Hi Brick Neighbors,​I am a local off-market acquisitions specialist purchasing single-family properties directly in Brick and throughout Ocean, Mercer, and surrounding NJ counties.​We specialize in helping homeowners dealing with: ​Pre-foreclosures &amp; back tax liens ​Inherited / estate properties requiring full cleanouts​ homes needing heavy repairs or cosmetic updating​We buy 100% as-is, cover all closing costs, pay off outstanding municipal liens/mortgages at closing, and require ZERO real estate agent commissions or open house showings.​If you or someone in your family is looking for a clean, hassle-free cash sale, reach out today for a no-obligation cash offer.​Contact: Call/Text: [848-469-3684] | Email: [eleutwri38@gmailcom]

Local Housing: Local Brick / Ocean County Cash Home Buyer – As-Is Purchases

Ocean County

Karen Wall

New York City Metropolitan Area

Brick

New Jersey

Local Brick / Ocean County Cash Home Buyer – As...

Hi Brick Neighbors,​I am a local off-market acquisitions specialist purchasing single-family properties directly in Brick and throughout Ocean,...

Local Brick / Ocean County Cash Home Buyer – As-Is Purchases

Brick, N.J. - October 12, 2026 - A disturbing social media challenge known as "Benny Tripping" is gaining alarming traction, encouraging teenagers to consume toxic doses of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to induce hallucinations. As recently reported in the <a href="https://patch.com/new-jersey/barnegat-manahawkin/s/kttax/nj-teen-hospitalized-in-benny-tripping-trend-officials-warn?utm_source=local-update&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=alert&amp;user_email=d51ff29c9f0e89e88ddae8b535ba1205e502d54c79a7523caba9bbbe1bc7c375&amp;user_email_md5=ec5c745fd3489e46622810e3a201ec1f&amp;lctg=665f4d5a457c373103076e04" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news</a>, this dangerous misuse of common over-the-counter (OTC) medication has already hospitalized at least one New Jersey teenager with confusion, disorientation, and slurred speech.
The statistics surrounding pediatric and teen OTC poisoning over the past three years paint a worrying picture:
<ul><li>Nationally: According to the National Poison Data System via <a href="https://poisoncenters.org/news-alerts/13642335" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">America's Poison Centers</a>, diphenhydramine exposure cases among teens ages 13&ndash;19 surged 31.9% from 10,068 cases in 2024 to 13,284 cases in 2025. The trend has only accelerated into 2026, with 7,292 teen diphenhydramine-only cases recorded in just the first half of the year&mdash;nearly double the rate from the same period last year.</li><li>In New Jersey: The<a href="https://www.njpies.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> New Jersey Poison Control Center</a> reports managing <a href="https://rutgershealth.org/news/new-jersey-poison-center-data-shows-suicide-attempts-among-teenagers-are-high" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">some 1,500</a> intentional self-poisoning attempts among preteens and teens annually, repeatedly citing OTC medications like Benadryl, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen as the most common culprits.</li></ul>
Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health experts weigh in on the medical risks associated with this trend:
"From a pediatric standpoint, prevention and open communication are our best tools against these trends. Parents should lock up all medications, including common allergy pills, and have honest, direct conversations with their teenagers &ndash; and even pre-teens &ndash; about the severe risks hidden in social media challenges before they ever reach the hospital doors." &mdash; Moses Olorunnisola, MD, pediatrician, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center
"When teens attempt the 'Benny Tripping' challenge, they aren't just risking a bad high. They are risking their lives. In the emergency department, we see the severe consequences of diphenhydramine poisoning, which can rapidly escalate from flushing and confusion to dangerous heart arrhythmias, seizures, and even fatal cardiac arrest. An over-the-counter label does not mean the drug is safe at any dose." &mdash; David Bergamo, MD, Associate Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Essential practices to stop the misuse of household medications:
<ul><li>Keep drugs under lock and key: Store all medications in a secure, locked location so that children, curious teens and young adults cannot get to them.</li><li>Supervise all doses: An adult should always be the one in charge of dispensing medication. Minors should never be allowed to take medicine on their own.</li><li>Clean out your medicine cabinet: Routinely clear your home of any leftover or out-of-date drugs, including both over-the-counter and prescription products.</li><li>Dispose of drugs responsibly: Bring your unwanted pills to a community medication disposal kiosk, or safely hand them over during National Prescription Drug Take Back events, which happen twice a year in April and October.</li></ul>
If you suspect your child has ingested a toxic amount of medication, immediately contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 911. For more resources visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health</a>.
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(photo: vecteezy.com)

Hackensack Meridian Children's Health Experts...

