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The New Jersey Health Policy Environment and the NJHI: Results from Discussions with Senior State Health Care Stakeholders

Authors
Koller, Margaret
Reinhard, Susan C.
Cantor, Joel C.
Date of Publication
May, 2001
Publication Type
Report
Focus Area
Cross-Cutting and Other Projects
Source
Rutgers Center for State Health Policy

Executive Summary 
This environmental scan was conducted for the New Jersey Health Initiatives to help identify critical health and health care issues and programmatic priorities. At the request ofNJHI, this information was compiled by the Center for State Health Policy after the Center convened two discussion groups on April 26-27, 2001. Participants in the groups included representatives from a variety of health and health care constituencies, including representatives of: NJ state government; citizen advocacy groups; professional associations and academic institutions. The groups were asked to identify the most important health and health care issues facing communities in New Jersey as well as program areas that NJHI should consider funding. 


There was consensus between both groups regarding New Jersey's priority health and health care issues. They identified the following challenges in the state: 

•    Healthcare workforce shortages, especially among "front line" health workers (e.g., home health aides, nurses)
•    Health coverage & care for the uninsured
•    Racial disparities in care, access and health status
•    Underutilization of preventive health services
•    Community health education and cultural competency

Each group also recommended program areas that should be added to the NJHI grantee portfolio and considered for future funding. Those activity areas included leadership development, community partnership and opportunities to improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of projects that received seed funds. 


The participants believe that the most successful initiatives will be those that are generated at a grass-roots level and embraced by the leaders and organizations within the communities facing these challenges. NJHI can provide the guidance and coordination necessary to promote community education and the effective communication of program achievements. The goal should be the replication of successful projects and a sustainability strategy that enables programs to prosper beyond the term of their NJHI funding.