Special Needs Ambassador Program

Our Special Needs Ambassador Program was created to raise awareness about development disorders and to assist individuals with special needs and their families in navigating their hospital experience – whether during an inpatient stay or an outpatient procedure. The goal of the program is to support the patient and family through listening and advocacy.Special Needs Ambassador Program logo

Our special needs ambassadors receive training on the spectrum of developmental disorders, along with strategies to assist individuals and their families throughout their stay based on an individual plan. They also act as patient and family advocates with health care providers to make the accommodations necessary to make treatment less stressful.

The Special Needs Ambassador Program is currently available in the following facilities:

  • Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville
  • Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston
  • Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City
  • Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch

Families can request an ambassador upon arrival to the Medical Center by asking any staff member to access the Special Needs Ambassador team. You may also request an Ambassador upon registration.

Patient Stories

  • “I have significantly reduced my stress,” Hart said. “When you go through something like this, it changes how you see the world. I purposefully don’t get stressed about the things that I used to.”

    Jim
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  • “The Impella 5.5 was a life-saving device for me,” Keith added. “When I went into the hospital I did not know if or how I was going to have the opportunity to receive a heart. The Impella 5.5 made that possible for me.”

    Keith
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  • “I’ve always had a good feeling about the hospital, and when I spoke to the people at the transplant center, I felt at ease. The staff was wonderful.”

    Anthony
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Patient Stories

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