Speeches | NJ Department of Health and Senior Services


	December 2, 2011 -New Jersey Health Officers Association Centennial Gala [pdf 4k] On Friday, December 2, Commissioner O’Dowd attended the New Jersey Health Officers Association Centennial Gala at the Newark Museum. Commissioner O’Dowd spoke about public health achievements in the last 100 years. The Commissioner also toured the Generation Fit: Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle educational exhibit on childhood obesity featured at the museum. The exhibit is an “interactive family experience,” this exhibit focuses on the issue of childhood obesity and shows how small changes in nutrition and activity can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
	December 2, 2011 - New Jersey Public Educators (NJSOPHE) Conference [pdf 3.5m] On Friday, December 2, Commissioner O'Dowd provided remarks at the New Jersey Public Educators (NJSOPHE) Conference held at the New Jersey Hospital Association Conference Center in Princeton. Pictured with the Commissioner from the left: Iesha Suber, NJSOPHE Program Chair and Rose Jean-Baptiste, 2011 NJSOPHE President and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brito.
	November 4 - EMS Awards [pdf 178k] Commissioner O’Dowd addressed more than 700 EMTS, paramedics, nurses, physician and EMS administrators at the Annual EMS Awards Dinner on November 4.
	November 3, 2011 - Conference of State and Local Health Officials [pdf 1m] Commissioner O’Dowd addressed the 2011 Annual Conference of State and Local Health Officials, which was held at the Mercer County Community College Conference Center on Thursday, November 3.
	October 6, 2011 --YMCA Alliance's "Spirit of the Y" Award [pdf 95k] On October 6, Commissioner O'Dowd accepted the YMCA Alliance's "Spirit of the Y" Award for the Department's Shaping NJ initiative at the 11th Annual New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. The "Spirit of the Y" Award is presented by the YMCA State Alliance to a statewide leader with a passion for strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
	May 25, 2011 - Medicare Wellness Campaign [pdf 20k] On May 25, Acting Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jane Maloney, Executive Director of the Ocean County Division of Senior Services to speak to seniors about 19 free and reduced cost preventive care services now covered under the Medicare Part B program.
	May 24, 2011 --Assembly Budget Medicaid Testimony [pdf 62k] On May 24, Commissioner Mary O’Dowd joined Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez in testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee on Medicaid funding in the proposed 2012 budget.
	May 17, 2011 - Health Care Association of NJ Conference [pdf 2M] On May 17, Acting Commissioner Mary O’Dowd delivered remarks at the Health Care Association of New Jersey 13th Annual State Assisted Living Conference. The Commissioner spoke about the FY 2012 budget and the Department’s long-term care initiatives.
	May 4, 2011 -- Senate Budget and Appropriations Testimony [pdf 67k] Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd discusses the Department's FY2012 budget.
	April 29, 2011 - Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder [pdf 146k] Autism Spectrum Disorders were the subject of a statewide conference at which Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd discussed the Department's initiatives to assist individuals with autism and their families. Held at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, the conference also featured the work of many other organizations, and included the release of the Department of Human Services' new resource guide and web site for families affected by autism.
	April 28, Senate Judiciary testimony [pdf 67k] Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd provides testimony at her Confirmation Hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee with former Assembly Speaker Jack Collins.
	April 16, 2011 - Virtua Voorhees Grand Opening [pdf 54k] Acting NJDHSS Commissioner Mary O'Dowd gives remarks at the grand opening of the new Virtua Voorhees hospital.
	April 14, 2011 -- Assembly Budget Committee Testimony [pdf 75k] NJDHSS Acting Commissioner Mary O'Dowd updates the Assembly Budget Committee on the Department's FY 2012 proposed budget.
	April 5, 2011 - Assembly Budget Committee Testimony [pdf 54k] Acting Commissioner Mary O’Dowd joined Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez in testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee on Medicaid funding in the proposed 2012 budget. Acting Commissioner O'Dowd's remarks centered on how the Department plans to reform the Department of Health and Senior Services' portion of the Medicaid program.
	March 3, 2011 -- Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee Testimony [pdf 14k] Commissioner Alaigh provided an update on Department activities to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, including the Department's work in the area of reducing the state's physician shortage and promoting public health collaborations including implementing Health information Technology in the state.
	March 3, 2011 -- New Jersey Hospital Association Conference on the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model of Care [pdf 15k] The medical home approach requires a partnership among many organizations, Dr. Alaigh told conference participants. Local public health agencies and the DHSS -- especially the Department's Center for Health Innovations -- will play an important role in the statewide effort to improve the health of individuals and communities.
	March 1, 2011 -- The Health of the Newest New Jerseyans [pdf 976k] At the Rutgers University's Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging, Dr. Alaigh discussed the need for all health care providers to understand the health advantages and health challenges faced by New Jersey's many foreign-born racial and ethnic groups. Delivering high-quality health care requires that providers tailor their care to patients' cultural needs.
	February 16, 2011 -- Chilton Hospital's Comprehensive Breast Center [pdf 18k] Chilton Hospital's Comprehensive Breast Center will help women live longer, healthier lives by providing critical screenings, preventive tests, education and help navigating the challenging decisions women face when diagnosed with breast cancer, Commissioner Poonam Alaigh said at the Center's grand opening on February 16.
