Ed Walters’ Donation Expands Southern Ocean Medical Center Services
Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center launched a satellite acupuncture office on its campus in mid-July, marking a significant expansion of integrative health services funded by local philanthropy. The campus addition, backed by a $250,000 gift from Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation trustee Ed Walters, brings non-pharmacologic therapeutic interventions directly to Long Beach Island patients.
- Southern Ocean Medical Center opened a dedicated integrative health satellite office in July, offering acupuncture, nurse health coaching, and nutritional counseling.
- The expansion was made possible by a $750,000 total donation from Ed Walters, which also funds surgical services.
- Network medical director David Leopold, M.D., states that clinical evidence supports acupuncture as a complementary tool for managing chronic pain, digestive disorders, and cancer treatment side effects.
Philanthropic Investment Expands Local Access
Ed Walters, a longtime resident and trustee for the Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation, provided a $750,000 financial gift split between surgical services and integrative medicine. The donation allocated $250,000 specifically toward constructing the new on-campus office space. “Something that wasn’t here, is now here,” Walters said regarding the direct community impact of the facility.
Prior to the opening, community members seeking acupuncture and whole-person care frequently needed to travel outside the local area. Kelly Briggs, DNP, administrative director of Integrative Health and Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Health, noted that bringing these services on-site establishes a higher standard for regional healthcare delivery.
Clinical Integration and Evidence-Based Application
Hospital leadership emphasizes that acupuncture functions as an auxiliary therapeutic modality rather than a substitute for conventional medical care. David Leopold, M.D., network medical director for Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health and Medicine, stated that the intervention is incorporated when evidence, safety profiles, and specific clinical circumstances justify its use.
Clinical indications for the newly available treatments include chronic pain, digestive disorders, and symptom management for oncology patients. According to Dr. Leopold, the modality effectively mitigates treatment-related nausea, pain, and stress. Safety data indicates that serious complications remain uncommon, with procedure-related adverse events typically limited to temporary local soreness or mild bruising.
Operational Growth and Community Response
Following a soft opening on July 17, which immediately treated scheduled patients, the office hosted a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony a month later. Patient scheduling volume has remained high, reflecting growing local demand for non-pharmacologic clinical interventions. Alongside acupuncture, patients utilize consultations with dedicated nurse health coaches and nutritionists.
Hospital administrators say that integrative medicine incorporates physical activity, sleep, stress regulation, and nutritional guidance alongside standard medical protocols. Community members seeking localized healthcare provider networks or specialized clinical support can consult qualified medical professionals to determine appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.