Beginning in January 2025, physicians from Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (SOM) Department of Psychiatry will join the medical staff at the 515-bed facility in Hammonton, addressing a critical need for psychiatric care in the region.

As one of New Jersey’s four State psychiatric hospitals, Ancora provides comprehensive treatment with a focus on helping patients regain independence and move toward returning to their communities. The hospital’s specialized units serve various needs: psychiatric treatment, support for people with both mental illness and substance use disorders, and various co-morbidities of medical and psychiatric care.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rowan-Virtua SOM will supply up to six psychiatrists to the hospital, significantly expanding Ancora’s capacity to provide specialized psychiatric care while incorporating modern, evidence-based practices.

The integration of academic medicine into State psychiatric care represents a significant advancement, combining clinical expertise with the latest research developments. This approach has been shown to improve patient outcomes while creating valuable training opportunities in psychiatry.

“As we work to address the mental health challenges facing our communities, this partnership represents an important step forward,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “By combining Rowan’s academic resources with Ancora’s specialized care, we’re bolstering a vital safety net for New Jersey families when they need it most.”

“This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for mental health care in South Jersey,” said Christopher Morrison, CEO of Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. “By partnering with Rowan, we’re not just addressing immediate staffing needs – we’re creating opportunities to enhance the quality of care while building a stronger pipeline of psychiatric professionals dedicated to serving our community.”

Rowan University President Ali Houshmand emphasized the importance of the agreement in boosting the University’s overall impact on health care in the state and region.

“This collaboration exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking partnerships that enable us to address urgent community needs,” Houshmand said. “By working closely with our partners at Ancora, we will foster a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and improve care for the individuals and families who depend on these vital services.”

“This agreement enables us to provide comprehensive psychiatric services to patients in South Jersey, reinforcing our mission to care for the most vulnerable populations and train the next generation of health care professionals,” said Richard Jermyn, Dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. “It underscores our commitment to advancing both patient care and medical education, ensuring the highest standards of psychiatric care are accessible to those who need it most.”

The partnership demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to improving mental health care in South Jersey. By integrating Rowan-Virtua SOM’s medical expertise with Ancora’s specialized psychiatric services, the agreement will enhance treatment outcomes for patients while creating new opportunities for training future health care providers.

Rowan’s growing health care partnerships include leading providers such as: Virtua Health, Cooper University Health Care, Inspira Health, Jefferson Health, Atlanticare, Holy Name Medical Center, CarePoint Health, Christiana Care, Wilmington VA Hospital, Tidal Health, Atlantic Health System, Capital Health, and Hackensack Meridian Health.

The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine is a national leader among its D.O.-granting peers in total annual research. The University is also one of only four institutions in the nation that offer both M.D. and D.O. medical degree programs.

The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 5,500 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.