Community Partnership Highlight 💙 NJHealth's Margie Barham (center) accepts quits for patients from South Shore Stitchers Quilt Guild Comfort Care Co‑chairs, Sue Hanlon (left) of Somers Point and Diana Easterday (right) of Mays Landing The South Shore Stitchers Quilt Guild, based at Tuckahoe United Methodist Church, is a dedicated service‑focused group of talented volunteers who share a passion for quilting and community outreach. Through countless hours of creative and thou

Music makes the world go round so how fitting that on this World Music Therapy Week we shine a spotlight on the impact of music therapy makes to our patients and families.  World Music Therapy Week (April 10 to 15) is an annual international initiative led by the World Federation of Music Therapy to raise awareness about the transformative power of music therapy in promoting health, well-being, and social connection. The 2026 theme, Connecting Borders , emphasizes how music t

Though our faith traditions may differ, they are united by a shared spirit of renewal and new beginnings. As spring emerges after a long winter, blooming flowers remind us that life is continually renewed. At NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, we witness every day that even in the most challenging moments, kindness and compassion have the power to lift the spirit—much like the season itself, renewing our hearts and souls. #happyeaster #happypassover #happyspring #hospiceca

Hospice and Palliative Care is founded on compassion, dignity, and unwavering support—values that come to life each day through the leadership of our medical directors. Today, we proudly recognize Robert M. Cole, MD; James Lavis, DO; Brendan Kelly, DO; and Jeffrey Gong, DO  for their dedication, expertise, and steadfast commitment to those we serve. “Their guidance strengthens our team,”  said NJHealth Hospice & Palliative Care CEO and Administrator Suzanne Martinell. “They e

Our friend Ronald enjoys a game of BINGO! Members of the NJHealth Team often pack their bags for visits—not with tablets or laptops, but with something far more important: smiles, warm hugs, and a stack of old‑school Bingo card! But the best part wasn’t the game—it was the moments between. Between calls of B‑12  and G‑53 , they shared stories, laughs and the joy we shared with our friends at Big Oak Rehab in Elmer.  The proud grin when placing that final chip for BINGO.  The

The NJHealth Team put together a wonderful 104 birthday celebration for Willa Stewart. The morning sun had barely risen over Egg Harbor when excitement began to bubble through the halls of ExelCare. Word had spread quickly—today was a milestone, a marvel, and a moment no one wanted to miss. The NJ Health Team was gathering to celebrate the 104th birthday of the beloved Willa Stewart, a woman who seemed to shine brighter with each passing year. Willa's NJHealth Team celebrated

Joining in the excitement is Suzette Carano, director of clinical excellence, whose enthusiasm shines even brighter with Joanne’s artwork lighting up the workspace Spring is finally peeking around the corner— fingers crossed! —and while the world outside is slowly turning green, the spring vibes at njHealth have already burst into full bloom. At our Landis Avenue office in Vineland, a once‑ordinary conference‑room blackboard has been magically transformed into a cheerful cele

During Social Work Month, we proudly recognize the extraordinary contributions of hospice social workers—in particular the amazing team at njHealth Hospice and Palliative Care. These professionals whose compassion, skill, and advocacy profoundly shape end‑of‑life care. Their work ensures that patients and families are supported emotionally, socially, and practically during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. "Hospice social workers play a crucial role as core members of

This Social Work Month, we honor njHealth's hospice social workers for their unwavering dedication and the meaningful difference they make every single day. Kimberly DeChurch has been a social worker for 34 years, including the past 27 years in medical social work within home care and hospice. She earned her social work degree from Rutgers. Her experience ranges from children’s services to women’s trauma, but she has found her calling in supporting older adults. A resident of

Hospice workers are often the quiet heroes of healthcare—traveling long distances, in every season and every type of weather, to ensure that patients facing life‑limiting illnesses receive compassion, comfort, and dignity. Even in this heavy snow and icy winds, the NJHeath Team has a remarkable dedication to the patients we serve.  Despite weather challenges, the NJHealth Team continues to show up because they understand that consistent, compassionate care is essential. Their

We’re thrilled to spotlight our compassionate hospice services on Nancy Adler Nutrition Live on WOND 1400 Radio this Saturday, February 21 from 11 am to 1 pm. with members of the team from NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care . On this week’s show is a frequent guest our own Margie Barham, director of public relations and volunteer services. And joining her is Tim Bretschneider, music therapist, who brings comfort and connection to patients through the healing of music. Tim

We wish Mr. Denneny a most wonderful 90th birthday, from all your friends at NJ Health. We may not be great singers, but we are very sincere in our wishes. Surrounding the guest of honor to celebrate his special day are members of his hospice care team volunteer Karen Martine; Danielle Pace, massage therapist; Laura Genna, volunteer coordinator; Denise Davis, spiritual care; Mr. Denney; Tim Bretscheiner, music therapist, Carol McKinney, CHHA; and Kim DeChurch, social worker.

Spending time with colleagues outside the usual work setting can bring fresh energy and build stronger connections. Recently, members of the NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care team joined our healthcare colleagues at a Valentine-themed Sip and Paint event at Caroline's in Somers Point.  The event was hosted by our friends at Griswold Home Care and Our Ladies Nursing and Rehabilitation, organizations that understand the value of community and support among healthcare worker

Caring for hospice patients is a calling rooted deeply in compassion. It means stepping into some of the most tender moments of a person’s life and offering comfort, dignity, and presence. Loving this work isn’t about the ease of it—because hospice care can be emotionally heavy. It’s about the profound meaning found in being there for someone when every moment truly matters. Honoring patient stories, their history, and their humanity is what drives the NJ Health Hospice Care

With the Super Bowl approaching, we could not help but notice the surprising similarities between a football team and a hospice care team. With each person’s particular role and expertise working together as one unit for a shared purpose, each “team” member contributes their own specialized skill to support the goal.   In football each player is part of the team, and at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care we refer to our staff as team members. Our website njhealthteam.com

Julie Buckner has a soft spot for caring for all living things. The Salem County woman spends her days working at an animal hospital and finds volunteering very close to her heart. She became acquainted with hospice when her grandmother was in a healthcare facility receiving hospice care. "During that time, I passed many other patients who looked like they needed someone to talk to," she recalls. "Seeing that broke my heart, and I knew I wanted to be that person for others."

Janice McMahon wanted to be a hospice nurse. She recalls the days when she found a passion for caring for the elderly while working full-time in a long-term care facility and attending classes to earn her RN degree.  Starting her nursing career as a young LPN working what was then Millville Hospital, she then found a career that would not only shape her profession but also bring her personal contentment.    Although at that time she was not a hospice care provider, many of he

Much like the layers of clothing we put on to keep warm in winter, Palliative Care provides the important layers of support for those with serious or chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiac and pulmonary conditions. ​It's a specialized medical care that aims to alleviate symptoms, pain, and stress associated with a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis.  The goal is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family. A team of expert healthcare pr

Danielle Pace has a magic touch. Yes, she does, just ask anyone who has had a massage from this licensed massage therapist.  The Vineland resident has 15 years' experience in massage therapy of which she has spent the past seven of those years dedicated specifically to hospice care. She finds the work special because it gives her the opportunity to bring comfort, ease, and meaningful connection to patients and their families during such an important and vulnerable time in the

Many people do not get the support they need and are entitled because they do not understand or fear the word “hospice”.  If you or a loved one struggling with serious illnesses or terminal diagnosis hospice care can provide much-needed support and comfort. “At the end of life, patients and their families are often faced with many challenges - both physical and emotional,” explained Suzanne Martinelli, administrator and CEO at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care. “They are