The Jefferson Health New Jersey Gala was held on March 11 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, honoring healthcare workers and raising more than $475,000 for future healthcare services. Approximately 400 people attended the event, which recognized Dr. Tamara LaCouture, Chief of Cancer Services for the system’s East Region. Under LaCouture’s leadership, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centers in both Cherry Hill and Washington Township have grown significantly with the addition of medical oncology suites and further development of the clinical trials program. She led the development of the new Cherry Hill cancer center and the rollout of adaptive radiation therapy using the Ethos linear accelerator system.
Advanced Radiation Technology
The Ethos linear accelerator system is an artificial intelligence-driven tool that allows highly specialized and customizable treatments targeting tumors more effectively with reduced risk for side effects. Jefferson Health is the first oncology center in South Jersey to implement this technology, according to the health system.
Employee-Driven Innovation Grants
Beyond the $475,000 raised by the gala, grants totaling $150,000 were awarded to employee-submitted ideas for enhancing patient care or staff well-being through the 2026 Giving Tank, funded by the Jefferson Health Foundation. The winners included $25,000 for at-home heart failure kits with monitoring tools to detect symptoms early and reduce readmissions; $25,000 for visual cues above patient beds to encourage fall-prevention behavior and reduce injuries; $50,000 to revamp the behavioral health crisis unit in Cherry Hill to improve safety, patient dignity, therapeutic offerings, and staff workflow; and $50,000 for color-coded emergency carts designed to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence during pediatric emergencies.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://patch.com/new-jersey/cherryhill/south-jersey-healthcare-workers-honored-more-475k-donated-future-services