Brick, N.J. - October 12, 2026 - A disturbing social media challenge known as "Benny Tripping" is gaining alarming traction, encouraging teenagers...

Hackensack Meridian Children's Health Experts weigh in on Dangerous Social Media Trend

Hi Brick Neighbors,&#8203;I am a local off-market acquisitions specialist purchasing single-family properties directly in Brick and throughout Ocean, Mercer, and surrounding NJ counties.&#8203;We specialize in helping homeowners dealing with: &#8203;Pre-foreclosures &amp; back tax liens &#8203;Inherited / estate properties requiring full cleanouts&#8203; homes needing heavy repairs or cosmetic updating&#8203;We buy 100% as-is, cover all closing costs, pay off outstanding municipal liens/mortgages at closing, and require ZERO real estate agent commissions or open house showings.&#8203;If you or someone in your family is looking for a clean, hassle-free cash sale, reach out today for a no-obligation cash offer.&#8203;Contact: Call/Text: [848-469-3684] | Email: [eleutwri38@gmailcom]

Neptune, N.J. - October 9, 2026 - Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), in partnership with the NJ Department of Health, is bringing essential immunizations closer to home with upcoming vaccination clinics. These events will offer flu shots for kids and adults, as well as childhood vaccines.
Mixed messages about immunizations have left many parents confused about what is safe and necessary for their children. Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health experts are actively reassuring families that the safest route remains the <a href="https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf?_gl=1*qkpf54*_ga*OTI2MzE5MDU4LjE3OTAyODA0MzM.*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3OTAyODA0MzMkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTAyODEzMDAkajYwJGwwJGgw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">comprehensive immunization schedule </a>recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).&nbsp;
"Across our health network, we review the data and the science continually, and our consensus remains unwavering: the AAP&rsquo;s recommended immunization schedule is safe, necessary, and highly effective. For flu in particular, a recent study in <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/158/2/e2026076453/208191/Influenza-Vaccine-Effectiveness-Against-Pediatric?redirectedFrom=fulltext" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pediatrics</a> shows flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related deaths in U.S. children and adolescents by a staggering 80% between the 2016 and 2025 flu seasons. Our care teams are here to educate families and give confidence in the care that keeps our schools and communities safe,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/melissa-carrie-wallach/1319843" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Melissa Wallach, MD, FAAP</a>, pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Vaccine Steering Committee co-lead for HMH.
To help families stay protected, the following clinics will be held locally:
Flu Vaccine Clinic (Neptune City)
<ul><li>Date &amp; Time: October 17, 2026 | 9 a.m. &ndash; 2 p.m.</li><li>Location: Jane H. Booker Family Health Center, 1828 West Lake Avenue, Neptune City, New Jersey</li></ul>
Flu &amp; School-Aged Childhood Vaccination Clinic (Eatontown)
<ul><li>Date &amp; Time: October 24, 2026 | 9 a.m. &ndash; 2 p.m.</li><li>Location: HMH Health &amp; Wellness Center, 135 NJ-35, Eatontown, New Jersey</li><li>Note: This event includes fun, kid-friendly learning while you and your child get 2026 flu shots and/or age-related vaccines.</li></ul>
What Families Need to Know:
<ul><li>Who is Qualified: Vaccinations are available for all ages, including adults, babies (6 months+), and children.</li><li>What to Bring: Adults must bring a form of ID. Please bring your insurance card and your child's insurance card if you have them, but they are not required.</li><li>Registration: Participants can register by visiting: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/vaccine" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/vaccine</a>.</li></ul>
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(photo: vecteezy.com)

Hackensack Meridian Health to Host Vaccination...

