Regional Health Care Coalitions

Through three regional Health Care Coalitions, hospitals, post-acute care and other healthcare providers collaborate with local emergency response agencies in coordinated planning efforts. These planning teams utilize an all-hazards approach that supports capabilities and capacities throughout the healthcare system. It’s built on flexibility and adaptability to address core areas that include: assessing potential risks; developing plans and procedures and testing them through exercises; educating healthcare teams; ensuring appropriate resources including staff, equipment and supplies; establishing coordinated communication and information systems; and the ultimate priority in the healthcare system – ensuring continuity of operations.

Current Emerging Threats (as of September 2, 2025)

NJHA tracks an array of threats with the potential to impact the healthcare system, its patients and communities across New Jersey, including the following emerging challenges.

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1. Hurricanes

The Atlantic hurricane season spans June through November, with September the peak period for dangerous storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts an above-normal season, with a predicted range of 13-18 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes and 2-5 major hurricanes. Hurricane Erin – even well off shore – already had significant impact on our state, with dangerous flooding, riptides and beach erosion. It’s important that New Jerseyans maintain vigilance, follow weather alerts and have a hurricane plan.

2. Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks are among the greatest threats facing our healthcare system and other sectors across New Jersey. NJHA seeks to protect critical healthcare infrastructure against the escalating cyber threats posed by persistent threat actors and state-sponsored cybercriminals. Cyberattacks have the potential to adversely impact public health, the welfare and safety of our residents, the economy and public interests of the state as well as national security. This growing threat demands urgent, proactive cybersecurity measures.

3. Wildfires

While New Jersey’s wildfire season officially peaks in early summer, the threat extends even into the fall. Dry vegetation, low relative humidity and high winds are primary risk factors fueling wildfires. The vast majority of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans. It’s important for New Jerseyans to know key preventive tactics including clearing vegetation around their homes; avoiding outdoor fires during dry, windy conditions; ensuring campfires and firepits are completely extinguished; and taking care not to discard cigarettes or smoking materials on the ground.

4. World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup will be a massive regional event beginning in summer 2026 when the FIFA World Cup final, plus additional early round matches, will be held at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. New Jersey and the region will be in the global spotlight – and that brings with it risks ranging from infectious diseases to terrorism. It demands coordination and communication across multiple sectors, and intense preparation is underway to ensure the health and safety of athletes, spectators and the general public.

5. Power/Generator Failure

With the fall and winter months approaching, severe weather including hurricanes, Nor’easters, ice storms and snowfall can increase the chance of power failures. During power outages, the greatest health and safety risks include food-borne illness associated with spoilage of refrigerated and frozen foods; carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe use of generators; and house fires from unsafe use of candles and alternate heating sources. Just as emergency preparedness teams plan for power failures, N.J. residents should also plan and prepare.