Morris School District, Atlantic Health announce partnership

MORRISTOWN - In between some impressive performances at Morristown Onstage, Morris School District Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast and interim president of Atlantic Health Trish O’Keefe took to the Mayo Performing Arts Stage to announce a new partnership.

“This is an amazing partnership between the Morris School District and Atlantic Health,” O’Keefe said, “Which will empower our communities to be the healthiest in the nation.”

The partnership was launched following a recent tax settlement between Atlantic Health and Morristown. As part of the settlement, Atlantic Health agreed to work with the town on community and economic development initiatives, including working with the Morris School District.

Pendergrast said the Morris School District is “a world of opportunity” and the new partnership with Atlantic Health embodies just that.

“If you want to go fast, go alone,” Pendergrast said, referencing a proverb he recently heard used by U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “But if you want to go far, go together.”

O’Keefe said the partnership will enhance the health and wellness of the community by extending Atlantic Health’s health care resources into the school district.

In addition to bringing health and wellness programs into Morris schools, some students who are considering pursuing a career in health care will also be able to shadow doctors and nurses at Morristown Medical Center, O’Keefe said.

“There is so much potential for Atlantic Health System to share with the community ways to improve our health, stay active, prevent diseases such as obesity, and learn more about prevention and wellness,” O’Keefe said. “In the coming months, you will see much more from this partnership about not only these important healthy living efforts, but also promoting careers in healthcare and how we can inspire our young people and adults interested in pursuing careers in science and healthcare.”

The partnership will not only promote physical health, but also existing mental health programs for young children and teens through Atlantic Health’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital and the Atlantic Healthy Schools program.

Morristown Onstage is a fundraiser for the Morris Educational Foundation and all dollars raised benefit students of the Morris School District.  Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center served as the event’s headline sponsor.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com