A Discussion with Frank Del Gaudio

By Jackie Schatell

As part of our monthly column where we introduce the public to Essex County Departments and the people who lead them, this month, Suburban Essex Magazine interviewed Director of Health and Rehabilitation and the Essex County Hospital Center, Frank Del Gaudio.

Please tell us about you and your background.

I have been working in the healthcare field since 1991 and specialize in risk management, environmental safety and health, and facilities management. I joined Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo’s staff in 2004 as the County Risk Manager and became Director of the Department of Health and Rehabilitation and the Hospital Center in 2013. As director, I have worked with various law enforcement agencies to create a Jail Diversion Program to divert individuals suffering from mental health issues from incarceration to the hospital where they can receive the care and treatment they need. This program was expanded to include a Veterans Mental Health Jail Diversion Program.

When did the Hospital Center open?

The original Hospital Center, formerly known as Overbrook, was dedicated in 1905 under superintendent Dr. Daniel M. Dill and designed by the architectural firm of Hurd and Sutton. County Executive DiVincenzo understood that the old complex was no longer functional and needed to be updated. Under his leadership, the new Essex County Hospital Center opened on February 27, 2007.

Essex County Hospital Center Frank Del Gaudio (left) was honored as one of the Essex County Italian Heritage Month Frank Del Gaudio (left) was honored as one of the Essex County Italian Heritage Month honorees last month by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (third from left). honorees last month by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (third from left). Frank was accompanied at the ceremony by his parents, Frank and Mary Del Gaudio. Frank was accompanied at the ceremony by his parents, Frank and Mary Del Gaudio.

What is the Hospital Center’s mission?

The Essex County Hospital Center is committed to providing cutting-edge psychiatric and behavioral health care and support for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, and their families, in order to support their achievement of optimum wellness and recovery.

Who does the Hospital Center serve?

The Essex County Hospital Center consists of a 180-bed intermediate specialty psychiatric hospital serving the residents of Essex, Passaic and Middlesex Counties. We serve as a bridge for those that require longer courses of treatment than can be provided by the local shortterm care mental health facilities.

What are the Division of Community Health Services offered?

The Essex County Division of Community Health Services includes the Essex County Department of Health, Domestic Violence Assessment Center, support of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, The Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Office of the Disabled, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Special Child Health Services including the Early Intervention Program providing services to thousands of Essex County children suffering from various forms of autism and mental disabilities.

What is something I haven’t asked that you want people to know about the Hospital Center?

The Essex County Hospital Center currently employs 340 full- and parttime staff members who are extremely dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patient population. The qualifications, certifications, and educational credentials of our staff contribute to our mission and passion for continuously working to improve patient care. We currently are accredited by the Joint Commission and the Medical Society of New Jersey as a provider of continuing medical education credits for physicians.

What is something unique that we wouldn’t know about the Hospital Center?

We are currently planning for the 69th Holiday Concert in December where our patients and employees will perform various holiday favorites to celebrate the season. We also hold an annual Patient Carnival every May to promote Mental Health Awareness Month.