VOORHEES, NJ – When Joseph W. Devine, FACHE, retired from his role of Executive Vice President with Jefferson Health and President of Jefferson Health - New Jersey earlier this year, colleagues decided to honor his longtime commitment to the people of Jefferson in a special way. Devine, who resides in Washington Township, NJ, is the namesake of the longtime Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for employees at Jefferson Health – New Jersey facing unexpected hardships.

The former Emergency Financial Assistance Fund is now called The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance. The Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 per request; since 2006, it has helped more than 480 associates through grants totaling more than $700,000.

“It is a tremendous honor for me to be remembered through the naming of this worthwhile charity,” Devine said. “I’ve always felt it is very important for employees to ‘look out for their own,’ and this fund has been a wonderful way to do that.”

Now, the newly named Devine Fund for Employee Assistance, will also accept donations from community members and businesses interested in helping Jefferson Health “heroes” facing financial challenge brought on by any number of reasons, from illness to a family member’s job loss.

“The Employee Assistance Fund has become an important way for colleagues to give back to the Jefferson organization – and one another,” said Associate Vice President of Development Jeffrey Dubnow.

Devine was a key supporter of the fund since its inception nearly 15 years ago. Over the course of his 34-year career with Jefferson (previously Kennedy), Devine led the Kennedy organization through its time of greatest growth, including its 2017 merger with Jefferson Health.

During his many years of service to the healthcare industry and community-at-large, Devine played an instrumental role in the campus revitalization programs at both Jefferson Cherry Hill and Jefferson Washington Township hospitals. He has been known for his commitment to clinical excellence, community outreach, and elevating the patient experience.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still turning life upside down for many people, The Devine Fund will continue to be a lifesaver for many more Jefferson Health – New Jersey employees. Community members and organizations are also invited to make a tax-deductible contribution to The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance, by visiting www.Jefferson.edu/HonorJoeDevine.

About Jefferson Health: Jefferson Health, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, is reimagining health care in the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson’s dedicated team of doctors, nurses, health professionals, and staff provides a range of primary to highly-specialized care through 14 hospitals (seven are Magnet®-designated by the ANCC for nursing excellence), more than 40 outpatient and urgent care locations, the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Magee Rehabilitation and the JeffConnect® telemedicine program. For 2020-2021, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals in nine specialities by U.S. News & World Report. Jefferson Health’s mission is to improve the lives of patients in the communities it is privileged to serve through safe, effective, equitable, compassionate care.

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