Archived Events

  • Commissioner O'Dowd and Tim Hilferty, Director, Long Beach Island Health Department, assess flood damage that took place at an Amusement Park in Beach Haven. Commissioner O'Dowd and Tim Hilferty, Director, Long Beach Island Health Department, assess flood damage that took place at an Amusement Park in Beach Haven. Commissioner O'Dowd toured the community on May 20.
  • Commissioner of Health Mary O'Dowd with Muaz Saeb of Cliffwood, at the Monmouth County Health Department's Childhood Immunization Clinic. Commissioner of Health Mary O'Dowd with Muaz Saeb of Cliffwood, at the Monmouth County Health Department's Childhood Immunization Clinic. The Commissioner was at the clinic on April 22, to celebrate National Infant Immunization Week and National Minority Health Month.
  • Commissioner Mary O'Dowd hosts a Hurricane Sandy roundtable at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck on April 4. Commissioner Mary O'Dowd hosts a Hurricane Sandy roundtable at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck on April 4. Health care partners from hospitals, home health, long-term care, EMS, Bergen County health officer and county and state Offices of Emergency Management, discuss what worked well and identified areas for improvement in future response to public health emergencies.
  • Governor Chris Christie and Commissioner O'Dowd announce the proclamation signing for Donate Life month at the State House on April 8. Governor Chris Christie and Commissioner O'Dowd announce the proclamation signing for Donate Life month at the State House on April 8.
  • Commissioner Mary O'Dowd hosts a Hurricane Sandy roundtable at the FEMA Joint Field Office in Lincroft Commissioner Mary O'Dowd hosts a Hurricane Sandy roundtable at the FEMA Joint Field Office in Lincroft. Health care partners from hospitals, home health, long-term care, EMS, Monmouth County health officer and county and state Offices of Emergency Management, discuss what worked well and identified areas for improvement in future response to public health emergencies.
  • On February 20, Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jersey City Medical Center to host a roundtable discussion on Superstorm Sandy On February 20, Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jersey City Medical Center to host a roundtable discussion on Superstorm Sandy, which focused on how the health care response worked well in Hudson County and discuss areas for improvement. Following the roundtable, the Commissioner toured the hospital’s Medical Coordination Center, the Emergency Department, and other areas on the first floor which took on several feet of flood water at the height of the storm.
  • On February 20, Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jersey City Medical Center to host a roundtable discussion on Superstorm Sandy On February 20, Commissioner O’Dowd joined Jersey City Medical Center to host a roundtable discussion on Superstorm Sandy, which focused on how the health care response worked well in Hudson County and discuss areas for improvement. Following the roundtable, the Commissioner toured the hospital’s Medical Coordination Center, the Emergency Department, and other areas on the first floor which took on several feet of flood water at the height of the storm.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd and Philip Kirschner, New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) President, at the NJBIA's 'Meet the Decision Maker' conference held at Foresgate County Club. Commissioner O'Dowd and Philip Kirschner, New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) President, at the NJBIA's " Meet the Decision Maker" conference held at Foresgate Country Club. Commissioner O'Dowd gave remarks on the challenges facing the Department. The event was held on February 6.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd commemorates National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by delivering remarks to more than 200 people at the Greater Mt. Zion AME Church in Trenton. The event took place on February 5. Commissioner O'Dowd commemorates National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by delivering remarks to more than 200 people at the Greater Mt. Zion AME Church in Trenton. The event took place on February 5.
  • Dr. Karyn Singer, MD. MPH, Internist and General Preventive Medicine Resident, John Hopkins University and Dr. Melita Jordan, Senior Executive Service Director, Department of Health, are pictured with an undergraduate student and child taking part in 'Give Kids a Smile Day' Dr. Karyn Singer, MD. MPH, Internist and General Preventive Medicine Resident, John Hopkins University and Dr. Melita Jordan, Senior Executive Service Director, Department of Health, are pictured with an undergraduate student and child taking part in "Give Kids a Smile Day," at the University of Medicine and Dentistry - New Jersey Dental School (UMDNJ) in Newark. Also pictured to the right is Dr. Nanci Tofski, Acting Chair of Pediatric Dentistry, UMDNJ.