Neptune, N.J. - October 9, 2026 - Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), in partnership with the NJ Department of Health, is bringing essential...

Hackensack Meridian Health to Host Vaccination Clinics

Hackensack Meridian Health experts weigh in during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Brick, N.J. - October 9, 2026 - When actress Olivia Munn revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, it sparked a massive, much-needed public conversation about early detection. Munn was just 43, had a clear routine mammogram, and tested negative for the well-known BRCA genetic mutations. Her aggressive cancer was only caught because her doctor calculated her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score, which flagged her for a life-saving MRI.
Hackensack Meridian Health experts say Munn&rsquo;s story highlights growing confusion surrounding breast cancer screening guidelines. With various health organizations shifting their recommendations recently, many women are left completely unsure about when to start screening, how often they need to go, and whether a standard mammogram alone is actually enough to protect them. The urgency to clear up this confusion and establish personalized risk has never been greater. According to the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-figures.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">American Cancer Society</a>, breast cancer incidence rates have steadily risen over the past decade, with a steeper increase of 1.4% per year among women under 50.
The Root of the Confusion: Competing Guidelines
Different health organizations offer slightly different guidance on mammograms. Here is the current breakdown for average-risk women, simplified:
<ul><li>U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): In April 2024, the USPSTF updated their guidelines, lowering the recommended age to start mammograms from 50 to 40. However, they recommend screening biennially (every other year) through age 74. (Source: <a href="https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">USPSTF</a>)</li><li>American Cancer Society (ACS): Recommends women have the choice to start annual screening at 40, but strongly recommends starting annual mammograms at age 45. At age 55, women can transition to every other year or continue annually. (Source: <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">American Cancer Society</a>)</li><li>American College of Radiology (ACR): Recommends annual screening starting at age 40. Additionally, the ACR urges all women to have a formal breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they need to start screening even earlier. (Source: <a href="https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(21)00383-5/fulltext?_gl=1*1so45xq*_gcl_au*ODgzMDAwNTYwLjE3ODc2ODg3MDc.*_ga*NjIwMjg0NzU5LjE3ODc2ODg3MDg.*_ga_K9XZBF7MXP*czE3ODc2ODg3MDckbzEkZzEkdDE3ODc2ODg4NTIkajU1JGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">American College of Radiology</a>)</li></ul>
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) and American College of Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommend that women at average risk start annual mammograms at age 40. For women at elevated risk, screening may begin earlier and include MRI.
"The varying screening guidelines often focus on 'average-risk' women, which unfortunately causes many to overlook their own hidden risks, like genetic mutations. While BRCA 1 and 2 are the most well-known, mutations like CHEK2 are also very common and drastically increase breast cancer risk. As a breast surgeon, I urge women to establish their baseline risk early. Catching cancer early through appropriate, individualized screening doesn't just save lives &ndash; it gives patients far more options for less invasive surgeries and treatments," notes <a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/roshani-raman-patel/2121022" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Roshani Patel, M.D., FACS,</a> medical director, Breast Surgical Oncology, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Common Questions Women Have (And How to Approach Them)
<ul><li>When should I actually start? While guidelines vary slightly on frequency, medical consensus now agrees that age 40 is the baseline to begin mammograms. However, women should talk to their doctors by age 25 to establish their personal risk.</li><li>What if I have "dense breasts"? Dense breast tissue is common but makes it harder for radiologists to spot tumors on standard mammograms. Thanks to a recent FDA update that took effect in late 2024, all mammogram facilities are now required to inform patients if they have dense breasts so they can seek supplemental screening like an ultrasound or MRI.</li><li>Are mammograms covered by insurance? Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, screening mammograms are covered without copays starting at age 40.</li><li>I have no family history. Do I still need to worry? Yes. In fact, most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history.</li></ul>

Additional information on breast cancer screening, risk factors, and treatment options is available at: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care/breast-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care/breast-cancer</a>.&nbsp; ### 
(photo: vecteezy.com)

Navigating the Confusing Maze of Breast Cancer...

