 2019 with all proceeds from the sales of James’ real estate management company and building. “I had a very fulfilling career, met wonderful people and have an amazing family. I am blessed to be able to help others. It truly is the most rewarding and satisfying part of my life,” he says with a smile. Patricia and James Gabriele, Sr. Summer 2021 11
NEW DOCS ON THE
BLOCK
e u n e v A n o Anders
Left to Right: Agustin Diaz, MD | Internal Medicine Peter Kaye, MD | Colon and Rectal Surgery Jennifer Wellings, MD | Cardiology 12 Englewood Health Foundation
We caught up with three EHPN physicians who recently joined the network. Each operate out of multiple offices throughout the health system, including Englewood Health Physician Network – Cliffside Park on Anderson Avenue. Fans of Dr. Diaz, Dr. Kaye and Dr. Wellings say these docs have the right stuff when it comes to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Let’s get to know them a little better with a few rapid-fire questions and answers. How long have you been a physician and when did you join Englewood Health?
Dr. Diaz: I’ve been a physician for 31 years and joined EHPN in October of 2019.
Where is your best vacation spot?
Dr. Diaz: It is a toss-up between Grand Cayman and Exuma Cays in the Bahamas.
Dr. Kaye: I have been in practice for 13 years and joined Englewood Health two years ago.
Dr. Kaye: I love to go anywhere with my family where there is a balance of relaxation, physical activity and history.
Dr. Wellings: I joined Englewood Health in the fall of 2020 after I finished a cardiology fellowship.
What’s for dinner tonight?
If you were not a physician, what would you be doing?
Dr. Diaz: I have always had a passion for gardening and enjoy this hobby when not working. I also own a small tree farm in western New Jersey, and if I was not a physician, I would be a full-time arborist.
Dr. Wellings: I really enjoy Banff, Canada.
Dr. Diaz: Salmon and grilled vegetables. Dr. Kaye: It is whatever my wife is making. She is the greatest cook, the hardest worker and my best friend. Dr. Wellings: Fish, rice and broccoli ... maybe ice cream?
Dr. Kaye: I would probably be a teacher, as I feel it is important to pass on knowledge.
What is the one thing you can’t leave home without?
Dr. Wellings: I’d likely be in the field of biomedical engineering.
Dr. Kaye: My wallet!
How do you choose to start your day?
Dr. Diaz: I begin each day with a fresh cup of coffee, analyzing my patients’ incoming bloodwork and reports, and preparing for the day’s patients by reviewing their charts. Dr. Kaye: I’ve been an avid Crossfitter for years, so I start my day by working out. Dr. Wellings: Each morning, I breastfeed my one-year-old.
Dr. Diaz: My cell phone!
Dr. Wellings: My water bottle!
Why did you choose Englewood Health?
Dr. Diaz: I recognize and appreciate EHPN’s commitment to excellence in patient care. I respect and admire the network of specialists within EHPN to care for my patients. Dr. Kaye: I joined Englewood Health because we share the same beliefs and vision: high-quality, cutting-edge and compassionate care for the patients in our extended region. Dr. Wellings: Englewood Health not only strives for excellent patient care and a positive patient experience but also has a close connection to its surrounding community, which is what drew me to Englewood.
Summer 2021 13
Philanthropy
is always on the Menu
CELEBRATING
10 years of
Community friends – old and new – gather twice annually for breakfast. This breakfast of champions began over a decade ago on a hunch it would lead to a greater good: advancing the mission of Englewood Health. Former Englewood Health Foundation Trustee Susan Silberman and Event Co-chairs Suellen Freeman, Beth Nadel and Carol Rubin cooked up a winning recipe. With the help of a full committee of organizers, they continued to nurture the event year after year. The Breakfast Club fast became a signature event, hosting award-winning authors, entrepreneurs and adventurers who share their stories with captivated audiences. Best yet, this group of passionate supporters continue to raise funds for essential community outreach programs.
