RWJBarnabas Health recognizes the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. We take pride in being New Jersey’s leader in providing comprehensive services and care for LGBTQ+individuals. The system leads the way in New Jersey in providing healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community, including specialized primary care and care navigation services for LGBTQ+ adults at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Babs Siperstein PROUD Center; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s PROUD Gender Center in New Brunswick; and the PROUD Center at Community Medical Center in Toms River. Thirteen RWJBarnabas Health hospitals are proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality.
In June, RWJBarnabas Health facilities across New Jersey are hosting or participating in a variety of community events to celebrate Pride Month:
Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, Community Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the Medical Group joined together to participate in the Jersey Pride Parade and Festival, held at Bradley Park, 101-199 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 12 – 1 p.m. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset hosts “Empowering LGBTQ+ Health: Prioritizing Prevention and Wellness,” a virtual program featuring James Kostek, DO, Medical Director, Babs Siperstein PROUD Center at RWJUH Somerset. Participants will learn about the importance of preventative health including general wellness, immunizations, recommended cancer screenings, and safe sexual health practices, as well as about resources that provide culturally-competent and specialized primary care services. Register for and attend this free program.
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 12 – 1 p.m. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is holding “CBMC Body Standards and Mental Health for the LGBTQ+ Community,” a virtual discussion featuring vlogger and founder of LGBTQ+ fitness app, Pridefit, Sam Leicht. This online webinar is open to the public and features a discussion addressing the “body builder” ideal body image in the gay male community. Join the Zoom discussion.
Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Clara Maass Medical Center and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center participate in Out Montclair’s Montclair Pride Festival in downtown Montclair, New Jersey, at the intersection of Bloomfield and Fullerton Avenues. This event honors diversity, inclusion, and, above all, love. This sprawling event spans five blocks in beautiful downtown Montclair, just steps from NJ Transit.
Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 12 – 6 p.m. Join Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Rahway, the Medical Group and Trinitas Regional Medical Center at North Jersey Pride Festival at Memorial Park, 580 Valley Street, Maplewood, New Jersey.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m. RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery and the Proud Youth Prevention Network host “Affirming you: A Free Evening for LGBTQ+ Youth” at the Clarion Hotel, 815 Route 37, Toms River, New Jersey. The event is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth to connect and celebrate each other and themselves. Staff from Hello Honey Hair Salon in Montclair will present a workshop and brief consultations on make-up and hair techniques that capture a person’s sense of self. Attendees will also enjoy a clothing swap, sneaker decorating, visiting with community partners and more. Youth between the ages of 11 and 18 encouraged to attend with adult guardian present. Registration is required.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 11 – 5:00 p.m. RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery and Community Medical Center will be at Tom’s River Pride, held at Washington Street in downtown Toms River, NJ.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:35 p.m. Join RWJUH Somerset’s PROUD Employee Business Resource Group as they host Pride Night at the Somerset Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark, 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 1 – 2 pm at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton presents “LGBTQ+ Breast/Chest Health,” a presentation that covers the basics of breast cancer as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community. Screening guidelines, health disparities, diet and lifestyle and genetic counseling will be discussed. To register, call 609-584-5900 or email CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org
Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 12 p.m. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center joins the community for the 19th Annual Newark LGBTQ Pride Parade, from Lincoln Park to Harriett Tubman Square in Newark, New Jersey.
Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. Jersey City Medical Center will participate in the 23rd Anniversary Jersey City LGBTQ+ PRIDE Festival, 325 Grove Street, Jersey City, New Jersey.
RWJBarnabas Health facilities are also holding Pride flag raising ceremonies throughout the month in honor of Pride Month.