  • Commissioner opens the first of four Department roundtables highlighting what worked well during Hurricane Sandy and how New Jersey's health care and public health community can be better prepared in the future. Commissioner opens the first of four Department roundtables highlighting what worked well during Hurricane Sandy and how New Jersey's health care and public health community can be better prepared in the future.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd listens to participants in the first of four Department roundtables highlighting what worked well during Hurricane Sandy and how New Jersey's health care and public health community can be better prepared in the future. The roundtable was held Jan. 23, 2012 at Community Medical Center in Toms River. Commissioner O'Dowd listens to participants in the first of four Department roundtables highlighting what worked well during Hurricane Sandy and how New Jersey's health care and public health community can be better prepared in the future. The roundtable was held Jan. 23, 2012 at Community Medical Center in Toms River.
  • Community Medical Center nurse leads Commissioner O'Dowd, CEO Stephanie Bloom and Ocean County Health Officer Dan Regenye on a tour of the Toms River hospital on Jan. 23, 2012. Community Medical Center nurse leads Commissioner O'Dowd, CEO Stephanie Bloom and Ocean County Health Officer Dan Regenye on a tour of the Toms River hospital on Jan. 23, 2012.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd greets a nurse during a tour of Community Medical Center in Toms River on Jan. 23, 2013. Commissioner O'Dowd greets a nurse during a tour of Community Medical Center in Toms River on Jan. 23, 2013.
  • Commissioner tours the power plant at Community Medical Center in Toms River on Jan. 23,2013. Commissioner tours the power plant at Community Medical Center in Toms River on Jan. 23,2013.
  • Commissioner O’Dowd pictured with Teri Kubiel, Administrative Director Emergency and Nursing Education Services, Community Medical Center and Dr. Vikram Varma, Chairman of the Emergency Department at Community Medical Center during a tour of the hospital that took place on January 23, 2013. Commissioner O’Dowd pictured with Teri Kubiel, Administrative Director Emergency and Nursing Education Services, Community Medical Center and Dr. Vikram Varma, Chairman of the Emergency Department at Community Medical Center during a tour of the hospital that took place on January 23, 2013.
  • Beth Anne M. Dobosh, director of community engagement, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Commissioner O'Dowd and Amy B. Mansue, president and CEO, Children’s Specialized Hospital (pictured from the left) in front of Toys that Department of Health employees donated to PSE&G Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick. The toys were delivered to the Children on December 17. Beth Anne M. Dobosh, director of community engagement, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Commissioner O'Dowd and Amy B. Mansue, president and CEO, Children’s Specialized Hospital (pictured from the left) in front of Toys that Department of Health employees donated to PSE&G Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick. The toys were delivered to the children on December 17.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd gets a flu shot at UMDNJ in Newark. Commissioner O'Dowd gets a flu shot at UMDNJ in Newark
  • Deputy Commissioner of Department of Health, Dr. Arturo Brito, at the Mobile Satellite Emergency Department at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, New York.Terry Clancy, PhD, Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services; Dr. Herman Morchel, Hackensack University Medical Center; Matt Lowe, New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Task Force (NJEMST); Dr. Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Health; Jason Hamilton, NJEMSTF and Steve Swain, NJEMSTF, at the Mobile Satellite Emergency Department at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, New York. (Pictured from the left.)
  • A photo of the Mobile Satellite Emergency Department at Long Beach Medical Center that was activated during Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.A photo of the Mobile Satellite Emergency Department at Long Beach Medical Center that was activated during Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.
  • As part of the Christie Administration’s second annual ‘Season of Service’ Health Commissioner O'Dowd packaged and distributed Thanksgiving turkey dinners to residents in need at Lowe’s in West Windsor. As part of the Christie Administration’s second annual ‘Season of Service’ Health Commissioner O'Dowd packaged and distributed Thanksgiving turkey dinners to residents in need at Lowe’s in West Windsor. Lowe’s, in cooperation with Boston Market, is providing 500 premade meals at 22 New Jersey Lowe’s locations in communities most affected by Sandy.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd takes part in the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group annual press conference on unsafe toys. Peter Scopec, NJPIRG program associate, demonstrates a choking hazard test to reporters.Commissioner O'Dowd takes part in the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group annual press conference on unsafe toys. Peter Scopec, NJPIRG program associate, demonstrates a choking hazard test to reporters.
