Source: MyCentralJersey.com
The physical and mental health and well-being of residents and planning for beyond the pandemic will be the focus of the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners in 2022. They shared shared their vision for the future during their annual reorganization meeting Thursday at Middlesex College, where Ronald G. Rios began another term as the board’s director.
The county, together with partners Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health and St. Peters Healthcare System among others, plans to expand the Telehealth Pilot Program.
The goal of the program, launched in October, is to increase the understanding and use of telehealth services within the Latinx community, and to expand health care access to underinsured Middlesex County residents.
The county’s Destination 2040 strategic vision, which focuses on its economic development strategy, remains a priority: “Destination 2040, spearheaded by the County’s Department of Transportation and overseen by Commissioner Charlie Kenny, is built upon input from residents, businesses and municipal leaders, and is designed to consider the current and future needs of our community, all with an eye toward continuing to build a strong, well-prepared Middlesex County of the future,” Rios said.
The county this year will invest in transportation safety and is launching a “Vision Zero” initiative which is aimed at reducing the number and severity of vehicle crashes. “Middlesex County will be leading the charge as the first county in New Jersey to develop such a plan and will be positioned alongside other leading counties and cities around the world that have demonstrated their commitment to end all ‘preventable’ traffic deaths and serious injuries,” Rios said.
The commissioner board also is focusing its efforts on strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion by creating an office dedicated to identifying opportunities to shape policies and operations that will sharpen its focus in these areas.
“We will be hiring a professional partner to guide us in the creation of this office, and ultimately, a Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, to oversee this office and ensure these vital principles are reflected in all that we do,” Rios said.
He also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to investing in educational institutions: “In 2022, the county will be working with both Middlesex College, and the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, to explore investments for improvements and expansions to campuses and facilities alike.”