U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has selected St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey and St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital in Wayne, New Jersey to receive funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

"Hospitals are a critical part of this nation's homeland security apparatus," stated Pascrell.  "The administration at St. Joseph's recognizes the important response and preparedness responsibility the medical center has in our region.  I applaud St. Joseph's efforts to secure this grant funding, and will continue to support federal homeland security funding for non-profit entities.  Risks are not limited by political boundaries, and neither must be this nation's security investments.  Risk assessment is central to the adequate funding of America's homeland security."    

Congress designated $24 million for NSGP which is designed to screen and protect non-profit organizations that are deemed at high-risk of a potential terrorist attack.  Non-profit organizations throughout New Jersey will share the state's $1.8 million federal allotment.

"Providing high level quality care to our community at all times is St. Joseph's first priority. We continually monitor our emergency response capabilities and improvements are identified. We are grateful to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Department of Homeland Security for providing UASI grant funding for upgrades in security capabilities at both St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital," said William A. McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's Healthcare System.

NSGP grants seek to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts.  The program is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives and state and local government agencies.

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