Health Camp of New Jersey celebrates 25 years of service

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The Health Camp of New Jersey (HCNJ), a  non-profit organization, celebrated 25 years of community health service at their Silver Jubilee Gala November 19, 2023, at Balaji Temple Auditorium in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Attended by more than 400 people, including volunteers, prominent entrepreneurs, elected officials from local, county and state Government in New Jersey, the event also celebrated the opening of a Community Health Center in 2026. The new center is expected to provide primary health care services and timely post screening follow-up, additional diagnostic testing and periodic check-ups for medical, dental, eye, mental health, and medications for chronic care to include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders and mental health conditions and basic age specific vaccinations to qualified individuals.

Kiran Kothari, chairman, Board of Trustees and master of ceremonies, welcomed attendees and gave a brief history of the past 25 years of service.

A press release from HCNJ said two of the life-time and dedicated volunteers of Health Camp of New Jersey Dr. Ashok Patel, Cardiologist from Medicor Cardiology, and Navin Merai were awarded with life-time service award, Presidential medallion and a certificate from the White House for their outstanding volunteer service for more than two decades.

The youth volunteers Dr. Ninad Desai, Dr. Tushar Mahendra Patel and Niyati Patel  shared their experience volunteering with the HCNJ and how it impacted their lives.

Dr. Tushar Patel, President gave a brief history and community impact from the last 25 years, during which more than 12,500 individuals received screening and close to 4,000 chronic diseases abnormalities were detected to provide early intervention to reduce long term complications and save lives and reduce the financial burden on the family and the society at large.  Dr. Patel explained the new initiative of Community Health Center and the benefits to the underprivileged communities in New Jersey.

Atul and Lata Shah of ANS Consultants, Inc. were recognized for their generous contributions as an Event Sponsor toward the Community Health Center project. Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi was the Chief Guest   and presented them with a plaque.

Mayor Joshi extended his congratulations, best wishes and support for the project. Dr. Jai Jagadeesh Babu Yalamanchili, Founder of UBLOOD, and Geeta Fofandi of Faith Home Healthcare were recognized for their generous support to the Silver Jubilee Gala event.  Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Barnabas Health Somerset – Indian Medical Program was honored for their service to Indian patients in Central New Jersey.

New Jersey State Assemblyman from District 7 and Deputy Speaker Dr. Herb Conway, Jr. and Deputy Director of Passaic County Board of County Commissioner John W. Bartlett were Guests of Honor at the Gala event and extended their support to Health Camp of New Jersey and praised its service.

The New Jersey State Senate Proclamation from Senator Vin Gopal was awarded to the Health Camp of New Jersey by Assemblyman Conway. The Somerset County Commissioners Douglas Singleterry, Melonie Marano and Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench, Council President Michael Kirsh, Councilman Howard Norgalis and Council Vice-President Timothy Ring were among the other elected officials attended the event and extended their best wishes. India’s Consul for Passport & OCI attestation Bijender Kumar,  also attended the event. Shilpi Paul, a Bollywood playback singer from India and a musical band of Entertainment Unlimited rocked the stage with a two-hour performance.