As the CEO of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Kathleen Noonan speaks with us about their recently published findings from their randomized controlled trial (RTC) in 2014.   Why did the Camden Coalition undertake the randomized controlled trial (RTC) in 2014? It was a great opportunity for us — a relatively small nonprofit — to…Read More…

Christin Deacon is Director of Health Benefit Operations and Policy and Planning at the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Department of Treasury.   First, can you tell us about your role in the state’s Division of Pensions and Benefits? As an Assistant Director, I lead the Health Benefits section, which consists of two…Read More…

Judith M. Persichilli, R.N., B.S.N., M.A., is the New Jersey Commissioner of Health. She was a founding member of the Quality Institute.   What do you see as your top priorities for health care in New Jersey? The priorities fall into two categories, strategic and tactical. So let’s start with tactical —the issues that come…Read More…

For nearly 20 years, The Nicholson Foundation has worked to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in New Jersey. The Foundation recently announced that it would commit its last grants through the middle of 2020 and close its Newark office at the end of 2021. We spoke to Jan Nicholson, President of the…Read More…

Marcela Ospina Maziarz, MPA, is the Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health.   We know that the Health Resources and Service Administration, part of the federal government, selected New Jersey as one of nine states to receive a grant to improve maternal health. Can you tell us how New Jersey is using…Read More…

Don Liss, M.D., is Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, a member of the Quality Institute’s Leadership Council. In this interview, he talks about the challenges of providing high quality health care that’s still affordable. You recently returned to New Jersey. Can you tell us what you…Read More…

Frank Ghinassi, President and CEO, University Behavioral Health Care at Rutgers Global Health Institute. Your organization works closely with the New Jersey Medicaid program. Can you describe how that relationship works to support people with mental health issues? The Medicaid program provides coverage for a robust, multi-level and multi-dimensional network of care for individuals eligible…Read More…

As program officer for the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC), Julie DeSimone, LSW, provides mayors and community leaders with valuable tools and expertise to help residents live healthier lives. Can you tell us about the wide-ranging experience that supports your work with the Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign? After finishing my Master of Social Work, with…Read More…

Brittany Lee, LMSW, recently joined the Quality Institute as a policy associate. In this Take Five, Brittany discusses the focus of her work. Can you tell us how you will advance the Quality Institute’s mission? I joined the Quality Institute primarily to concentrate on reproductive health issues. There is a significant need to improve education…Read More…

  Christine Nazarenus is Chief Vision Officer and Co-Founder of Medical Marijuana 411, which provides online resources for medical cannabis education. You were working in a technology company and founded your first start up in 1998. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was your first client and later you developed a company focused on the character driven…Read More…