Zufall Health marks 35th anniversary with fundraiser highlighting health care challenges

DOVER, N.J. (Morris County) — More than 100 supporters joined Zufall Health on Sept. 18 for its annual Be Well Benefit, a dinner cruise around lower Manhattan that doubled as a celebration of the health center’s 35th anniversary and a call to action on health care access.

Founded as a one-room medical practice in Dover, Zufall has grown into a leading provider of health care for low-income and underserved New Jersey residents.

“Thanks to our supporters and partners, we’ve come a long way from Dr. Bob and Kay Zufall’s tiny clinic, but significant challenges remain for Zufall and our patients,” said Fran Palm, President and CEO of Zufall Health. “Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans are navigating food insecurity, housing instability or homelessness, and difficulty affording basic needs, often putting health care on hold. With policy changes likely to impact Medicaid eligibility on the horizon, access to quality, comprehensive and affordable health care has never been more urgent.”

New Jersey Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco, Assemblyman Christian Barranco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn issued a joint resolution recognizing Zufall for its “sterling reputation for remaining steadfast in its praiseworthy mission to administer inclusive health care for all.”

The event also honored two community partners: Diana Blankman Roberts, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Sanofi US and President of Sanofi Cares North America, and Peter Wolfson, Esq., a partner at Day Pitney and Board President of the Zufall Health Foundation.

Blankman Roberts played a key role in securing a major Sanofi donation for Zufall’s Morristown office earlier this year. Wolfson, who says it is his “personal belief that a country as great and prosperous as ours should provide good health care to everyone who needs it,” has been instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission.

The program concluded with a video about Lillie, a 57-year-old Morris County resident whose experience underscores the importance of integrated care. After losing her job and health insurance, Lillie, who has diabetes, was forced to live in her car without safe insulin storage. Zufall provided coordinated care, medication, counseling and case management.

“There was a lot that I needed, and I couldn’t afford it…If I didn’t come [to Zufall] and meet the people who work here, I would have died in my car. Everything that I needed Zufall gave to me,” said Lillie, who is now insured, employed, housed and managing her condition.

All proceeds from the event will support the new Zufall Cares Fund, which provides flexible resources to help patients access care. Donations can be made at zufallhealth.org/benefit by selecting “Make a Donation.”

Zufall thanked its sponsors, including Sanofi, Henry Schein, Atlantic Health System, Day Pitney, LabCorp, Aetna, Brio Benefit Consulting, Fulton Bank, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, ProDirect Dental Laboratory, Riker Danzig, Valley Bank, Delta Dental, Fingerpaint, Luma Health, Penn Medicine and Woodmont, along with many individual supporters.