Pictured is Jamila Carter, RN, BSN, Babs Siperstein PROUD Center, with Deirdre Blaus, interim Chief Administrative Officer at RWJUH Somerset, who presented Jamila with the award at Family Pride Night in downtown Somerville.
Somerville, NJ - Jamila Carter, a registered nurse at Robert Wood Jonson University Hospital Somerset (RWJUH Somerset), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, was presented with the Local LGBTQ Hero Award during Somerville's Pride Night celebration on the Division Street pedestrian mall Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Jamila Carter, a Somerville resident has worked at the hospital for six years in the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center, according to Deirdre Blaus, interim Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset, who spoke to a crowd of hundreds gathered in front of the stage.
"We are excited to partner once again with the Downtown Somerville Alliance on their annual Pride Month festivities, helping to paint the town rainbow to show that all our welcome here in our hometown," Blaus said.
"As one of our longest-tenured employees at the PROUD Center, Jamila has developed a close relationship with so many of our patients, who range in age from 18 to seniors, some who have been out for decades and others who are still questioning and just starting to discover their true selves," Blaus said as Carter stood off to her side.
"Jamila helps triage patients, provides health assessments, performs diagnostic tests and administers medication and treatment, including hormone replacement therapy," she added.
"In addition to patient care, Jamila is a fierce advocate for her patients to ensure their health care needs are addressed," according to Blaus. She also provides patient and family education and support and helps coordinate care with other health providers.
"We are so grateful that she has chosen to dedicate her practice to support the LGBTQ+ community at the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center," Blaus said.
In 2017, RWJUH Somerset became the first hospital in New Jersey to offer specialized primary medical care services for the LGBTQ+ community, quickly developing a reputation for expertise in addressing the unique health care needs of the LGBTQ+ community in a safe, welcoming environment where patients 18 and older could feel free to be themselves and get the services they need without judgment, according to Blaus.
From a one-night-a-week clinic serving 40 patients in its first year, the center now cares for more than 2,300 patients with appointments five days a week. "We are proud to have been honored by the Human Rights Foundation as a leader in LGBTQ Equality in recognition of the care that we provide," Blaus said.
Learn more at Babs Siperstein PROUD Center.
Visit rwjbh.org/nursing
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