December 20, 2018 – The Englewood Health Foundation is the recipient of a leadership gift set to benefit Englewood Health’s new outpatient behavioral health program. The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center is named in honor of Gregory Shadek, son of Laurence and Patricia Shadek of Alpine.
“The issue of mental health is real, and the effects it can have on a family and the community are far-reaching. We are proud to support Englewood Health and the many patients that it serves,” says Laurence and Patricia Shadek.
The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center — with the primary location at 25 Rockwood Place in Englewood — features a dedicated care team of psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, an addiction specialist, and other healthcare professionals. Collaborating with existing nonprofit and governmental agencies, the team has developed an education/prevention program rooted in promoting healthy lifestyles for children and adults living in the community. Such programs will help to address the opioid epidemic, with community training in the use of Narcan, stigma free initiatives, and mental health first aid training programs.
“There is great need for access to behavioral health services in our communities, and Englewood Health is ready to answer the call,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Through this new outpatient program and thanks to the generosity of the Shadeks, our patients and community will benefit from a stronger clinical team and improved access to services and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. As such, and to no surprise, a recent community health needs assessment of Bergen County, completed by a consortium of the local hospitals, revealed mental health as one of the top significant health needs with the community.
“Access and affordability are very common hurdles for patients seeking behavioral health services,” says Kathleen Kaminsky, senior vice president patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Health. “Our new outpatient program will help patients access a network of services and establish a continuum of care. Ongoing education, guidance and support are key to improved mental health and we want to lead in the delivery of this care.”
The Englewood Health Foundation raises philanthropic funds to benefit Englewood Health. A $50 million capital campaign came to a successful close earlier this year. “Philanthropy is becoming increasingly important for many nonprofit organizations, including healthcare systems like Englewood Health,” says Debra Albanese, executive vice president of the Englewood Health Foundation. “Healthcare is a round-the-clock commitment and with every new turn, we find better ways to deliver services to our patients. Each investment made translates to new opportunities, and we are grateful to benefactors like Laurence and Patricia for their foresight and commitment.”