Report on the Opening of Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton

Introduction

On June 26, 2025, Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, announced the opening of the Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton. This new center is strategically located at 1 Metro Boulevard, Clifton, just off Route 3, and represents the fourth health and wellness center launched by the network in the past four years. This expansion underscores the organization’s commitment to enhancing access to high-quality healthcare and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Enhancing Healthcare Access and Quality (SDG 3)

The Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton aims to meet patients where they are by reducing barriers such as travel and wait times. This initiative supports SDG 3 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality healthcare and enhancing access for all community members in Passaic County and surrounding areas.

• Offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services under one roof
• Upcoming services include advanced imaging, retail pharmacy, cardiology, and additional specialty care
• Focuses on compassionate, coordinated care close to patients’ homes

Patient-Centered Care and Community Impact

According to Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, the organization is transforming care delivery by adapting to the unique needs of patients and communities, thereby improving health outcomes. Mark D. Sparta, President of Hackensack Meridian Health North Region, emphasized the center’s role in providing a coordinated, convenient, and personalized healthcare experience, which contributes to healthier lives.

Integration with Education and Innovation (SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

The Clifton center is uniquely positioned within the same complex as the Hackensack School of Medicine and the Hackensack Meridian Health Research Institute. This proximity fosters an environment of innovation, education, and exceptional patient care, supporting:

1. Cutting-edge medical research
2. Medical education and student rotations
3. Collaborative research opportunities

Commitment to Patient Well-being and Inclusivity

Gary Panagiotakis, DO, Vice Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, highlighted the center’s design to create a welcoming and comfortable environment, ensuring patients receive continuous, high-quality care tailored to community needs. This approach aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by promoting equitable healthcare access.

Network Expansion and Locations

Hackensack Meridian Health currently operates four health and wellness centers across New Jersey, including:

• Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton – 1 Metro Blvd, Clifton
• Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Paramus – 650 From Road, Paramus
• Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clark – 1180 Raritan Road, Clark
• Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Eatontown – 135 NJ-35, Eatontown

Additionally, the network has recently opened three new Urgent Care PLUS locations and plans to open the Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Metropark, the first center located in a major travel hub, further expanding healthcare accessibility.

About Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to the health and well-being of New Jersey communities. The network comprises:

• 18 hospitals and over 500 patient care locations
• Services including ambulatory care, surgery, home health, ambulance, air medical transportation, rehabilitation, urgent care, physician practices, and wellness centers
• A workforce of 38,000 team members and 7,000 physicians

The organization is recognized for excellence, with the only #1 ranked adult and children’s hospitals in New Jersey according to U.S. News & World Report 2024-25, and multiple nationally ranked specialties.

Conclusion

The opening of the Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton exemplifies a strategic advancement toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals by improving healthcare access, quality, innovation, education, and equity. This initiative reinforces Hackensack Meridian Health’s mission to deliver compassionate, coordinated care and foster healthier communities across New Jersey.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton website.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article focuses on expanding access to high-quality healthcare services, improving patient outcomes, and providing comprehensive care close to home.
   • It highlights the opening of multiple health and wellness centers aimed at meeting patients where they are and reducing barriers such as travel and wait times.
   • Emphasis on innovation, medical education, and research to enhance healthcare quality.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article mentions the Hackensack School of Medicine and the integration of medical education and research opportunities at the wellness center.
   • Students have opportunities for clinical rotations and research collaborations, linking education with real-world healthcare delivery.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The establishment of a health and wellness center as a hub for innovation and research.
   • Integration of advanced imaging and specialty services reflects investment in healthcare infrastructure and innovation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.c: Increase health financing and recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and encourage innovation.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research, and innovation in developing countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 3

   • Proportion of population with access to essential health services (implied by the expansion of health and wellness centers and reduced travel/wait times).
   • Number of health facilities offering a range of services including primary care, specialty care, and advanced imaging.
   • Health workforce density and distribution (implied by the presence of multiple physicians and specialists under one roof).
   • Patient outcomes and satisfaction (implied by the focus on compassionate, coordinated care and improved health outcomes).

2. Indicators Related to SDG 4

   • Number of students participating in clinical rotations and research opportunities at healthcare facilities.
   • Access to quality medical education and training programs linked to healthcare delivery.

3. Indicators Related to SDG 9

   • Number of health and wellness centers equipped with advanced medical technologies and research facilities.
   • Investment in healthcare infrastructure and innovation hubs.
   • Number of research projects and innovations emerging from the integrated medical education and healthcare environment.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: newswise.com