Hackensack Meridian Health experts weigh in during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

Navigating the Confusing Maze of Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Buying a home in New Jersey? Get $100 OFF your home inspection with Smart Choice Inspections!
Available on home inspection packages of $400 or more. Claim your credit with your name and email at <a href="https://callsmartchoice.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">callsmartchoice.com</a>.
Before you book, try our free Smart Start tool. Enter the property address to explore available permits, flood zones, radon potential, fire history, home age, and more. See which inspection services may make sense for that particular home, including radon testing, sewer scope, termite inspection, and lead screening.
Learn about the house first. Choose the inspections that fit. And save $100 when you make a Smart Choice!
One per household/property. Cannot be combined with other offers. No cash value.

Essex County

Eric Kiefer

Montclair

A Gift for New Jersey Home Buyers

Buying a home in New Jersey? Get $100 OFF your home inspection with Smart Choice Inspections!...

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property &mdash; building permits, flood zones, fire history, property taxes, and more &mdash; by typing in an address.
The site, <a href="https://oprasearch.app/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Permit &amp; Parcel</a>, covers all 564 New Jersey municipalities and brings together records from official sources, including state and county databases, FEMA flood maps, and the towns&rsquo; own municipal codes. No account or email is required, and there&rsquo;s no cost.
&ldquo;I kept watching buyers fall in love with a house before anyone checked the paper trail &mdash; the open permits, the flood zone, what the town actually requires when a home changes hands,&rdquo; said Leo Betancor, a Certified Master Inspector based in Cedar Grove and the founder of the site. &ldquo;All of that is public record. It just wasn&rsquo;t in one place anyone could actually use.&rdquo;
Alongside the main lookup, the site includes free single-purpose tools: a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/lead-safe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">lead-safe inspection lookup</a> showing which of the two state-required inspection methods each town uses under New Jersey&rsquo;s lead paint law, a searchable <a href="https://oprasearch.app/lead-contractors/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">directory of DCA-certified lead evaluation and abatement contractors</a> sorted by distance, a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/fire/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fire-incident map</a> built from more than 40 years of state fire records, and a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/radon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">radon map</a> covering every municipality.
Homeowners can also <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/tax/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">look up property taxes and assessments</a>, <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/hvac-age/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">check the age of a furnace, air conditioner or water heater</a> using its serial number, and <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/co/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">find their town&rsquo;s certificate-of-occupancy requirements</a> before selling or renting a home.
A companion site, <a href="https://njflood.zone/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">njflood.zone</a>, gives instant FEMA flood-zone answers for any New Jersey address &mdash; built after the federal government shutdown left FEMA&rsquo;s own map site unreliable &mdash; running on the site&rsquo;s own servers with the complete flood map data for the state loaded locally.
As an added benefit for homebuyers, Permit &amp; Parcel users can receive $100 off a qualifying home inspection with Smart Choice Inspections, Betancor&rsquo;s North Jersey home inspection company.
The project was recently featured in <a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-hanover-slash-florham-park/columns/at-home-with-holly/articles/deep-dive-conversations-what-the-house-won-t-tell-you" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">TAPinto.</a>&nbsp;Both sites are free at <a href="https://oprasearch.app/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">oprasearch.app</a> and <a href="https://njflood.zone/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">njflood.zone</a>.

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property...

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property — building permits...

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property-Records Lookup for Every NJ Town

A Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health expert weighs in

Neptune, N.J. - September 23, 2026 - As the leaves begin to change and children settle back into classrooms, parents are bracing for the inevitable return of sniffles, coughs, and fevers. But while many view the seasonal flu as just a "bad cold," the reality of the virus is far more severe for young, developing immune systems.&nbsp;

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2024-2025 flu season claimed the lives of<a href="https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-05-05-pediatric-flu-deaths-hit-15-year-high" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> 216 children</a> in the U.S. &ndash; the highest toll in 15 years for a non-pandemic season. Despite these alarming statistics, pediatric vaccination rates have been steadily dropping since 2021. To unpack why this immunization is more critical than ever, <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/moses-f-olorunnisola/1314727" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Moses Olorunnisola, M.D.</a>, pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, shares more.

