At CentraState, ensuring health equity is not only a strategic priority – it’s part of the heart of our healthcare system. Our team members are truly invested in the health and well-being of all people throughout our region.
What Is Health Equity?
Health equity means that every person has the opportunity to achieve the healthiest life possible, regardless of race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status and other factors.
Unfortunately, many people face health inequities – or health disparities – that prevent them from attaining their full health potential. Because of these disparities, they may have differences in length of life, quality of life, rates or severity of disease and access to care.
How Is CentraState Helping?
At CentraState, we work to identify where health disparities exist, address these inequities and connect people to resources to achieve better health. Here are just some of the strategies we use.
CentraState’s Health Equity Initiatives and Resources
Adults in the U.S. have a 40% chance of developing type 2 diabetes during their lifetime, and risks of complications are greater in people of color. As a health equity priority, our team members work to identify those with prediabetes and provide education to reverse its course. Our evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program is recognized by the CDC and is the only grant-funded program of its kind in New Jersey. In addition, we work to ensure that people with diabetes have access to comprehensive self-management education and the devices needed to successfully manage their condition.
CentraState physicians care for patients at the Freehold Family Health Center, a unique collaborative initiative with the VNA Health Group-VNACJ Community Health Center and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School through our Family Medicine Residency Program. Located within walking distance from downtown Freehold, the center offers health services designed to keep families healthy, with a special focus on underserved populations. It has more than 15,000 patient visits each year and will soon offer an onsite dental suite and pharmacy to make care even more convenient and affordable.
Community Resource Directory
Browse a comprehensive directory of local community resources and social programs available to support your overall health, such as accessing healthy food, medication assistance, transportation and housing resources and much more. To find community resources in your area based on your needs and preferences, search by zip code and category or keyword.