Mariam Merced, MA has been the Director of the RWJ Barnabas Health System – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Community Health Promotion Program for the past 27 years. In this role, she is responsible for the coordination of accessible quality preventive health care services and educational programs for communities in Middlesex County.  She partners with houses of worship, health institutions and community-based organizations, in the design and implementation culturally appropriate community-wide health promotion initiatives. Ms. Merced works closely with local organizations and community residents to develop innovative programs that utilize the art to promote health information among diverse communities in Central Jersey.  Ms. Merced is also very active in many health, social service and religious organizations.  She is the Co-Chair of the New Brunswick Community Food Alliance Community Engagement Group, Chair of the Puerto Rican Action Board of Directors, a member of Partnership for Healthy Kids of New Brunswick, a member of the Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen Advisory Board and Elder and past vice-chair of Consistory at the Suydam Street Reformed Church.  Ms. Merced has received numerous awards for her contributions towards improving the quality of lives of our residents.