New Jersey hospitals $7B investment in healthier communities
Writer: Mariana Hernández
September 2025 — New Jersey hospitals are making a profound impact on the health and well-being of the communities they serve. According to a recent report from the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), hospitals across the state contributed more than $7 billion in community benefit investments, underscoring their vital role as healthcare providers and community players. This investment reflects a commitment to addressing not only medical needs but also the social and economic conditions that shape overall health outcomes.
“All our key medical services need to expand as we prepare for the future. We also need to be part of the research and innovation that is happening. We need to continue to lead the way in providing exceptional healthcare, because our community deserves it,” Trish O’Keefe, president of the Morristown Medical Center, told Invest: about the recent investment and innovation in the healthcare sector.
The NJHA report, Health & Hope: The Community Impact of New Jersey Hospitals, breaks down the $7 billion commitment into key areas: $4.6 billion in charity care; $2.4 billion in local health improvement programs, addressing surrounding needs such as housing, food security, education, and transportation; and 28 million direct community encounters with individuals and families.
NJ hospitals alone represent 160,000 direct jobs and $31.4 billion in statewide economic impact. Every $1 spent on hospital patient services generates $2.24 in broader economic activity, translating to 347,000 jobs supported across industries.
Beyond hospitals, the healthcare sector also drives significant economic activity for the Garden State. In 2023, New Jersey’s healthcare contributions to GDP exceeded $52.8 billion, and employment in the industry has grown every year since 1990, except for 2020, with over 500,000 employees.
Hospitals across New Jersey are strengthening communities by directing resources into a wide range of initiatives that go far beyond patient care. Efforts include expanding access to essential services through mobile health fleets and ambulatory health care programs, while also addressing broader social issues of health, such as nutrition and health education.
“Bioscience is evolving rapidly and will likely transform healthcare in ways we can’t yet fully imagine,” said Maureen Schneider, senior vice president at Atlantic Health System and president at Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center, in an interview with Invest:. “One major shift is toward a wellness model; keeping people healthy rather than just treating illness. By using genetic insights, we can predict potential health risks and take early preventative measures. This includes placing patients on the right medications, guiding them on proper nutrition, and conducting targeted assessments to help them avoid diseases they may be predisposed to.”
Education and prevention remain a priority, with hospitals finding innovative ways to engage the public, from awareness campaigns to collaborations with other key players in the sector.
“Atlantic Health System has a strong track record of high-quality care and strategic partnerships. We collaborate with the New Jersey Hospital Association, which connects hospitals for policy formation, advocacy, financial planning, and insurance discussions. Many of our executives participate in these committees to stay ahead of industry challenges,” Schneider added.
At the same time, investments in research and innovation are driving progress in the eds and meds corridor, positioning New Jersey facilities at the forefront of medical advancement.
The opportunities New Jersey’s location brings for collaboration are also key. According to Amy Mansue, president and CEO of Inspira Health, “The location has played a critical role. By moving our facility from Woodbury, a landlocked area, to Mullica Hill near Rowan University, we’ve tapped into what we call the “eds and meds” corridor. This proximity to education and healthcare has expanded access to services and opportunities for collaboration. The new hospital also allowed us to create additional residency slots,” Mansue told Invest:.
On top of these efforts, large-scale construction and development projects are set to create jobs and strengthen the state’s economy. A great example is the city of New Brunswick, further demonstrating the integral role hospitals play in shaping healthier, more resilient communities.
“RWJBarnabas Health’s noble mission to build and sustain healthier communities extends well beyond hospital walls. RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) work closely with the city of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Board of Education on a broad range of initiatives addressing wellness and preventative care, economic opportunity, education, and food insecurity,” Mark Manigan, president and CEO at RWJBaranbas Health, told Invest:.
As New Jersey hospitals continue to expand access, invest in innovation, and support social programs, their role extends far beyond the patient bed. The hospital’s efforts also build healthier communities, addressing the broader determinants that influence health outcomes.
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