Faith and Friendship HOW TWO COMMUNITY LEADERS PARTNER FOR BETTER HEALTH
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ishop Ronald Jones is a longtime friend of the Newark, NJ community and is a frequent visitor of Aetna Better Health of New Jersey’s Healthcare Central store. Bishop Jones’ visits and appearances at our events might be paused due to COVID-19, but his community’s history and support are not. When the lead-contaminated drinking water crisis gripped Newark, NJ, in the summer of 2019, Bishop Ronald Jones knew just who to call for support. A faith leader and advocate for low-income residents for over two decades, dozens of local politicians and community leaders readily answer his calls. But during this emergency, he reached out to Magdaliza “Lisa” Aviles, manager of Aetna’s Healthcare Central storefront. He asked if she could line up a truck to deliver cases of water to affected neighborhoods. “She rolled up her sleeves, rented a truck, availed us of a driver, and brought it to three locations,” says Jones, fondly known as “the Bishop.” “She’s not only a friend; she’s also available when we need her. We need more Lisas.” Since joining Aetna’s Healthcare Central last spring, Lisa’s mission has been to make the storefront more than just a place for people to learn about NJ FamilyCare bene-
fits available through an Aetna Better Health of New Jersey plan. With programs such as monthly food giveaways and diabetes education classes, she’s transforming the space into a hub for anyone interested in leading a healthier life, including many from the Bishop’s congregation. Be in Health
There’s room for improvement when it comes to the health of Newark’s residents. Compared to the rest of the state, people in Newark experience significantly higher blood pressure rates, diabetes, and chronic heart disease. According to data from the U.S. Census, 23% of residents have no health insurance. They also have no primary care doctor and end up heading to the emergency room when they have a health issue, the Bishop says. “If something isn’t bothering them at the moment, if it’s not right at their door, they’re not going to plan ahead and apply for health insurance,” he explains. “And then, when they do get sick, that’s when they run to the emergency room (ER).” Many of the people the Bishop works with, including those struggling with chronic illnesses or addiction, need a lifeline that goes beyond a trip the ER. One of the most 097-19-84
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The Positive Community Fall 2020
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