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LONG-TERM ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL
1
CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS
2
UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOSPITAL
REHABILITATION HOSPITALS
ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS
3
COMMUNITY HOSPITALS
8
NURSING SCHOOLS
CENTER FOR DISCOVRY AND INNOVAION
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
18 HOSPITALs
In 2024, Hackensack Meridian Health continued to deliver compassionate, innovative care with extraordinary impact—from advancing research and expanding access to care, to addressing health equity and social determinants of health. I’m inspired every day by the dedication of our caregivers and the leadership of CEO Robert C. Garrett. Together, they’re setting the standard for excellence in health care and leading the way forward.
Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO
In 2024, we continued to transform how care is delivered by expanding access, enhancing virtual services, and accelerating innovation. With HMH 24/7, Hospital From Home, and our partnership with One Medical, we brought care closer to where patients are. We also advanced research, grew our physician network and strengthened clinical training to shape the future of health care. As one of the top-ranked health systems in the nation, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, convenient care for every community we serve.
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Keith Banks, Chair, Board of Trustees
Messages from Leadership
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QUALITY
2024
Annual Report
4,501
LICENSED BEDS
OPERATING REVENUE
$9.8B
TEAM MEMBERS
40,000+
CARE DELIVERED IN 2024
PATIENT ADMISSIONS
182,924
EMERGENCY VISITS
681,908
OUTPATIENT VISITS
2,151,165
(INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT)
121,836
BABIES DELIVERED
17,668
SURGERIES
and 500+ patient care locations
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
JULY
JUNE
MAY
APRIL
MARCH
CEO Robert Garrett, FACHE, is ranked #1 on the ROI-NJ Influencers: Health Care list for the second consecutive year
Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health hospitals are once again ranked #1 in N.J. by "U.S. News and World Report"
Hackensack University Medical Center is once again ranked #1 in N.J. by "U.S. News and World Report"
Named the #1 nonprofit health system in the nation for community investment by the Lown Institute
1st in the nation to achieve The Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Certification
Broke ground on the 1st health and wellness center nationwide to be located in a major travel hub, improving access to care
At Hackensack Meridian Health, we are on a mission to transform health care and be recognized as the leader of positive change. Here are some highlights from 2024 that demonstrate our commitment.
Hover over each to explore milestones
About
March
april
October
july
september
Philanthropy
In 2024, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation launched Be The Difference —an ambitious and transformative campaign to raise $1 billion—the largest fundraising campaign of this magnitude in New Jersey. Led by co-chairs Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Eli Manning, former New York Football Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Be The Difference is more than just a comprehensive fundraising campaign. It represents our network’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in health care. Since its launch, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation has proudly raised more than $687 million toward the $1 billion goal, thanks to the unwavering support of donors and the transformative impact of our mission.
INNOVATION
than any other health system in New Jersey.
WE SAVE MORE LIVES
and are less likely to return to the hospital with complications.
PATIENTS RETURN HOME FASTER
in New Jersey with fewer complications for baby and mom.
WE DELIVER THE MOST BABIES
We review our data against other hospitals within the hospital-rating organization Vizient to track our patient safety performance. According to the Vizient 2023–2024 data review, we have the best outcomes in New Jersey:
WE STAND OUT WITH THE BEST OUTCOMES IN NEW JERSEY
Patient Safety
Sepsis is the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. We are committed to mitigating sepsis-related harmthroughout Hackensack Meridian Health, focusing on early recognition and intervention. “SEP-1” is shorthand for “The Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle,” which outlines guidelines for effectively fighting sepsis. We exceed national and state averages in SEP-1 performance.
Fighting the #1 Cause of Death in U.S. Hospitals
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are infections people get while receiving treatment in a healthcare setting like a hospital, and unfortunately, on any given day, about one in 31 hospital patients has at least one HAI, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We pride ourselves on continually improving our rate of HAIs and leading nationally in these efforts. We have reduced HAIs by 42% since 2018, and 83% of our hospitals are among the top performers nationwide in preventing at least one type of HAI, while almost half (42%) are top performers in preventing two or more types. This means safer care, shorter hospital stays, lower costs and a better overall experience for our patients.
