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It Takes a Village
Feeding the hungry, protecting victims
of domestic violence, providing programs
for at-risk youth — the ways to
meet the needs of those most vulnerable in
our communities are undeniably diverse.
The familiar African proverb, "It takes a
village to raise a child," means a healthy
community needs to work together in
order to grow and benefit all its members.
As a not-for-profit, Meridian Health
continues to grow and expand, thanks
in part to the charitable support of
many individuals and organizations. In
turn, Meridian delivers on its mission to
improve the health of our communities
through support and partnerships with
many of our area's not-for-profit organizations
whose mission either supports or
enhances Meridian's mission.
Meridian annually contributes to such
local organizations as the FoodBank of
Monmouth and Ocean counties, 180:
Turning Lives Around, Arc of Monmouth
County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys
and Girls Clubs, just to name a few.
"It can seem like an odd concept for
a not-for-profit to support another not for-
profit," says John Lloyd, president
of Meridian. "But without these fellow
organizations and the services they
provide, the health and wellness of our
communities would suffer, and our role
to provide health care would be
considerably more difficult."
Itself a charitable organization,
Meridian provided more than $60 million
in charity care to the uninsured last year
alone, in addition to providing the region
with a university medical center, two
community medical centers, a children's
hospital, a regional trauma center,
educational programs and screenings,
and many other health activities for the
benefit of the community.
"Meridian is also the region's largest
employer," says Lloyd. "We do our best to be a socially conscious and responsible
business leader in our community while
balancing our needs to keep our organization
healthy."
In addition, Meridian's physicians and
staff contribute greatly with their individual
efforts in supporting area organizations.
For example, on a single day this past year,
more than 500 Meridian team members
raised more than $30,000 by participating
in the American Heart Association's
Heart Walk in Point Pleasant. On the same
day, 100 additional team members from
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital were
in Belmar, raising more than $12,000 by
walking in support of the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Association.
Meridian team members also built a
house in Neptune through Habitat for
Humanity, sponsored and operated several
racetrack locations for participants of the
American Cancer Society Relay for Life event, and supported fundraising walks
for the Alzheimer's Association, Arthritis
Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society, and many others.
"Meridian is an organization based
entirely in Monmouth and Ocean counties,
with the great majority of our physicians
and staff living in this area," says Lloyd.
"We feel it is our responsibility to do all
we can to deliver on our mission both
inside and outside of our hospitals, and I
encourage other businesses and organizations
in our area to join us and other
charitable organizations in caring for our
community."
 – Michael Valentino
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