In effort to work directly with certified local and diverse-owned businesses, RWJBarnabas Health launched BuyLocal, an online platform designed to increase connections with such enterprises and loop them into its products and services supply chain.

RWJBarnabas Health announced the online platform July 11. According to the health care system, more than 200 eligible businesses have registered to date.

“As an anchor institution that prioritizes addressing the social determinants of health, our commitment to our patients and neighbors extends beyond traditional care delivery,” said RWJBarnabas Health President Mark Manigan. “Our health system is one of the largest employers and purchasers in New Jersey, and we are dedicated to investing those dollars back into the communities we serve.”

Businesses that could potentially meet RWJBarnabas Health’s future service or supply chain needs can register on the BuyLocal platform. Then, as RWJBarnabas Health BuyLocal vendors, they’ll be included in a database of businesses considered for procurement and contracting opportunities within the health system.

New Jersey-based, certified minority-, women-, veteran-, disabled veteran-owned; small businesses; and disadvantaged business enterprises are all eligible to participate.

“Through this new portal, our organization will gain instant access to local and diverse businesses and will be able to contribute to the economic growth of their communities in a very measurable way,” said Dr. Paul Alexander, executive vice president and chief health equity and transformation officer of RWJBarnabas Health.

BuyLocal is the latest initiative in the system’s Social Impact and Community Investment practice, through which the health system aims to increase economic growth by increasing opportunities for certified local and diverse businesses.