State Allocates $3M For Holy Name Palliative Care Pilot

TEANECK, NJ – Holy Name Medical Center was allocated $3 million in state funding to help provide ongoing care to patients diagnosed with serious illnesses.

Though it was earmarked for Holy Name’s new palliative care pilot program in the state budget, it was one of the line items frozen by Gov. Phil Murphy in July. Murphy placed $235 worth of expenditures into reserve after his plan for a millionaires tax failed.

According to hospital officials, the pilot program will focus on improving each patient’s quality of life by relieving their pain. While it is similar to a hospice program, it is not just focused on end-of-life care, the hospital said.

State Senator Loretta Weinberg said, “Holy Name Medical Center is a staple in Bergen County. By serving 30,000 patients a year and employing 4,000 people, this unique institution gives world-class care as well as drives our local economy. The hospital has a proven need for the state funding currently being withheld, and I hope the administration removes the freeze soon for the sake of the patients and our community.”

Senate President Steve Sweeney said, “We should not be playing politics with people’s health care. Their palliative care program improves the quality of life while relieving pain and discomfort for patients recovering from severe illnesses. We should never hold funding politically hostage, especially funding for such crucial patient-focused care.”