VNA Health Group, VNACJ Community Health Center, and Brookdale Community College have entered into a transformative partnership designed to improve healthcare access for students and create exciting career development opportunities in the healthcare sector. Through this collaboration, Brookdale students will gain direct access to primary and preventive healthcare services at VNACJ Community Health Center locations, including the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center.
This partnership addresses a critical need, as millions of college students, particularly those from underserved communities, struggle with access to healthcare. Nationwide, 1.6 million students lack health insurance, and the issue disproportionately affects Hispanic and Black students. By providing accessible, person-centered care, the collaboration ensures that students without a healthcare provider can receive the support they need.
In addition to healthcare access, the partnership creates valuable experiential learning opportunities for Brookdale students. Through workshops, virtual reality labs, and exposure to public health and home health practices, students will gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field. Staff at VNA Health Group and VNACJ will also have access to tuition discounts and additional training opportunities at Brookdale, strengthening the link between education and workforce development.
Sarina Brady, CEO of VNACJ Community Health Center, emphasized the broader impact of this partnership, saying, “We see every day how access to primary care can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Through this partnership, we’re investing in both the health of our community and the professionals who will care for it in the future.”
This collaboration is especially timely as New Jersey faces a projected shortage of 24,000 nurses by 2036, making the need for skilled healthcare professionals even more urgent. Christopher Rinn, President & CEO of VNA Health Group, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “We are tackling the challenges of healthcare access and workforce shortages head-on, creating opportunities for both students and healthcare professionals.”
Dr. David Stout, President of Brookdale Community College, added, “By joining forces, we are building a stronger, healthier community while providing our students with the support and resources they need to succeed.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding educational opportunities, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of our community.