  • (From left to Right) Nicole Lurie, M.D., M.S.P.H. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Commissioner of Health Mary E. O'Dowd; John K. Lloyd, FACHE, President of Meridian Health and Robert L. Sweeney, D.O., Chair of the Emergency Department, Jersey Shore University Medical Center tour the hospital's Emergency Department prior to a roundtable discussion on Hurricane Sandy.(From left to Right) Nicole Lurie, M.D., M.S.P.H. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Commissioner of Health Mary E. O'Dowd; John K. Lloyd, FACHE, President of Meridian Health and Robert L. Sweeney, D.O., Chair of the Emergency Department, Jersey Shore University Medical Center tour the hospital's Emergency Department prior to a roundtable discussion on Hurricane Sandy.
  • Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd discusses the Department's response to Hurricane Sandy at the Health Command Center. Health Command Center Duty Officers Chris Grady (left) and Clayton Scott (right) are pictured with the commissioner. Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd discusses the Department's response to Hurricane Sandy at the Health Command Center. Health Command Center Duty Officers Chris Grady (left) and Clayton Scott (right) are pictured with the Commissioner.
  • DOH staff members worked in the Health Command Center throughout Hurricane Sandy's response. (From left to right) Sylvia Bookbinder, Anna Sousa and Jennifer Barron coordinate information about state shelters. DOH staff members worked in the Health Command Center throughout Hurricane Sandy's response. (From left to right) Sylvia Bookbinder, Anna Sousa and Jennifer Barron coordinate information about state shelters.
  • Emergency Medical Services staff members Tim Seplaki and Ken Christiansen coordinate EMS activities with Health Command Center Duty Officer Clayton Scott in the Health Command Center during the response to Hurricane Sandy. Emergency Medical Services staff members Tim Seplaki and Ken Christiansen coordinate EMS activities with Health Command Center Duty Officer Clayton Scott in the Health Command Center during the response to Hurricane Sandy.
  • Ruth Charbonneau, (middle/right) DOH Chief of Staff, discusses volunteer coordination with Sally Flanagan, (far left) New Jersey’s Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator, Jim Bruncati, (far right) Health Command Center Manager, and Clayton Scott, (middle/left) Duty Officer, at the Health Command Center. Ruth Charbonneau, (middle/right) DOH Chief of Staff, discusses volunteer coordination with Sally Flanagan, (far left) New Jersey’s Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator, Jim Bruncati, (far right) Health Command Center Manager, and Clayton Scott, (middle/left) Duty Officer, at the Health Command Center.
  • Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd greet clients at the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation before announcing $19 million in state funding to organizations for the care, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in New Brunswick, N.J. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen) Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd greet clients at the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation before announcing $19 million in state funding to organizations for the care, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in New Brunswick, N.J. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
  • Commissioner O'Dowd announces that the New Jersey Department of Health is joining a national campaign to reduce by 8 percent the percentgae of premature births in New Jersey. The announcement was made at a recent March of Dimes conference in Newark. Commissioner O'Dowd announces that the New Jersey Department of Health is joining a national campaign to reduce by 8 percent the percentage of premature births in New Jersey. The announcement was made at a recent March of Dimes conference in Newark.
  • Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd tour Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center with President and CEO Robert Wise and Administrative Director Barbara Tofani before announcing $12 million in funding for New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection program (NJCEED) in Flemington, N.J. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. The Hunterdon center provides uninsured and low-income New Jerseyans with access to lifesaving free cancer screenings under the NJCEED program. Project Coordinator Marge Vellotti on left. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen) Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd tour Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center with President and CEO Robert Wise and Administrative Director Barbara Tofani before announcing $12 million in funding for New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection program (NJCEED) in Flemington, N.J. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. The Hunterdon center provides uninsured and low-income New Jerseyans with access to lifesaving free cancer screenings under the NJCEED program. Project Coordinator Marge Vellotti on left. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
  • Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd visits with patient Amanda Angarita of Dover and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rina Ramirez before announcing a $10 million increase in funding for New Jersey’s 105 community health care centers after touring Zufall Health Center in Dover, N.J. on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. The increase brings funding to an all-time high of $50 million this year for these critical health facilities. Governor Chris Christie and Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd visits with patient Amanda Angarita of Dover and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rina Ramirez before announcing a $10 million increase in funding for New Jersey’s 105 community health care centers after touring Zufall Health Center in Dover, N.J. on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. The increase brings funding to an all-time high of $50 million this year for these critical health facilities.
  • On Saturday September 29, at the EMS Summit and Exposition, Dr. Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner, (third from left) and Chris Rinn, Assistant Commissioner (on right) are pictured with Homeland Security Director Edward Dickson (left of podium), and key EMS leaders and staff. The exposition took place at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. On Saturday September 29, at the EMS Summit and Exposition, Dr. Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner, (third from left) and Chris Rinn, Assistant Commissioner (on right) are pictured with Homeland Security Director Edward Dickson (left of podium), and key EMS leaders and staff. The exposition took place at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
  • Commissioner of Health Mary E. O’Dowd looks on as Dorothy, a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) student, inputs her medical information to create her electronic Personal Health Record Commissioner of Health Mary E. O’Dowd looks on as Dorothy, a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) student, inputs her medical information to create her electronic Personal Health Record (PHR) as part of the 7th Annual National Health IT Week celebration. NJIT is the first university in the state to launch this Health IT initiative. The picture was taken on September 10.
  • Commissioner Mary O’Dowd, takes a tour of the Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) in Trenton Commissioner Mary O’Dowd, takes a tour of the Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) in Trenton as part of National Health Center Week (August 5-11). She is joined by Jennifer Hayes Brown, Operations Manager, HJAHC and George Stokes, President & CEO, HJAHC. The tour took place on August 9.
  • Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner takes part in a ribbon cutting at Southern Jersey Family Medical Center (SJFMC) in Salem to celebrate SJFMC's renovations to its dental and exam suites. Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner, takes part in a ribbon cutting at Southern Jersey Family Medical Center (SJFMC) in Salem to celebrate SJFMC's renovations to its dental and exam suites. Also pictured (from left to right), Dr. Nancy Merle, Medical Director, SJFMC; Juan Rosario, former board member/founder, SJFMC; Kathy Grant-Davis, President/CEO of the New Jersey Primary Care Association and Linda Flake, President/CEO, SJFMC. The ribbon cutting took place on July 30.
  • Dr. Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner, meets with staff at the North Hudson Community Action Corporation, West New York office. Dr. Brito toured the health center on July 24. Dr. Arturo Brito, Deputy Commissioner, meets with staff at the North Hudson Community Action Corporation, West New York office. Dr. Brito toured the health center on July 24.
  • On July 20, Commissioner O’Dowd toured the Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch to highlight increased funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to care for uninsured and underinsured residents. On July 20, Commissioner O’Dowd toured the Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch to highlight increased funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to care for uninsured and underinsured residents.
  • Deputy Commissioner Dr. Arturo Brito and Lissette Carcano, a nurse in the Passaic Health Department visit with kids in the city's new mobile health van, which provides lead testing. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Arturo Brito and Lissette Carcano, a nurse in the Passaic Health Department visit with kids in the city's new mobile health van, which provides lead testing.
  • Governor Chris Christie, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Commissioner O’Dowd hold a press conference after meeting with Office of Emergency Management on the water emergency situation in Oceanport, N.J. on Saturday, June 30, 2012 Governor Chris Christie, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Commissioner O’Dowd hold a press conference after meeting with Office of Emergency Management on the water emergency situation in Oceanport, N.J. on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
  • Children attending the Ben Samuels Children's Center at Montclair State University presented flowers to First Lady Mary Pat Christie, center, Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd, right, and Arlen Cypen, daughter of Ben Samuels, an alumnus and donor. Children attending the Ben Samuels Children's Center at Montclair State University presented flowers to First Lady Mary Pat Christie, center, Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd, right, and Aryln Cypen, daughter of Ben Samuels, an alumnus and donor. The First Lady and Commissioner toured the Children's Center and announced $3.7 million in autism grants.
