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 July 28, 2026)

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. 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. With current geo-political climates on an international platform, the risk of cyberattacks has increased. Cyberattacks have the potential to adversely impact public health, the welfare and safety of our residents, the economy, data integrity and privacy as well as national security. This growing threat demands urgent, proactive cybersecurity measures.

2. Severe Weather

As we move into the fall months, severe weather impacts to the state of New Jersey continue to grow and affect the capabilities for overall healthcare operations. Severe weather has the potential to adversely impact healthcare facility operations, along with risks to the public ranging from flooding to power outages. This growing hazard demands proactive and observant response measures – along with public education and engagement to plan and prepare.

3. Supply Chain

With the uncertainty of economic markets and the international political atmosphere, there’s an enhanced risk to global medical supply chain infrastructure and transportation. As gas prices across the country continue to rise, associated logistical costs increase as all industries including healthcare attempt to mitigate these challenges. Supply chain impacts have the potential to adversely impact public health and patient care through shortages of critical medications, equipment and supplies.

4. 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 a below-normal season, with a predicted range of 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-3 major hurricanes. So far this season, the only named hurricane activity has been in the Pacific region which has already had significant impact on that region. It’s important that New Jerseyans maintain vigilance, follow weather alerts and have a hurricane plan.

5. Power/Generator Failure

In the summer months, healthcare facilities across our state face the potential for interruptions to the power/generator infrastructure caused by excessive heat. 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.