PRINCETON – The New Jersey Hospital Association, working with the New York-based United Hospital Fund (www.uhfnyc.org), has distributed more than $208,000 from the Hurricane Sandy Health Care Relief Fund to 25 member organization across the Garden State, helping more than 1,500 employees in need.

“NJHA is grateful for the opportunity to provide some relief to healthcare employees who went above and beyond the call of duty during the storm, even though they and their families were also suffering,” said NJHA President and CEO Betsy Ryan.

The fund, which also provided assistance to healthcare workers in New York, raised over $608,000. The regional effort was established in the days immediately following Superstorm Sandy to provide direct assistance to employees of hospitals and other healthcare organizations who suffered serious personal losses even as they worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the patients in their care.

In total, 47 organizations qualified for support including hospitals, healthcare systems, nursing homes and visiting nurse associations with a total of 4,124 employees receiving aid. NJHA contributed $100,000 to the fund.

Other fund sponsors and leadership supporters included: Greater New York Hospital Association, Healthcare Association of New York State, Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association and the American Hospital Association.