17 Apr ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO AND RWJBH PRESIDENT/CEO MARK MANIGAN ANNOUNCE MEDICAL DESIGNATION FOR MOBILE PEDIATRIC CLINICS Expanded Services Include Medical Screenings, Health Education, Preventive Services and, of course, Vaccinations
Published on April 17, 2026
West Orange, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and RWJBarnabas Health President and CEO Mark Manigan announced that the Essex County/RWJBH Mobile Pediatric Van has earned Medical Facility licensing from the NJ Department of Health. This designation will enable the clinic to expand services beyond just providing pediatric vaccinations and enhance school readiness and preventive health care initiatives throughout Essex County.
“We are pleased to partner with Mark Manigan and RWJBH to offer our mobile health initiative to the residents of Essex County. Our ongoing partnership is a great example of how government and private hospitals can pool resources and have a greater impact on the health of our communities,” DiVincenzo said. “This additional designation will enable us to expand the services offered through our pediatric clinics. Promoting health among our students is one way we can help them overcome obstacles and succeed in the classroom,” he added.
“This mobile clinic is born from our commitment to ensuring that RWJBarnabas Health’s world-class care is accessible to everyone, of every age, in every community,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “I am grateful for the partnership of County Executive DiVincenzo and the Essex County Board of Commissioners, as well as that of our partners in state government who helped deliver critical state funds that made this project possible,” he added.
“Getting kids the physicals they need isn’t just about health – it’s about removing barriers so they can show up ready to learn and succeed in school. When we bring care closer to families, we open the door for every child to thrive in the classroom,” said Margie Heller, Senior Vice President, Community and Global Health, RWJBarnabas Health. “Achieving medical facility licensure marks an important step in expanding the care that
RWJBarnabas Health and Essex County can provide through this innovative program,” she added.
“Mobile health initiative are the wave of the future and being able to provide vaccinations, screenings and health information in their own neighborhoods is the most effective first step we can take to promoting wellness in our communities. Access to health care and transportation are two of the biggest obstacles our disadvantaged communities experience and offering more robust medical services through our pediatric clinics will go a long way to keeping our children healthy,” Essex County Health Officer and Director of the Office of Public Health Management Maya Harlow said. “Our partnership with RWJBarnabas Health started during the pandemic and continues to grow and impact our residents,” she added.
Earning the medical facility licensing will now enable the pediatric mobile clinic to operate as a doctor’s office and provide health screenings, medical tests to prepare students for school and, of course, vaccinations. Its dedicated pediatric medical staff can provide school physicals, flu immunizations, hearing and vision screenings, asthma education, health education, and routine preventive services directly where families live, work, and attend school.
Clinics are strategically scheduled to improve accessibility for working families and underserved communities. VFC clinics are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Essex County Watsessing Park Community Center in Bloomfield, the second Wednesday at the Essex County Monte Irvin Orange Park Community Center in Orange, and the third Wednesday in the Essex County Bilal Beasley Community Center in Irvington Park in Irvington, operating from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. These evening hours allow parents and guardians to bring their children after school and work, reducing missed appointments and increasing compliance with New Jersey school immunization requirements.
Launched in October 2023, the Essex County VFC Program was established with a clear public health mission: to reduce school absences caused by vaccine-preventable diseases and increase childhood immunization rates so children remain healthy, safe, and ready to learn throughout the school year.
Since the program’s inception, the Essex County VFC Program has vaccinated approximately 984 children and administered more than 2,330 vaccine doses. In 2024 alone, 890 doses were distributed at a total value of $70,473.94, reflecting both the scale and financial impact of the program. In 2025, the program received 1,400 doses totaling $135,465.19, demonstrating significant growth in vaccine access and utilization. Participation for vaccinations and medical services are anticipated to grow even more with the expanded services being offered.
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