Coughlin, Singh named NJHA Legislators of the Year

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and State Senator Robert Singer will be among several other guests at the New Jersey Health AssociationBest beach activities.

The awards will be presented by the NJHA on July 11. The event, which honors contributions to the health care community, will be held at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Beach.

The former will be honored with the 2024 Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of their commitment to fighting food insecurity and promoting healthy communities.

NJHA President Cathy Bennett praised Coughlin’s dedication and work.

“For Speaker Coughlin, addressing food insecurity isn’t a political issue; it’s a passion of his,” Bennett said. “His legacy of leadership embodies the NJHA’s mission to improve the health of New Jerseyans. Because of his commitment, we’ve made great strides toward ensuring no one goes hungry in the Garden State.”

As state speaker, Coughlin (D-Woodbridge) has worked to ensure New Jerseyans have access to nutritious food. He has sponsored legislation to eliminate food deserts, established food pantries on college campuses and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through his annual “Bowling for Hunger” event.

Bennett also praised Singh for his contributions to the health care community.

“Senator Singh understood the complexities of health care, but he never lost sight of the patient,” Bennett said. “His commitment to sound health policy has left its mark throughout our health care system, and we are grateful for his service and leadership.”

Singh (R-Lakewood) served on the Health, Human Services and Aging Committee, where he was responsible for fostering community engagement with patients and health care providers. He has worked on bills to promote best practices in maternal health, increase funding for cancer research and expand food access for seniors while advocating for Medicaid.

In addition to the Legislator of the Year award, NJHA’s Best on the Beach award recognizes individuals and organizations that create high-quality, accessible, equitable care across our state.

This year’s highest honors:

• presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Audrey Meyers, CEO of Valley Health System;
• Distinguished Service Awards to Englewood Health CEO Warren Geller and St. Joseph’s Health Vice President of External Affairs Kenneth Morris Jr.;
• Honorary awards were presented to retiring CEOs: Joseph Chirichella of the Deborah Heart and Lung Center and James Gonzalez of Broadway Continuing Care Center.

In addition, the NJHA will posthumously honor the late John Lloyd, who served as co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health and chairman of the NJHA board of directors, with a special Icon Award.