SOMERS POINT — Shore Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of its new Sensory Friendly Outpatient Lab Program on April 28, further advancing its commitment to inclusive, compassionate care for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. This innovative program offers a calming, supportive environment where patients can receive essential bloodwork and testing with minimal stress.
The new outpatient lab features a private treatment room equipped with dimmable lighting, soundproofing, a vibroacoustic relaxation lounger, a sensory projector, a white noise machine, a smart TV, weighted blankets, and a range of sensory-friendly toys and tools. Each patient experience begins with a dedicated sensory care conference in advance of the appointment to personalize the environment and care plan, ensuring a seamless, supportive visit from start to finish.
The grand opening celebration, held in Shore’s main lobby, brought together hospital leadership, community partners, and donors. Speakers included Shore President and CEO David Hughes, Director of Emergency Services Sherri Richmond, MSN, RN, Atlantic County Special Services School District Supervisor Jen Cruickshank, Ed.S., and Mike Monichetti, founder of Mike’s Seafood 5K Run/Walk for Autism, whose generous support helped make the lab possible.
“This program is absolutely amazing for our community,” Hughes said. “You think about how scary it can be to come into a hospital or ER, especially for someone with sensory sensitivities. Having this calm, supportive setting truly makes a difference. What Sherri has accomplished — with the incredible support of the Atlantic County Special Services School District and donors like Mike Monichetti — is inspiring. We all have an opportunity to make a difference, and today we celebrate that.”
The Sensory Friendly Outpatient Lab builds on the success of Shore’s Sensory Friendly Pediatric Emergency Care Program, which opened in April 2021. This summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation, Shore will expand sensory-friendly services to the adult side of its Emergency Department.
Reflecting on the strong partnership between Shore and the Atlantic County Special Services School District, Jen Cruickshank said, “Being involved in this program has been one of the highlights of my 20-year career in special education. Our mission is to prepare children and adults with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives beyond school — and that mission has beautifully intersected with Shore’s. Training Shore’s staff on sensory needs and proactive strategies has been a game-changer, leading to better experiences and outcomes for patients and caregivers alike.”
Monichetti also shared his personal journey as a parent and advocate.
“When my daughter was diagnosed 22 years ago, I didn’t even know what autism was,” Monichetti said. “I made it my mission to learn everything I could, and to create more support for families in our community. That’s how the Mike’s Seafood 5K Run/Walk for Autism began 17 years ago. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve raised over $1 million to support autism programs — and seeing Shore’s sensory friendly lab come to life is incredibly rewarding.”
After touring the new space, Monichetti added, “As a parent, Shore couldn’t have done a better job. Really, they’re on point with everything.”
The Sensory Friendly Outpatient Lab Program at Shore Medical Center is now open for appointments. To schedule, call 609-653-3737.
Shore Medical Center
Shore Medical Center is a 196-bed, independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit acute care community hospital located in Somers Point, NJ. For more than 80 years, Shore has been a trusted provider of high-quality compassionate healthcare for generations of families, friends, neighbors and visitors. Shore is a member of the Penn Cancer Network and has affiliations with Penn Medicine in cardiology, maternal-fetal medicine, neuroscience, and pulmonology. Shore also has partnerships with Onsite Neonatal Partners, Bayfront Emergency Physicians, Equum Medical for 24/7 critical services, Mayo Medical Laboratories, Advanced Radiology Solutions, and Advantage Sleep Centers. Shore is a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission, and is certified by the Joint Commission for disease-specific care for stroke, spine surgery as well as knee & hip replacement. Shore Medical Center also earned certification by the Joint Commission for Health Care Equity. Shore volunteers to participate in the Leapfrog Safety Grade program, an independent evaluation of hospital quality and safety measures nationwide. For more information, visit www.ShoreMedicalCenter.org.
– Photos courtesy of Dave Coskey/Special to the Sentinel