As the Murphy Administration comes to an end, the Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has shared a closing message reflecting on the department’s achievements and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“Leading this Department as Acting Commissioner for the past nine months has been the honor of my career. But the work we celebrate today belongs to the more than 6,000 dedicated public servants of the New Jersey Department of Health, who give their expertise, compassion, and resilience to serve the state,” said the Acting Commissioner.
The message highlights several challenges faced by NJDOH over recent years, including managing responses to COVID-19, mpox, and avian influenza. The department emphasized its ongoing commitment to science-based approaches and equitable service for all residents.
Key accomplishments during Governor Murphy’s tenure include expanding harm reduction centers across all counties in New Jersey and achieving a decline in overdose deaths among all racial and ethnic groups for the first time in a decade. The department also focused on strengthening healthcare workforce programs through graduate medical education initiatives and tuition reimbursement aimed at providers working in underserved areas. Adjustments were made to charity care models to better support uninsured populations, while crisis response teams were developed to stabilize nursing homes.
Modernization efforts included launching digital tools such as the Docket app for tracking immunizations and childhood lead tests, as well as providing digital WIC benefits. Maternal health was another area of focus with targeted interventions led by community health workers and doulas aimed at reducing disparities.
The department removed regulatory barriers that separated physical health from mental health and addiction services. Updates were made to communicable disease and immunization regulations for the first time in 25 years. NJDOH also achieved accreditation from national public health organizations by meeting high standards for quality services.
Partnerships were expanded through collaborations with academic institutions at state psychiatric hospitals, establishing New Jersey’s first designated public health institute, and participating in regional efforts like the Northeast Public Health Collaborative.
According to NJDOH leadership: “Every day, this Department conducts newborn screenings for around 100,000 babies born in New Jersey each year, supports a quarter-million pregnant and postpartum residents through WIC, ensures health facilities deliver quality care, and provides compassionate treatment at our four state psychiatric hospitals. This work continues regardless of who holds office…”
The Acting Commissioner acknowledged both internal staff contributions and cooperation with partners across sectors statewide: “The important work done by the Department of Health is made possible not just by employees… but relies on working closely with partners across…New Jersey who collaborate to uphold…the public health of the state.”
Concerns about misinformation affecting public understanding were noted: “Public health is not always easy…Today these challenges are compounded by belligerent efforts to undermine…values [and] science…and an information ecosystem awash in falsehoods spread through ignorance or deliberate deception.”
Looking ahead to new leadership under Governor Sherrill’s administration—and Dr. Raynard Washington—the outgoing official expressed confidence: “I am confident that New Jersey’s public health is in capable hands…Our teams are ready to meet whatever comes next…”
“To Dr. Raynard Washington: The opportunity to steward this noble work – and to work alongside so many committed public servants – is an extraordinary privilege. Know that this Department stands ready to follow your bold vision for public health in New Jersey. I wish you the best of luck.”
