Listen to this article

A sold-out crowd of more than 350 attendees came together June 23 at The Marigold in Somerset for the NJBIZ Health Care Heroes awards. In 2026, the annual program marks 20 years of celebrating New Jersey health care professionals, leaders, volunteers and organizations that are promoting innovation and excellence in the field, and making a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in the Garden State.

Following an open nomination period, a panel of independent judges reviewed nominations across 13 categories, including several new ones for this year:

• Individual honors
  • Advanced Practice Providers
  • Health Care Professional
  • Nursing
  • Pharmaceutical Professional
  • Physician
  • Public Health
  • Volunteer
• Organization honors
  • Ambulatory Health Care (outpatient care)
  • Mental Health
  • Rehabilitation Therapy
  • Workplace Wellness
• Individual & Organization honors
  • Education
  • Innovation

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System President and CEO Leslie Hirsch received the 2026 Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The thing that’s at the very core of it is our mission,” Hirsch said accepting the award. “We’re all in the business of healthcare. We should never forget that we’re all in the business of the mission of what we do, and that always takes precedent over anything that has to do with the business aspects of what we do.”

Hackensack Meridian Health served as presenting sponsor for the 2026 event. Christian Health and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System supported the program as major sponsors.

Read about the 2026 Health Care Heroes here. To see more photos from the ceremony available for purchase, visit the event page and click on the “Photos” tab.