	February 11, 2011 -- Go Red for Women Luncheon [pdf 13k] We must empower women to learn more about their risks for cardiovascular disease and the important lifestyle choices they can make to reduce those risks, Commissioner Alaigh told women business leaders at the annual American Heart Association -- Northern New Jersey Chapter's Go Red for Women Luncheon.
	January 19, 2011-- NJ Oral Health Coalition [pdf 11k] Oral health plays an important role in overall health, and the Department of Health and Senior Services has worked to improve access to these vital health care services, Commissioner Alaigh told the New Jersey Oral Health Coalition.
	January 18, 21011 NJ Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians [pdf 21k] On January 18, 2011, Commissioner Alaigh gave a presentation to physician leaders of our state's Emergency Departments during the annual meeting of the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (NJ-ACEP).
	January 10, 2011 - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Health Equity Week [pdf 22k] On January 10, Dr. Alaigh spoke to fifty Robert Wood Johnson Medical School students on the topic of Health Equity. She spoke about the increasing diversity in New Jersey and the Department's efforts to close the gap on health disparities.
	January 5, 2011 -- New Jersey Business and Industry Association [pdf 13k] At a meeting of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Commissioner Alaigh discussed key health issues facing the state and steps New Jersey is taking to expand the use of health information technology, improve health care quality, address the projected physician shortage, and expand care options for the senior population.
	December 14 - Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program event [pdf 17k] Dr. Alaigh attended an event to announce that the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program, which was launched in New Jersey in 2009, is expanding to 28 states in 2011. The program helps veterans of all ages at risk of nursing home placement remain independent in their homes and communities with needed services. This event was held at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System-Lyons Campus.
	December 8, 2010 - HealthCare Institute of NJ Cabinet Road Show [pdf 14k] "Cabinet Road Show" sponsored by the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. The Road Show took place at the Novo Nordisk office in Princeton, NJ.
	November 19, 2010 - NJ Funder’s Summit: Investing in the Frontline of NJ's Health Care [pdf 10k] Dr. Alaigh spoke about challenges and opportunities regarding the health care workforce in our state at the New Jersey Funder’s Summit held at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
	November 10, 2010 - Kimball Medical Center Town Hall Meeting [pdf 12k] On November 10, Dr. Alaigh, toured Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, with Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System and Joe Hicks, Executive Director of Kimball Medical Center. Following the tour, Dr. Alaigh spoke to the hospital staff about critical health issues facing the state.
	November 8, 2010 - Newark Municipal Council Health Committee Meeting [pdf 15k] In a presentation to the Health Committee, Dr. Alaigh outlined key DHSS initiatives. These include promoting the use of Health Information Technology and Electronic Health Records, improving New Jersey's medical practice environment to ensure an adequate supply of physicians, and continuing to shift the state's long-term system to include even more home and community-based care options that enable seniors to live with independence and dignity.
	November 4, 2010 - Medical Society of NJ’s 3^rd Annual HIT/EMR Open House [pdf 8k] Commissioner Alaigh discussed New Jersey's progress in adopting Health Information Technology during the Medical Society of New Jersey's third annual Health Information Technology/Electronic Medical Records Open House on November 4. To the left of Dr. Alaigh is William O'Byrne, executive director of the Regional Extension Center of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
	November 1, 2010 - CentraState Medical Center [pdf 33k] Dr. Poonam Alaign, Commissioner DHSS and John Gribbin, president and CEO, CentraState Healthcare System and Betsy Ryan, President & CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association photoed at a flu clinic aimed at vaccinating health care workers. The clinic took place on November 1, at CentraState Hospital in Freehold New Jersey.
	November 1, 2010 - NJ Women & AIDS Network [pdf 24k] The Women and AIDS Network is a vital partner in the statewide effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through outreach, education and routine HIV testing of women, especially pregnant women, Commissioner Alaigh told the Network's "Confronting the Crisis: Women and HIV" conference that proper care of HIV-positive pregnant women has dramatically reduced the number of children exposed to HIV.
	November 1, 2010 - UMDNJ School of Public Health Alumni Association [pdf 33k] Commissioner Alaigh discusses the important role public health professionals play in protecting and promoting the health of New Jersey's residents.
	October 29, 2010 - Somerset County Senior Flu Clinic [pdf 15k] Dr. Poonam Alaigh visited the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center in Basking Ridge to highlight the importance of getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of flu, colds and respiratory illnesses. During her visit Dr. Alaigh spoke to seniors about how the flu is spread and how critical vaccination is to staying healthy.
	October 28, 2010 - Robert Wood Johnson Board of Trustees [pdf 19k] New Jersey is taking necessary steps to prepare for the successful implementation of federal health care reform in the state. Commissioner Alaigh described Governor Christie's and the Department's initiatives, including efforts to help New Jersey attract and retain a strong physician work force.