  • Bill Conroy, Acting Deputy Commissioner Senior Services and Health Systems congratulates Deborah Heart and Lung Center on their 90th anniversary Bill Conroy, Acting Deputy Commissioner Senior Services and Health Systems, congratulates Deborah Heart and Lung Center on their 90th anniversary. The celebration took place on June 6 at the hospital.
  • On May 29, Commissioner O’Dowd and Department of Children and Families Commissioner Allison Blake visited the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFC) On May 29, Commissioner O’Dowd and Department of Children and Families Commissioner Allison Blake visited the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFC), a non-profit organization that implements a Home Visitation system that provides pregnant women and parents with early linkages to evidence-based home visitation services and other community-based programs. From the left: Commissioner O’Dowd, Commissioner Blake and Robyn D’Oria, CJFC executive director.
  • Commissioner O’Dowd talks to children during a tour of the Somerset Hills Learning Institute. The Institute provides services for autistic children. Commissioner O’Dowd talks to children during a tour of the Somerset Hills Learning Institute. The Institute provides services for autistic children.
  • Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O'Dowd talks about the need for more organ donors during a press conference with Governor Chris Christie on April 23, 2012. Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O'Dowd talks about the need for more organ donors during a press conference with Governor Chris Christie on April 23, 2012.
  • Governor Chris Christie signs bill A-1265 establishing April as Donate Life Month in Newark, N.J. on Monday, April 23, 2012. Governor Chris Christie signs bill A-1265 establishing April as Donate Life Month in Newark, N.J. on Monday, April 23, 2012.
  • Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd provides remarks at the National Minority Health 2012 kickoff event Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd provides remarks at the National Minority Health 2012 kickoff event. The symposium, held at the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness on April 2, addressed health disparities in minority communities across New Jersey. The event was hosted by the DHSS Office of Minority and Multicultural Health.
  • Assistant Commissioner of Family Health Services Gloria Rodriguez delivers a presentation at the DHSS Office of Minority and Multicultural Health’s Health Equity Summit. Assistant Commissioner of Family Health Services Gloria Rodriguez delivers a presentation entitled The Life Course Model and Health Equity: A “New” Approach for the Division of Family Health Services at the DHSS Office of Minority and Multicultural Health’s Health Equity Summit.
  • Commissioner O'Dowd announces $8.1 million in grants for care and treatment of New Jerseyans living with HIV/AIDS Commissioner O'Dowd announces $8.1 million in grants for care and treatment of New Jerseyans living with HIV/AIDS during a visit to the Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton. The event took place on March 21.
  • On March 9, Commissioner O’Dowd celebrated National School Breakfast Week On March 9, Commissioner O’Dowd joined Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher and Education Department Chief of Staff David Hespe to celebrate National School Breakfast Week by visiting a breakfast in the classroom program at B. Bernice Young Elementary School in Burlington Township. Pictured: Commissioner O'Dowd speaks to students about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast.
  • On February 10, Commissioner O’Dowd announced a collaboration with the Health Care Association of New Jersey Foundation which will provide the opportunity for assisted living residences in New Jersey On February 10, Commissioner O’Dowd announced a collaboration with the Health Care Association of New Jersey Foundation which will provide the opportunity for assisted living residences in New Jersey that meet the highest quality standards of care to receive the designation of “Advanced Standing.” Pictured in this photo (from the left), Commissioner O’Dowd and James McCracken, NJ Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly tour Brandywine Senior Living at Princeton with Ellen Reid, Director of Community Relations.
  • Governor Chris Christie addresses several hundred hospital executives at the New Jersey Hospital Association annual meeting in Princeton on Jan. 27. Governor Chris Christie addresses several hundred hospital executives at the New Jersey Hospital Association annual meeting in Princeton on Jan. 27.