Pallone Announces Over $13 Million for Pandemic Recovery Efforts at Saint Peter’s and Hackensack Meridian Health System

New Brunswick, NJ - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced over $13 million in federal funding to support pandemic recovery efforts at Saint Peter's University Hospital and Hackensack Meridian Health System facilities in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District. This funding, secured with Pallone's advocacy, will provide critical financial relief to sustain high-quality health care and reimburse hospitals for emergency protective measures undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Throughout the pandemic, our local hospitals worked tirelessly to save lives and protect public health, often under extraordinary financial strain," said Congressman Pallone. "This funding will help ensure that Saint Peter's University Hospital and Hackensack Meridian Health System can continue delivering the exceptional care our communities rely on as we recover from the pandemic's challenges."

Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick will receive over $6 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse the hospital for contracting with clinical laborers, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical assistants, to address the surge in COVID-19 cases from January 2022 through June 2022. These emergency measures ensured patients received critical care while protecting the health and safety of medical staff and the broader community.

An additional $7 million in federal funding will support the Hackensack Meridian Health System, which includes four hospitals within New Jersey's 6th District: Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, JFK University Medical Center, and Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy.

FEMA funding for these projects falls under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, which provides for emergency protective measures in response to federally declared disasters. Pallone has been a leader in securing federal support for New Jersey's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies, including funding for hospitals, public health systems, and disaster resilience projects.