NJBIZ Honors Two Health Camp of NJ Leaders for Public Health Service

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Somerset, NJ – June 25, 2025 — At the 2025 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Awards Ceremony held at The Palace at Somerset Park, two leading figures from Health Camp of New Jersey (HCNJ) were recognized for their exceptional service to public health. Dr. Rupen Parikh, Chief Medical Officer of HCNJ, was named Health Care Professional of the Year, while Dr. Tushar Patel, the organization’s president, received the Public Health Hero Award.

The honors were presented as part of NJBIZ’s annual recognition of healthcare professionals across the state who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation, and dedication in advancing the well-being of New Jersey residents.

Founded in 1999, Health Camp of New Jersey is a nonprofit organization that offers free health screenings, disease prevention education, and early intervention services to underserved populations. To date, the organization has reached over 13,500 individuals across the state, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of more than 4,200 cases of chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Patel emerged as a central voice of reassurance and clarity within immigrant and vulnerable communities. He organized virtual seminars, disseminated public health guidance through ethnic media outlets, and led local testing and vaccination initiatives at a time of immense uncertainty. His leadership helped dispel misinformation and deliver vital care to those most at risk.

Dr. Parikh, whose clinical leadership has been central to HCNJ’s efforts, has played a crucial role in the development and execution of screening and counseling services that serve thousands annually. His award reflects both his medical expertise and his community outreach.

The NJBIZ awards event, now in its 15th year, drew over 300 healthcare professionals, executives, and advocates. It recognized leaders across multiple categories including education, innovation, mental health, nursing, public health, and workplace wellness. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, which also served as the presenting sponsor for the evening.

Looking ahead, Health Camp of New Jersey is preparing for one of its most ambitious initiatives yet—a permanent, full-time Community Health Center in Central New Jersey. Building on its years of mobile and pop-up event-based services, the planned facility will offer year-round care for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Services will include primary care, chronic disease management, dental and mental health support, preventive screenings, and wellness programs.

“This center will allow us to close the gaps in healthcare access and offer coordinated, culturally competent care to those who need it most,” said Dr. Patel. “It is the next step in a vision we’ve been building for decades.”

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