Salem, NJ - On Monday, June 24, USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden and New Jersey State Director Jane Asselta joined Inspira Health President and CEO Amy Mansue to formally announce a $1 million health care grant for state-of-the-art medical equipment at Inspira Medical Center Mannington.
“Now more than ever, people in rural and Tribal communities across this nation need support accessing high-quality, reliable health care services,” USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden said. “The investment we’re announcing here in New Jersey demonstrates how the Biden-Harris Administration is partnering with rural people to ensure their families and communities can prosper for years to come.”
The project was funded through a health care grant within the USDA’s Community Programs and focuses on providing essential equipment and services for the historically underserved, rural populations in the South Jersey area. The project also supports a larger revitalization of the Inspira Medical Center Mannington.
“We are grateful to the USDA for this recognition of need and the Inspira team for all the work involved in bringing this effort to fruition,” said Mansue, who was joined by the health system’s senior leadership, elected officials, and stakeholders during the announcement. “These funds were used to immediately purchase critically important, state-of-the-art medical equipment, giving our outstanding staff the tools they need to provide an optimal patient experience.”
The equipment purchased ranged from cardiac/pulmonary equipment to ventilators, blood pressure monitors, fetal monitors, defibrillators, wheelchairs and stretchers, to EEG machines, dopplers, exercise equipment for cardiac rehab, hi-flow machines and X-ray equipment.
According to the annual County Health Rankings Report, Salem County ranked last in the state for Health Outcomes, and second to last for Health Factors – a trend that’s held consistent for several years. Amidst the poor ranking, Salem County has achieved some modest improvements with a reported decline in adult smoking and an increase in senior citizens obtaining healthcare. Partnerships like this help build up and improve these distressed areas.
“Inspira Health has been a valuable partner to the USDA for many years, and the opportunity to recognize and highlight this $1 million grant is a perfect example of the positive impact of President Biden’s agenda to invest in and ensure high-quality health care is accessible in rural communities,” said Asselta, the first woman to hold her position in the state. “This effort truly meets a significant need in Salem County, New Jersey’s most rural county, and we’re proud to provide Inspira Medical Center Mannington with equipment and services that supports their mission to deliver high-quality patient care and empower healthier communities.”
Over the past four years, Rural Development has invested more than $41 million into roughly 150 projects in Salem County. These projects include the construction of community facilities, housing assistance, business grants and more.
“This investment will make a tangible difference in people's lives,” said Heather Simmons, Assemblywoman representing District 3. “As fierce advocates for Salem County, Senator Burzichelli, Assemblyman Dave Bailey, and I are very grateful to Amy Mansue and the team at Inspira for making Salem a priority. Because of their dedication, the residents of Salem County will have increased access to healthcare and improved health outcomes, and that is news we are very happy to celebrate today."
About Inspira Health
Inspira Health is a charitable nonprofit health care organization and a regional leader in physician training, with 265 medical residents and fellows in 15 nationally accredited programs at its hospitals in Elmer, Mullica Hill and Vineland.
The system traces its roots to 1899 and comprises four medical centers, two comprehensive cancer centers, nine multi-specialty health centers, and locations throughout South Jersey. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; sleep medicine labs; cardiac testing facilities; behavioral health, digestive health and wound care centers; home care and hospice; and primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Camden and Atlantic counties. Additionally, Inspira EMS services six South Jersey counties.
Inspira’s 1,200-member medical staff and more than 7,800 employees provide an unwavering commitment to delivering a superior patient experience at every point of the journey. Technology and innovation investments provide a robust provider directory and a range of services, including online scheduling and virtual visits for both primary and specialty care providers. With a commitment to multi-channel digital access, Inspira is able to meet consumer demand for self-service and personalized care options. Accredited by DNV Healthcare and committed to the principles of high reliability, Inspira Health is focused on clinical excellence and patient safety. For more information about Inspira Health, visit http://www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org [inspirahealthnetwork.org] or call 1-800-INSPIRA.
USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and is supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland. For more information on programs, visit our state website [rd.usda.gov] or follow us on social media(link is external) [twitter.com].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender