RWJBarnabas Health Partners with NJ Department of Health to Launch “Stay well. learn well.” Vaccination and School Physical Initiative

West Orange, N.J., August 13, 2026 – RWJBarnabas Health is partnering with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to launch Stay Well. Learn Well., a comprehensive back-to-school initiative offering vaccinations and school physicals to help ensure children across the state begin the school year healthy, protected and ready to learn. 

The initiative brings together New Jersey’s largest academic health system, state and county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local school districts and community organizations to expand access to recommended childhood immunizations, school physicals and preventive healthcare services before students return to the classroom.

"Preparing children for a successful school year begins with ensuring they have access to the healthcare they need," said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD, Senior Vice President, Community Health, RWJBarnabas Health. "By partnering with the State and our local public health and community partners, we're bringing vaccinations, school physicals and trusted healthcare resources directly into neighborhoods, helping families connect to the care and support they need long after the first day of school." 

"As children across New Jersey prepare to return to school, ensuring they are up to date on recommended vaccinations is one of the most important steps we can take to protect their health and the health of our communities," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to removing barriers to care and making it easier for families to access vaccinations, school physicals and preventive healthcare services so every child enters the classroom healthy and ready to stay well and learn well." The initiative includes two regional back-to-school vaccination clinics, a series of pediatric mobile health clinics throughout Essex and Union counties, and community outreach events designed to connect families with healthcare resources and support services.

“Through these clinics, we’re removing barriers that can prevent children from showing up to school ready to learn, grow and thrive,” said Margie Heller, Senior Vice President, Community and Global Health, RWJBarnabas Health. “Utilizing our pediatric mobile health clinic, we have greater ability to meet children and families where they are, making it easier for them to get the care they need to start the school year strong.”

“Every child deserves to begin the school year healthy and prepared to learn,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “This initiative brings preventative health services directly into our communities, making it easier for Essex County families to obtain the care their children need. We are grateful for this collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health, the New Jersey Department of Health and our community partners to eliminate barriers to care and support our families.”

“Making essential healthcare convenient and accessible gives our children a stronger start in the classroom and helps our entire community thrive,” said Union County Board of County Commissioners Chair Joseph Bodek. “Union County is proud to support this effort to connect families with vaccinations, school physicals and trusted health resources close to home. Together, we can help ensure every student returns to school healthy, confident and ready to succeed.” Regional Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics The regional clinics will offer all recommended childhood vaccinations for children from Pre-K through age 18, school physicals and connections to healthcare and community resources.

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