Casino Control Commission spotlights AtlantiCare for community health work

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission read a letter from Governor Philip D. Murphy and formally recognized AtlantiCare Foundation for its work improving health outcomes in Atlantic City, including services at its Medical Arts Pavilion and mobile community programs.

The recognition, presented during the commission's annual- report spotlight on Atlantic City, highlighted AtlantiCare's efforts on mental-health services, prenatal and postnatal care, dental services and programs aimed at reducing infant mortality and expanding workforce training. A staff member read the governor's letter into the record, saying the foundation's dedication is "admirable" and praising its contributions to local health initiatives.

An assemblyman who addressed the commission described personal memories of the city's changing health-care landscape and praised AtlantiCare's outreach van and meal programs, arguing that expanded mental-health and food-access services are essential to addressing homelessness. "How can you build a beautiful new facility in Atlantic City with people not being able to afford to go in?" the assemblyman said, urging attention to affordable access.

AtlantiCare's representative accepted the recognition on behalf of nearly 7,000 employees and thanked the commission and attendees. The commission's remarks and the governor's letter emphasize the agency's interest in public-health partnerships that affect Atlantic City residents.

The recognition did not require formal action; it was presented as part of the commission's annual report process and concluded before the meeting moved to licensing business.