Governor Murphy Holds Health Care Roundtable at SJFMC


New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced his plan to lower health care costs during a conversation with SJFMC Chief Medical Officer, Gregory Collins, consumers, and cabinet officials. The Governor commended SJFMC’s efforts in reducing cost and making health care available for everyone. Governor Murphy said, “ Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers is a gem in the state in the access it provides but that is not consistent across the state our challenge is to make it as good as it is but as affordable and accessible as possible.” With this goal in mind, the Governor has created a new Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency. The office will be charged with working across all state agencies to develop a strategic plan for “consumer affordability, health care quality, cost transparency and taxpayer savings,” the Governor’s Office said. SJFMC Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gregory Collins, emphasized the importance of driving consumer costs down. Dr. Collins also discussed the need for more primary care physicians, among other specialties, given the current shortage. “Patients are making choices between buying food for their families and taking care of themselves. At SJFMC, we provide comprehensive, coordinated cost-effective healthcare. We also educate our patients and inform them of ways to be self-sufficient in their care because we know that if we educate our patients we can drive down the cost of their medical expenses in the long term.” said SJFMC Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gregory Collins.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month


Did you know one in five children in the United States suffers from obesity? Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. This September, we can work together to create opportunities for kids to eat healthier and get more active. Make a difference for kids: spread the word about strategies for preventing childhood obesity and encourage communities, organizations, families and individuals to get involved. We can all use this month to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how they can help work toward a solution. Here are just a few ideas:

SJFMC Provider Day 2019


Pictured, left to right in front row: SJFMC CFO Ron Kaplan, President/CEO Linda Y. Flake, COO Esther Carpenter, PI/Director of Compliance Tarena Rivera. Back row: SJFMC Providers. Photo Credits: Tracie Van Auken. Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers recognized the contributions of its provider staff on March 15 during Provider Day. The event, which honors Doctors, Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Physician Assistants and Dental Hygienists, was held at Paris Caterers. In addition to breakfast and presentations from SJFMC leaders, nine clinical team members received productivity and quality awards and incentives for their hard work. CEO Linda Flake said, “It is our way of saying thanks to our providers for their commitment to our mission. They work every day to keep the patients and the community healthy.” The SJFMC Board has signed a resolution marking the third Friday in March as Provider Day every year. Next year’s celebration will be held on March 20, 2020. 2019 Provider Day Honorees