The Ocean County Health Department marked a major milestone on Friday, July 31, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Emergency Response Warehouse.

The new facility is designed to strengthen Ocean County’s ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies while ensuring critical supplies and resources are readily available when residents need them most. Officials said the warehouse represents a significant investment in the health and safety of the county’s communities.

Those attending the ceremony included New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer, vice chairman of the Ocean County Board of Health; Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifer Bacchione, liaison to the Board of Health; Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen; Board of Health Chairman John “Jack” Mallon; Dr. Theresa Kubiel; Sandra Gravatt-Drake; and other state and local officials.

Representatives of the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly also presented citations commemorating the opening and recognizing the importance of the project.

Health officials said the facility reflects Ocean County’s continued commitment to emergency preparedness, cooperation among government agencies and ensuring the county is equipped to meet future public health challenges.