Steady Decline in Hospital-Acquired Infections
20.00%
0.00%
40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
New Jersey
Nation
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
62%
69%
71%
SEP-1 PERFORMANCE
LOCATION
42% SINCE 2018
WE HAVE REDUCED HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS BY
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER:
Ranked #1 in New Jersey
#5 overall in the New York Metropolitan area
Recognized in 17 high performing specialties
Ranked in eight nationally recognized specialties
JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER:
Ranked #4 in New Jersey
Recognized for high performance in 11 procedures and conditions
Best in Obstetrics & Gynecology in New Jersey
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN CHILDREN’S HEALTH:
Ranked the #1 children’s hospitals in New Jersey
Top-10 status in themid-Atlantic region
Ranked in three nationally recognized specialties
JFK JOHNSON REHABILITATION INSTITUTE:
Ranked among the top 50 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation
HACKENSACKMERIDIAN HEALTH NETWORK:
Earned 52 high-performing rankings across 11 hospitals, the most in New Jersey
Includes recognition for specialties like Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Cardiology and more
Of our hospitals received A grades (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade)
7
the C m S Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating received by Hackensack University Medical Center
In New Jersey For Adult And Pediatric Hospitals
#1
U.S. News & World Report
Select each to learn more
External Recognition
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH NETWORK
JFK JOHNSON REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN CHILDREN’S HEALTH
JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Largest Phase 1 Clinical Trial Program in New Jersey
When Mark Antonacci was diagnosed with advanced small cell lung cancer, he was given little time to live. But, thanks to an innovative clinical trial at John Theurer Cancer Center, Mark became one of the first patients to receive a ground-breaking treatment regimen that combined chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. After two years of rigorous treatment, Mark is now cancer-free and had the privilege of walking his daughter down the aisle—an experience he never thought possible. Thanks to a cutting-edge clinical trial at John Theurer Cancer Center, Mark Antonacci is cancer-free and made it to his daughter’s wedding, a moment he thought he might miss.
NJ Dad Walks Daughter Down Aisle Thanks to Cancer Trial
Celebrating Cures for Sickle Cell Disease
In 2024, we reunited former sickle cell disease patients and families to celebrate groundbreaking cures and transformative care. From providing bone marrow transplants to innovative gene therapy, our care team has cured more than 80 pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease, offering new hope for those living with this debilitating disease. The event highlighted patient stories, heartfelt testimonies and our unwavering commitment to eradicating sickle cell. As treatments advance, we remain a leader in the fight to end sickle cell disease, championing awareness and access to life-saving care. We are New Jersey’s only health network to offer multiple curative treatments for sickle cell disease.
School of Medicine Graduates Its Largest Class
Five Years of Innovation: Advancing Research at CDI
Grown to 32 lab heads and 200 scientists
The Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) is driving the future of medicine by turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions.
Secured 126 grants, including 60 NIH awards
Generated $53 million in research revenue in 2023
Since 2019, CDI has:
National Recognition for Innovation
ACCESS
As one of New Jersey’s premier cancer research institutions, John Theurer Cancer Center offers all phases of clinical trials and enrolls more than 1,500 patients per year in its 400+ clinical trials. The center is also home to New Jersey’s largest Phase I clinical trial program. In 2024, experts from Hackensack University Medical Center’s John Theurer Cancer Center expanded the Phase I clinical trial program to include Jersey Shore University Medical Center—providing close-to-home access to first-in-human clinical trials and new hope for patients in southern New Jersey.
In 2024, Hackensack Meridian Health was named one of Modern Healthcare’s 2024 Innovators for establishing the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI). This national recognition celebrates our commitment to advancing care, solving real-world challenges, and delivering measurable impact in both clinical and research settings.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine graduated its largest class to date, with 102 new physicians prepared to transform the future of health care. These graduates secured residencies at top programs, including Stanford, Yale and Hackensack Meridian Health, across all specialties. Since its founding, the school has grown exponentially, with applications and enrollments reaching record highs, solidifying its place as a leader in modern medical education.
Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at JFK University Medical Center is our third and newest care location to offer High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of essential tremor and Parkinson's Disease tremor. Hackensack Meridian Health was the first and remains the only healthcare network in New Jersey offering this minimally invasive treatment. Focused ultrasound uses acoustic energy, or sound waves, to treat brain tissue that is the source of the tremor. The outpatient procedure, which typically takes two hours, doesn’t require surgical incisions or anesthesia, and many patients experience immediate and significant reduction in hand tremors, which can make activities of daily living challenging.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Now at JFK University Medical Center
Innovation at Metropark Station
We are revolutionizing health care access by building a $200 million health and wellness center at Metropark Station, the first facility of its kind in a major transit hub. Opening in 2025, the 60,000-square foot center will serve thousands of daily commuters and nearby residents with primary care, medical specialties, imaging and more—all steps from the station. These efforts are expected to create over 1,000 jobs, contributing to the local economy while also addressing health care’s growing demand in suburban and urban areas alike.
Hospital From Home
HMH 24/7
When Denise Dixon was in the hospital with hypertensive urgency (a condition where blood pressure is elevated) and congestive heart failure, the Hospital From Home service enabled her to receive hospital-level care right in her own living room. With daily telemedicine consultations, in-home nursing visits and personalized support, Denise was able to recover in comfort, avoiding a prolonged hospital stay. Today, she’s back to enjoying life, with the ability to stay active and spend time outdoors.
Launched in 2024, this program provides hospital-level care in patients’ homes, including infusions, labs, and in-home nursing — supporting recovery from conditions like COPD and heart failure while enhancing comfort, access and outcomes.
EXPERIENCE
An AI-powered platform that brings primary and urgent care directly to your phone — blending virtual and in-person care to address chronic and preventive health needs with real-time access to Hackensack Meridian Health clinicians.
WE DELIVERED MORE THAN 2M
WE ONBOARDED 365 NEW PRACTITIONERS
26 NEW OUTPATIENT CARE SITES
outpatient visits in 2024 (a 15% YoY increase).
and completed 14 new physician practice acquisitions in 2024.
providing a range of convenient services have either recently opened or are under construction and represent half a million square feet. (Since 2021)
We are deeply committed to improving access to care for the community and have made significant investments in ambulatory services and physician recruitment:
Care Companion Program
In 2024, the Care Companion Program continued to strengthen the patient experience by formally integrating loved ones into the care team. Through this initiative, designated family members or friends receive 24/7 access and participate in a patient’s recovery by assisting with approved non-clinical tasks.
#36
9th time
85%
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When things were critical, there wasn’t much I could do. But when it came to helping her wash, adjusting her bed or bringing familiar things from home—it made a real difference.” — Albert, Care Companion for his wife, Denise
ON FORTUNE’S 2024 BEST WORKPLACES IN HEALTH CARE
GREAT PLACE TO WORK certified for the
OF TEAM MEMBERS SAY HMH IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK (+6.25% FROM 2023)
FOLLOW HACKESACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Adopted by 33% of eligible patients
Associated with 25-point higher experience ratings
Enhances healing through continuous, personalized support
NATIONAL LEADERS IN NURSING
As a national leader in nursing excellence, we earned our eighth Magnet® designation in 2024. JFK University Medical Center received its first-ever Magnet recognition, while Hackensack University Medical Center became the first in New Jersey to achieve Magnet status seven consecutive times. These honors reflect our commitment to professional growth, superior patient care and continuous improvement.
ONLY 9.4%
OF U.S. HOSPITALS HAVE EARNED MAGNET® RECOGNITION, MAKING IT A GOLD STANDARD IN NURSING EXCELLENCE.
When Denise was hospitalized with cancer, her husband Albert was by her side—not just as a loved one, but as her designated Care Companion. Thanks to Hackensack Meridian Health’s Care Companion Program, Albert was able to assist with meaningful daily tasks like adjusting her bed and helping with personal care, giving him a hands-on role in her healing journey. The program offered him 24/7 visitation and the ability to be part of her care team. While he couldn’t change the outcome, Albert found purpose and peace in supporting Denise through her final days—bringing comfort, dignity, and love when it mattered most.