Thank you to all who have made this milestone possible through your continued support. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next Breakfast Club event on November 9, 2021. Breakfast Club Committee Co-chairs: Suellen Freeman Beth Nadel Carol Rubin Rebecca Arnofsky Debra Bacharach Ulrike Berth, MD Lindsey Blatt Lyndsley Capuano Jeanine Casty Julie Cohen Allison Di Staulo Robin Epstein Jennifer Glodowski Stephanie Goldman Jennifer LaFrieda 14 Englewood Health Foundation
Susan Marenoff-Zausner Erica Park Debbie Satnick Jane Seligmann Amy Shirvan Kasey Siegel, PhD Lindsay Skulnik Lisa Spivack Judy Taub Gold Julia Weksler Norma Wellington
Committee listing as of June 2021
To learn more about the upcoming fall Breakfast Club event, SCAN ME:
Summer 2021 15
with
Dr. Brunnquell
Stephen Brunnquell, MD President of the Englewood Health Physician Network
With over 3.7 million New Jersey residents now fully vaccinated, we are beginning to see a return to ‘normal.’ Yet, even with hope on the horizon, many questions still linger. For answers, we caught up with the President of the Englewood Health Physician Network Stephen Brunnquell, MD. Here is some of what he had to say. Is there anyone who should not get the vaccine? It is hard to think of anyone who should not receive it. At this point, we have generated a lot of data and there is no evidence that these vaccines are in any way harmful.
Are we approaching herd immunity?
Our local experience is particularly good. Right now, we have less than 10 patients in Englewood Hospital with COVID-19. Those who are showing up sick are coming from the southern parts of Bergen County and Hudson County, where people live in much closer proximity to one another and the vaccination percentages are lower.
Can vaccinated people spread the virus?
After months of data and analysis, we know that if a vaccinated person is asymptomatically carrying the virus, the risk of them transmitting it to someone else is almost zero. That understanding is why the CDC dropped the recommendation of mask wearing and social distancing for those who are vaccinated. It is a clear demonstration of vaccine effectiveness.
Can we invite others to our home for dinner? If everyone is vaccinated, yes. You can embrace, shake hands and there is no reason to social distance or wear masks. Enjoy! 16 Englewood Health Foundation
Should we travel?
There are no testing or quarantine requirements if you are vaccinated and traveling within the U.S. It is quite safe. Contrary to what many may think, air on an airplane is not recirculated. It is changed 20 times an hour, which is much better than nearly any other place you may go.
What is the status of Englewood Health vaccine distribution?
At the beginning of the year, I contacted many religious leaders in communities of color to listen to the concerns of their constituents regarding the vaccine. We addressed vaccine hesitancy with educational materials and in-person events in downtown Englewood, where we successfully vaccinated 95% of senior housing residents. Englewood Health is now redoubling its efforts. We are reaching larger portions of the underserved communities by creating pop-up vaccine events in areas of need like Hudson County and our Cliffside Park location, along with developing partnerships with Bergen Family Center and other community organizations. To view the full webinar discussion with Dr. Brunnquell, SCAN ME:
for COMPASSIONATE CARE Whether at the bedside in Englewood Hospital, the Emergency Care Center or at one of more than 100 primary care, sub-specialty or specialty offices throughout the region, Englewood Health physicians are helping patients live healthier and longer lives. Their commitment to delivering the highest quality compassionate care helps advance Englewood Health as a regional leader in healthcare, recognized for unmatched standards of excellence. Countless patients and families are grateful for their Englewood Health heroes. That is why the Englewood Health Foundation is excited to introduce Gifts of Gratitude, a program designed to provide thankful patients and their families with an opportunity to honor their caregivers by making a gift of gratitude. Helen Fitzpatrick, longtime friend and benefactor, was someone with an unyielding appreciation for Englewood Health’s clinical team, most especially her trusted physician, Dr. Grant Simons. Mrs. Fitzpatrick passed earlier this year, but her charitable legacy lives on. She made numerous leadership-level gifts to the Foundation, including naming The Helen L. Fitzpatrick Garden – a beautiful green oasis on the hospital’s main campus that provides tranquility and peace to anyone who visits. Visit EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org or scan the code below with your smartphone to learn more about Gifts of Gratitude.
Helen Fitzpatrick In Memoriam | 2021
Summer 2021 17
350 Engle Street Englewood, NJ 07631 EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org
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Englewood Field Club, Englewood & Memorial Park, Fair Lawn
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Englewood Field Club, Englewood, NJ & Memorial Park, Fair Lawn, NJ
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Featuring: Trish McEvoy, Makeup Artist and Founder of Trish McEvoy Beauty
GALA 2022 New Jersey Performing Arts Center Honorees: Lynne and Marty Zaikov | David L. Abramson, MD