Health Care Professional of the Year Award to Dr. Parikh and Public Health Hero Award to Dr. Patel presented at The Palace at Somerset Park, NJ
Our Bureau
Somerset, NJ
In a celebration of exceptional service to the health and well-being of New Jersey’s residents, NJBIZ recognized Dr. Rupen Parikh, Chief Medical Officer, as Health Care Professional of the Year, and Dr. Tushar Patel, President of Health Camp of New Jersey (HCNJ), as the recipient of the Public Health Hero Award at the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Awards Ceremony, hosted at The Palace at Somerset Park on June 24, 2025.
Both Dr. Parikh and Dr. Patel have dedicated their time and service to community health through their work with HCNJ—a nonprofit organization established in 1999 that provides free health screenings, counseling, disease prevention education, and early intervention services for underserved communities throughout New Jersey. Through their tireless efforts, over 13,500 individuals have received access to essential health care services, leading to the early detection of over 4,200 chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Patel emerged as a trusted voice in the community, launching virtual health seminars, providing accurate information through ethnic TV and radio channels, and organizing local testing and vaccination efforts. His leadership helped alleviate fear, clarify misinformation, and protect vulnerable populations during one of the most challenging health crises in recent history.
Recognizing Healthcare Excellence
NJBIZ has been recognizing outstanding contributions to health care in New Jersey for more than 15 years. The 2025 Healthcare Heroes Awards spotlighted leaders in categories including Education Hero, Innovation Hero, Mental Health, Physician of the Year, Nurse of the Year, Public Health Hero, Volunteer of the Year, and Workplace Wellness. This year’s awards were presented by Hackensack Meridian Health, and the ceremony featured a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, for his visionary leadership of New Jersey’s largest integrated health network.
The awards event drew over 300 healthcare professionals, executives, and advocates, celebrating the courage, compassion, and dedication of those working tirelessly to advance public health and wellness across the state.
HCNJ’s New Community Health Center Initiative
As part of their long-term vision to improve healthcare access, HCNJ has recently launched a major initiative to establish a permanent, full-time Community Health Center in Central New Jersey. This facility aims to expand their successful mobile and event-based services into a sustainable, year-round medical home for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
The proposed Community Health Center will offer:
- Primary care services
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive screenings and immunizations
- Dental and mental health support
- Health education, nutrition counseling, and wellness programs
- Referral services for specialty care
The center is being developed with the goal of bridging gaps in healthcare access, especially for immigrant communities, seniors, and low-income families who often delay care due to cost, language barriers, or lack of insurance. This initiative will enable HCNJ to provide continuous, coordinated, and culturally competent care, making a lasting impact on health outcomes in the region.
To learn more about the NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes program, visit: www.njbiz.com/events
To support or benefit from Health Camp of New Jersey’s services, including the upcoming Community Health Center, visit: www.IHCNJ.org
