Christian Health Recognized as Health Care Hero by NJBIZ for Comprehensive Continuum of Mental Health Care

Wyckoff, NJ (June 24, 2026) — Christian Health has been honored by NJBIZ as a 2026 Health Care Hero in the Mental Health category for addressing the critical issue of fragmented care through an integrated, person-centered system and seamless continuum of care, which includes inpatient hospitalization, outpatient counseling, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, and specialized senior services.

The NJBIZ Health Care Heroes award program recognizes excellence and honors the efforts of those making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey. In the Mental Health category, individuals and organizations are honored for making outstanding achievements in improving mental health care services in the state.

“Behavioral health care is one of the most important ways we live out our mission at Christian Health, meeting people and families with dignity, expertise, and humanity during some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Stephen J. Dumke, LNHA, FACHE, President and CEO of Christian Health. “This recognition belongs to our clinicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and support teams who show up every day with skill, patience, and heart. Because of them, people feel supported, regain stability, and begin moving forward towards healing.”

Christian Health’s continuum of care is anchored by Ramapo Ridge, an inpatient behavioral health hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospital’s specialized programs include Harbor, which delivers geriatric psychiatric care with treatment for complex conditions, including dementia, and Haven, which provides trauma-informed care in a secure, women-only wing. These innovative programs highlight the organization’s commitment to providing individualized treatment to meet the unique needs of the community and fill the gaps caused by fragmented care.

Christian Health’s continuum also includes outpatient and intermediate levels of care, including LiveWell Counseling and Gracepoint Partial-Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program, and an esketamine program that supports individuals living with treatment-resistant depression. Clients can seamlessly move through fully coordinated levels of care, improving outcomes and allowing for a more personalized treatment model.

“Mental health recovery requires more than clinical treatment alone. It is built on trust, empathy, respect, and a supportive care environment where each individual is seen as a whole person,” said Alexis Totaro, MSN, RN, WHNP-c, CARN-AP, Vice President of Operations, Behavioral Health Services and Administrator/Chief Nurse Executive at Christian Health. “We are intentional about building programs that meet people where they are, whether they are experiencing crisis, working through trauma, managing depression, navigating substance use, or seeking renewed strength for the future.”

Additionally, NewBridge Services recently joined Christian Health, which expanded access to care across northern New Jersey, extending the organization’s reach beyond Bergen and Passaic counties into Morris and Sussex counties as well.

Christian Health received the award at a ceremony at The Marigold in Somerset, New Jersey, on June 23, 2026.

To learn more about Christian Health, please visit ChristianHealthNJ.org.

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About Christian Health
Since 1911, Christian Health’s mission has been to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and supportive guidance throughout every stage of wellness. A nonprofit organization founded on the belief that everyone deserves exceptional care, Christian Health continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community. We provide a comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for adults and older adults, rehabilitation services, and educational programs that foster physical health and nourish the spirit. Our care is recognized through top honors, rankings, and accreditations from leading organizations, reflecting our commitment to the strictest standards and quality benchmarks. Caring is not simply what we do; it is who we are.

Media Contact:
Kelly Tanis
(201) 848-5921
KTanis@ChristianHealthNJ.org