BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township Health Department has released results from its Voices for Health Community Health Assessment, outlining the top health concerns identified by residents and community leaders across the six municipalities it serves.
The assessment covered Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough and Peapack & Gladstone Borough in Somerset County, along with Chester Borough, Long Hill Township and Mendham Borough in Morris County.
According to the Health Department, the work included surveys, community focus groups and key leader interviews conducted between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
The findings identified three priority health needs for the service area: mental health, senior health and access to care.
Mental health, particularly among young people, emerged as the defining health concern across the area.
Anxiety and stress were identified as top concerns, followed by depression and loneliness or social isolation.
Nearly one in five respondents reported a time in the past year when they needed mental health care but did not receive it, according to the assessment.
The report also pointed to senior health concerns tied to social isolation and transportation.
Adults 65+ identified cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease as top health concerns.
Transportation was described in the assessment as the most consistently named barrier to healthcare access among older adults. It was also identified as a key factor driving isolation and mental health concerns among seniors.
Access to care and healthcare affordability were also ranked as a significant concern across several municipalities.
According to the assessment, more than half of residents said they were worried about paying medical bills if they get sick.
Navigating the healthcare system was also listed as a top concern, and community leaders described a gap between existing services and what residents know is available.
The report also highlighted community strengths across the service area.
Most survey respondents received preventive care within the past year, were physically active, consumed adequate fruits and vegetables, and avoided tobacco and marijuana products.
The Health Department also cited local proximity to healthcare facilities, volunteer services, libraries, food pantries and partnerships among community organizations as strengths.
The Bernards Township Health Department said the findings will be used to inform future public health planning and programming throughout its service area.
The Voices for Health executive summary and survey results are available at bernardshealth.org/health-promotion under "Voices for Health Community Health Survey 2025-2026."
The department serves as the contractual public health agency for the Boards of Health in the six municipalities included in the assessment.
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