Haddonfield – During its Annual Achievement Awards Reception at Tavistock Country Club, the Southern New Jersey Development Council recognized and honored outstanding individuals, organizations, and companies in the public and private sectors for their leadership in economic development in the southern eight counties of New Jersey.

Awards were presented for Arts & Education; Economic Impact; Community Redevelopment; and Environmental Stewardship.

Deborah Heart and Lung Center and Cooper University Health Care were co-awardees for the Veterans’ Health Initiative Award for the establishment of HeroCare Connect, a first in the nation collaborative project which provides access to more than 75 specialty medical services to active duty/retired military, activated National Guardsmen, veterans, and family members at over 100 locations throughout South Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Deborah President and CEO Joseph Chirichella, and Cooper University Health Care Co-President and CEO Kevin O’Dowd, accepted the award on behalf of the HeroCare Connect program.