South Brunswick resident received NJ Governor's Award

2015 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards ceremony was held in state-of-the art Billy Johnson Auditorium at Newark Museum on evening of June 8, 2015, to recognize and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. Individuals and groups of professionals in more than 20 categories were recognized at the event which was attended by more than 400 people include the invitees, dignitaries, guests and honorees.

Dr. Tushar B. Patel, resident of South Brunswick, New Jersey was recognized for his self-less community medical volunteer services for the past 15 years throughout the state. He was awarded with Becton, Dickinson and Company’s – BD Health Care Professional category award for his public service in New Jersey. The award and prestigious Jefferson medal was presented by New Jersey’s Acting Governor and Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of State Kim Guadagno on behalf of Governor Chris Christie.

Dr. Patel’s concern for the welfare of others led him to serve since 1999 in a non-profit organization called Indian Health Camp of New Jersey and many other religious and community organizations to provide basic health screening and disease prevention throughout the state. Due to his outstanding efforts and self-less commitment, more than 7,000 documented health screenings to uninsured or underinsured New Jersey residents were accomplished under his leadership and other dedicated volunteers and committee members. The objective is early diagnosis and intervention in an effort to avoid long-term complications and reduce the financial and emotional burden on the families and community. Dr. Patel made a meaningful impact on communities without the expectation of recognition or compensation. Through his outstanding acts of public service, Dr. Patel has proven his dedication to assisting his fellow residents and making New Jersey a better place.

More than 1.5 million New Jersey volunteers who serve in communities throughout the year in a wide variety of capacities including mentoring children with special educational needs, providing healthy meals to those in need or rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters. Whether working as individuals or as part of a team, New Jersey’s volunteers have demonstrated the very meaningful impact of compassion and service to others. This year, hundreds of individuals of all ages and groups of all sizes were nominated across multiple categories. NJ State Governor’s Jefferson Awards for Public Service has been awarded since 2007 to dedicated individuals for their public service.

In her speech, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno congratulated this year’s honorees and expressed her appreciation by saying “we are humbled by the selfless contributions of those recognized this evening and extend our gratitude to those who strive to serve others in need and improve the communities of New Jersey”.

Steve Adubato performed an excellent job of master of ceremonies to keep audience engaged by his wonderful presentation. Atlantic City Mayor Donald Guardian, Linda Bowden, President of PNC Bank New Jersey, Steven Kern, CEO/Director Newark Museum, and Matt Kraner, President, NJ Advanced Media among the other prominent attendees and part of the presentation.

Dr. Patel is also selected as one of the 2015 Healthcare Heroes Finalists from NJBIZ, New Jersey’s premier business news publication. The awards breakfast and ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ. Prior to this award, Dr. Patel was awarded with several community volunteer and leadership awards in last five years to include Department of Justice Attorney General Award for Community Service in 2012.