2024 Impact of Giving Report - Report - Page 3
Accelerating Community Health Programs
Pediatric Mobile Services Welcomes Bright New Van
In June, we introduced our second Pediatric Mobile Services vehicle, “Sunny,”
at a celebratory event attended by philanthropic partners, community
leaders, elected of昀椀cials, and children served by the program. This
expansion, made possible by a $1 million pledge from the Joseph Lacroce
Foundation, will allow our pediatric team to reach 70% more children. With
the addition of a second vehicle and an expanded staff—growing from
10,085
children received free
screenings and
health services.
昀椀ve to 14 people—the program now operates six days a week, offering
multiple services in a single visit and reaching more sites than ever before.
Since it began in 2018, the program has addressed the critical need for
developmental screenings and preventive health care for local children. It
has identi昀椀ed elevated lead levels in 14% of Camden children—far exceeding
the national average of 2.5%—and referred them for further testing or
treatment. Across all the communities it serves, the program has also referred
65% of children for developmental services, 23% for dental and vision
care, and 18% for hearing services. We are grateful to the donors whose
support enhances this program and helps children in our community.
Eat Well Program Plans for Expansion
Virtua’s Eat Well food access program has been a trusted source of
affordable, nutritious food since 2017. In 2024, our Eat Well Mobile Grocery
Store and Mobile Farmers Market made over 1,000 market stops, serving
an average of 363 customers per week. This mobile program earned Jersey
Fresh certi昀椀cation, with more than 53% of its produce sourced from local
farms. Additionally, our Food Farmacy team helped improve the lives of 629
patients with chronic disease by providing free food and nutrition counseling.
In 2025, Virtua will expand Eat Well with the launch of two new mobile
units, made possible through the State of New Jersey. One will serve as
our new grocery store, while the other will function as a Food Farmacy
on wheels. We are deeply grateful to all our generous donors who
sustain the operation of this vital community initiative each year.
31%
of children screened
were referred to
additional services.
