Princeton, NJ.
The Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey (GOCCNJ), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming care for people living with serious illness, will host its inaugural Legacy of Care Tribute on May 1, 2025. This landmark event celebrates the Coalition’s journey from a visionary idea into a powerful statewide movement advocating for compassionate, person-centered palliative care.
The Legacy of Care Tribute will honor GOCCNJ’s founder and outgoing Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Barile, welcome incoming Chief Medical Officer, Dr. M. Hamza Habib, and present the David LaMotte Award for Excellence in Patient Support to New Jersey Senator Angela McKnight (D-Hudson), a key advocate in establishing New Jersey’s Medicaid palliative care program.
Reflecting on the Coalition’s evolution, GOCCNJ Board Chair, Dr. Gregory Rokosz, noted, “What began nearly a decade ago as recommendations in a Governor’s Advisory Council report has grown into tangible changes in policy and practice. Our impact is measured in the countless families now empowered, healthcare providers better equipped, and patients who feel heard and valued.”
Dr. Barile, reflecting on his tenure, stated, “It’s deeply humbling to witness the profound change we’ve achieved by placing patient values and choices at the center of healthcare decisions. The Coalition’s mission remains as vital as ever.”
Incoming Chief Medical Officer Dr. Habib emphasized, “I’m honored to build on Dr. Barile’s legacy and advance equitable access to palliative care. Our work is more critical than ever, and we are dedicated to ensuring every individual facing serious illness and their caregivers receive the support they deserve.”
GOCCNJ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the only network of organizations in NJ working together to make certain that patients with serious illness get the care they need and no less, and the care they want and no more. Through education and advocacy, GOCCNJ’s mission is to ensure that healthcare providers, patients, and family caregivers have the information, resources, training, and tools they need to facilitate discussions that result in a care plan that aligns treatment with the patient’s goals of care.
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Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey
For more information, please contact:
Beth Hirschman
Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey
Email
Phone: (609) 558-2644