	October 26, 2010 - St. Peters/Drexel Announcement [pdf 23k] Dr. Alaigh recently joined Ronald Rak, President and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System (pictured far left), when he announced that Saint Peter’s University Hospital will now serve as a Regional Medical Campus for Drexel University College of Medicine. This new partnership aims to attract students who will ultimately practice medicine in New Jersey, strengthening and growing our state’s physician workforce. Pictured far right is Syad Hamad Mirzan, a Drexel medical student at Saint Peter’s who is a resident of New Jersey.
	October 13, 2010 - Ocean County HealthEase Event [pdf 18k] DHSS Commissioner Poonam Alaigh and Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari (both on the far left) pictured with Ocean County seniors who have completed the County's HealthEASE wellness program. Commissioner Alaigh presented the HealthEASE Wellness Coalition with a proclamation from Governor Chris Christie congratulating the Coalition on the 6th Anniversary of the HealthEase program.
	September 24, 2010 - Shri Krishna Nidhi (SKN) Foundation & SATHI Celebration of Life Event [pdf 28k] In celebrating Minority and Multicultural Health Month, Commissioner Alaigh (center), SKN Foundation Founder Dr. Naveen Mehrotra (second from left, top) joined with The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) Director Dr. Robert DiPaola, (third from left), to deliver preventive health education messages to the South Asian community during a special dance event. Cancer survivor, Rohit Baxi (far left) of the Satrangi School of Fusion, led more than 100 children in interpretive dance that depicted one’s journey with cancer.
	September 23, 2010 - NJ Council for Teaching Hospitals Board Meeting [pdf 39k] New Jersey's teaching hospitals play a vital role in ensuring access to health care for all residents, Commissioner Alaigh told the Council. She also discussed the important role of health information technology in helping providers deliver the best possible quality of patient care.
	September 18, 2010 - Annual Minority & Multicultural Health Fair - East Orange General Hospital [pdf 28k] Commissioner Poonam Alaigh points to a healthy eating food pyramid at East Orange Hospital's Family Health Fair. The event was held on September 18 to celebrate Minority and Multicultural Health Month.
	September 16, 2010 - 15th Annual American Diabetes Rainbow Gala [pdf 24k] Commissioner Poonam Alaigh pictured with Jay Jimenez, Vice President of Government Affairs, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; Mathieu Nelessen, Executive Director, NJ American Diabetes Association; and Thomas Spiesman, Esq., Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, PC & Community Leadership Board Chairman, NJ American Diabetes Association. The photo was taken Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the 2010 American Diabetes Association 2010 Rainbow Gala, at Castle and Skylands Manor in Ringwood, NJ.
	September 9, 2010 - Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Farmer's Market [pdf 18k] Commissioner Alaigh (third from right) joins Dean Rene John (left) of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at the Trenton church's Healthier Heart Farmer's Market on September 9. Trinity is the newest member of DHSS's Shaping NJ initiative to improve community health. Partners in the farmers market include Capital Health System at Mercer, St. Francis Medical Center, Horizon NJ Health, Trenton Health and Human Services, Mercer County Office on Aging and Dept. of Human Services, and Pineland Farms.
	September 1, 2010 - Minority & Multicultural Health Month Kick Off Event [pdf 28k] On September 1, Commissioner Alaigh kicked off Minority and Multicultural Health Month with the South Asian Total Healthcare Initiative (SATHI), a program at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to improve the delivery of culturally sensitive health care and information about total health for the South Asian community. Commissioner Alaigh is pictured here with Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, a founding member of SATHI.
Previous Speeches:
	August 31, 2010 - UMDNJ's University Behavioral HealthCare NJ Vet 2 Program [pdf 13k]
	August 25, 2010 - Governor Christie Signs Jaden's Law to Promote Bone Marrow Donor Awareness [pdf 10k]
	July 19, 2010 - Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee Testimony [pdf 16k]
	June 28, 2010 - Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force meeting [pdf 24k]
	June 18, 2010 - Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition Meeting [pdf 24k]
	June 10, 2010 - Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee [pdf 14k]
	June 8, 2010 - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Annual Meeting [pdf 40k]
	June 2, 2010 - Annual Primary Care Healthcare Conference, Region II [pdf 20k]
	May 27, 2010 - Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee - Commissioner Alaigh Testimony [pdf 14k]
	May 25, 2010 - Commerce and Industry Association of NJ Healthcare Roundtable [pdf 35k]
	May 20, 2010 - AARP Day at the Capitol [pdf 20k]
	May 19, 2010 - Medical Homes Conference at NJHA [pdf 28k]
	May 11, 2010 - ShapingNJ: The State Partnership for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity [pdf 22k]
	April 27, 2010 - Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Testimony [pdf 15k]
	April 20, 2010 - The College of New Jersey Board of Trustees Meeting [pdf 8k]
	April 14, 2010 - American Heart Association Board Meeting [pdf 37k]
	April 12, 2010 - Assembly Budget Committee Testimony [pdf 16k]
	NJ Pandemic Influenza Summit [pdf 15k]
	March 15, 2010 - Acting Commissioner Dr. Poonam Alaigh Senate Judiciary Committee Testimony [pdf 13k]

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