Task Force: State Money For "Eds and Meds" Has Been Worth It
By Mike DeNardo
CAMDEN, Nj (CBS) -- Camden's hospitals and colleges say New Jersey's investment of state money over the last decade is paying off.
Under the 2002 state takeover, $48 million was set aside for so-called "Eds and Meds" in Camden. A task force of eight colleges and hospitals says that money has been leveraged into growth that has created a 4.5% boost in the employment of Camden residents, and 28% more patients served.
"It was a worthwhile investment," says task force chairman Lou Bezich. "It pays off not only in terms of education and health care, but quality of life and hope for the city."
Camden state senator Donald Norcross says the numbers demonstrate a return on the investment of lawmakers.
"They understand the given circumstances here, we have many challenges," says Norcross. "But we now have many solutions."
Bezich says you only have to look at Camden's skyline, with new structures from Cooper Medical School, Rutgers University and others for evidence.
