For Immediate Release

NORTH WARD COUNCILMAN ANIBAL RAMOS, JR. AND ASSEMBLYMAN RALPH CAPUTO AND CONTINUE TO HELP ASSESS COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS.

Public Meeting Scheduled in North Ward

Newark, NJ - February 11, 2008 - Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr. and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo announced further progress between the City of Newark (Newark) and Catholic Health East (CHE) to identify and address community health care needs in the North Ward – an area directly affected by the proposed discontinuation of acute care services at Columbus hospital.

After citing the concerns of citizens regarding the proposed transaction, a Steering Committee comprised of elected officials, CHE representatives and community residents was formed and will meet weekly to make specific recommendations about the continuation, enhancement and/or creation of non-acute care services based on the specific needs of the East and North Ward community. Moreover, subcommittees were formed in both the North and East Ward to plan specifically for both Columbus and St. James Hospitals.

CHE has stated that closure of acute care services at St. James is slated for March 15th and June 1st for Columbus, but is optimistic about working with stakeholders to ensure that quality health care continues to be accessible for residents of Newark.

Assemblyman Caputo commented that “while we understand the financial challenges presented to CHE in taking over these three hospitals Columbus certainly has the track-record and potential to continue to provide excellent healthcare services for the North Ward and neighboring towns such as Belleville, Bloomfield and East Orange.”

“I am encouraged by the commitment made by CHE to assess healthcare needs in the North Ward and surrounding areas through the establishment of these sub-committees and hosting public meetings to gather input,” said Councilman Ramos. “This process should result in the identification of healthcare services that can be offered at Columbus Hospital moving forward. More importantly, we can focus on improving overall health care services available to Newark residents.”

The North Ward Public Hearing on Columbus Hospital is scheduled for February 13th at the New First Ave School from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Elected officials and CHE representatives will provide a briefing on their work to date, and solicit input and questions from the public.

For more information, please call the Office of North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr. at (973)-733-5136