The Life-Saving Power of the Vaccine
A <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/158/2/e2026076453/208191/Influenza-Vaccine-Effectiveness-Against-Pediatric?redirectedFrom=fulltext" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">recent study</a> in Pediatrics examining the effectiveness of the flu vaccine paints a clear, undeniable picture of its benefits &ndash; showing that the influenza vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related deaths in U.S. children and adolescents by a staggering 80% between the 2016 and 2025 flu seasons.

The research revealed that protection was robust across the board, reducing the risk of death by 77% for children with underlying medical conditions, and by 87% for children without underlying health conditions. Tragically, out of more than 1,200 laboratory-confirmed pediatric flu deaths during the study period, only 18% of the children were fully vaccinated.

Breaking Down the Basics and Dispelling the Myths
Despite the proven efficacy of the vaccine, misinformation and post-pandemic "vaccine fatigue" have been driving pediatric vaccination rates down. Many parents skip the shot because they mistakenly believe healthy kids don't need it, or because it may mean more frequent trips to the doctor.

Here are the basic facts parents need to know:
<ul><li>Who is eligible: Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, barring a specific medical reason not to.</li><li>Dosing: Most kids need one shot per season. However, children aged 6 months through 8 years who are receiving their first flu shot (or haven't had enough previous doses) require two doses spaced at least four weeks apart.</li><li>How it works: The vaccine isn't an instant shield. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. While it won't prevent other respiratory bugs like RSV, COVID-19, or the common cold, its primary role is to drastically reduce the severity of illness, hospitalization, and ICU admission if a child does catch the flu.</li></ul>

What Parents Should Look Out For
Because young children have immature immune systems, they are exceptionally vulnerable to the flu virus. Even completely healthy children can become critically ill. In fact, 52% of the pediatric flu deaths in the<a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/158/2/e2026076453/208191/Influenza-Vaccine-Effectiveness-Against-Pediatric?redirectedFrom=fulltext" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> recent study </a>occurred in children with no known high-risk medical conditions.

Parents should be vigilant and monitor their children closely, as influenza infection can rapidly escalate. Look out for the following severe complications:
<ul><li>Dehydration: High fever, vomiting, and a reluctance to drink fluids can quickly become a medical emergency in young children.</li><li>Pneumonia &amp; Respiratory Failure: If a child is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly, or wheezing, the flu may have progressed to the lungs, requiring immediate medical or ICU intervention.</li><li>Encephalitis: Unrelenting lethargy, confusion, or seizures can be a sign of inflammation of the brain, a rare but life-threatening complication of the flu virus.</li></ul>

When it comes to flu protection, timing is everything. September and October are the ideal months to get vaccinated. However, even if you miss that early window, getting the shot between November and January is still highly worthwhile, as the flu often circulates well into the spring.&nbsp;

For additional information, talk to your child&rsquo;s pediatrician or visit: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts</a>.&nbsp;

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Photo: Vecteezy.com

Why the Flu Vaccine is Your Child's Best...

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health expert weighs in...

Why the Flu Vaccine is Your Child's Best Defense This Fall 

Brick, N.J. - September 21, 2026 - Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support women's health and emphasize the critical importance of preventative care in our community. On October 13, Ocean University Medical Center is hosting "Mocktails, Mammos &amp; More!"&mdash;an evening designed to make routine health screenings accessible, welcoming, and engaging. By combining essential health services with wellness resources, the aim is to encourage more women to prioritize their annual screenings. Attendees will have access to on-site mammograms, educational resources, massages, and mocktails.&nbsp;Please note, screenings require insurance (ages 40+, or 30+ if high risk). No script or referral is needed as long as it has been a year and a day since your last screening.<ul><li>Event Details: Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026</li><li>Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM</li><li>Location: Ocean University Medical Center (425 Jack Martin Blvd, Brick, NJ)</li><li>Registration is required:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnkd%2Ein%2FecQjF4jd&amp;urlhash=LLel&amp;mt=JsAyrQhVuk4F0psyANCXD19lAq48uibKxBUY0ISiBGc3Yi1P3i3DnebZM-X95E7kzZKkJIMiLH8udKOthd2P4QB9lqrAgFN4XTY4z45AVR8DXczYaWVHKu6S&amp;isSdui=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://lnkd.in/ecQjF4jd</a> </li></ul>###

Mocktails, Mammos & More at Hackensack Meridian...

