Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, delivered testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12 regarding his nomination and vision for public health in the state.
Washington said that serving as Health Commissioner is both an honor and a profound responsibility, emphasizing that every decision in this role affects the well-being of New Jersey residents. He stated, “If confirmed, I will bring everything that I have to this sacred duty.” He also thanked his family and department team members for their support, giving special recognition to his mother for her influence on his career path.
Drawing from personal experiences with family health challenges and professional roles across several states, Washington described how these shaped his commitment to public health. He recounted working through malaria outbreaks in Tanzania and leading responses to crises such as the opioid epidemic in Philadelphia and COVID-19 in Charlotte. “Public health leaders must be visible,” he said. “We must meet people where they are, listen to their experiences, and build trust. That’s how policy becomes real progress.”
Washington outlined the broad mandate of the New Jersey Department of Health, which includes protecting food and water safety, responding to disease outbreaks, regulating thousands of facilities, maintaining essential data, operating prevention programs statewide, overseeing long-term care facilities for elders, and providing care at psychiatric hospitals.
He highlighted upcoming challenges such as preparing for over one million visitors during the FIFA World Cup this summer with enhanced protections and monitoring emerging threats like measles and avian flu. Addressing persistent disparities in health outcomes based on zip code—particularly among Black mothers and infants—he called these gaps unacceptable but preventable.
Washington also addressed mental health concerns among youth and emphasized efforts to improve affordability and access within New Jersey’s healthcare system amid looming federal Medicaid cuts. He pledged continued collaboration across government agencies to lower costs while supporting rural healthcare innovation despite limited resources.
Concluding his remarks, Washington said public health work is urgent amid uncertainty from federal partners: “In this moment, we must continue to stand firmly with established medical evidence—especially as political ideology threatens our nation’s immunization system—one of the most successful public health achievements in modern history.” He expressed readiness to partner with legislators toward improved outcomes regardless of location or future challenges.