Brick, N.J. - September 21, 2026 - Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support women's health and emphasize the critical importance of...

Mocktails, Mammos & More at Hackensack Meridian OUMC

Historic donation, the largest in the network's history and the largest of its kind in New Jersey healthcare, will expand Jersey Shore University Medical Center &mdash; and honor the late John K. Lloyd
September 14, 2026 &mdash; Iselin, NJ &mdash; Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health network, today announced a transformational $125 million gift from an anonymous donor &mdash; the largest philanthropic commitment in the network's history, the largest gift of its kind in New Jersey healthcare, and among the largest donations to any hospital or health system in the United States.
The gift will advance HMH's mission to bring the best nationally ranked care closer to the people and communities it serves by expanding Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The donor, who has requested anonymity, has asked that the gift honor the legacy of the late John K. Lloyd by naming a pavilion at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune after him. A dedication ceremony will take place in the future. John K. Lloyd was a visionary leader who spent more than four decades building Jersey Shore University Medical Center into one of the nation's premier academic medical centers and served as co-CEO of HMH with Bob Garrett.&nbsp;
"In a year when the largest gifts in American healthcare have come from some of the most recognizable names in the country, someone chose to give $125 million and ask for nothing &mdash; no name on the building, no announcement, no recognition," said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. "They asked us to honor John Lloyd instead. That tells you everything about what this gift is really about. As a not-for-profit network, we put every dollar we receive right back into caring for our communities. Hackensack Meridian Health is home to the #1 adult and children's hospitals in New Jersey and the #1 and only nationally ranked cancer center in the state. We save more lives than any other health network in New Jersey; our patients return home faster and are less likely to experience complications. This gift allows us to keep getting better, every single day, for the families who count on us. And naming the John K. Lloyd Pavilion is deeply personal for all of us &mdash; John's fingerprints are on everything we have built together."
The donor hopes this gift will inspire others to make philanthropy a priority. It arrives in the midst of the most ambitious fundraising effort in New Jersey healthcare history. In 2021, the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation launched Be the Difference, a transformative campaign to innovate healthcare with a goal of raising $1 billion. To donate, visit <a href="http://givehmh.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GiveHMH.org</a>.&nbsp;
"Philanthropy changes what is possible," said Joyce Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. "A gift of $125 million &mdash; the largest in our history and the largest of its kind ever made in New Jersey healthcare &mdash; reflects a donor's deep confidence in our doctors, nurses, and other clinicians. It will help us expand access, advance the most sophisticated treatments available anywhere in the country, and ensure that world-class care is not something families have to travel far to find. It's already in their backyard." 
The gift comes as HMH continues an unprecedented period of investment throughout the region.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the #1 hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report, and the only Level I adult and Level I pediatric trauma center in the area &mdash; the highest possible certification for trauma care. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, the #1 children's hospital in New Jersey, and to a Level III NICU, one of the highest levels of newborn intensive care.
As the fastest-growing hospital in New Jersey, Jersey Shore sees more than 100,000 emergency department visits each year and regularly operates at or near inpatient capacity. In response, HMH has committed more than $1 billion over 10 years through its Master Facility Plan for a new critical care tower, 24 new operating rooms, and expanded patient facilities.
HMH has also invested heavily in bringing care directly into the region, with large, multi-specialty Health &amp; Wellness Centers in Eatontown and Freehold, robust primary care in Howell, and an additional Health &amp; Wellness Center opening in Red Bank soon. At HMH Health &amp; Wellness Centers, patients can access urgent care, annual checkups, specialists, imaging, labs, and pharmacy &mdash; all in one visit. 
"These investments reflect a deliberate choice to stay rooted in the communities that depend on us," Garrett added. "Healthcare should strengthen communities &mdash; not weaken existing hospitals or abandon vulnerable patients."
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Anonymous Donor Gives $125 Million to...

Historic donation, the largest in the network's history and the largest of its kind in New Jersey healthcare, will expand Jersey Shore University...

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