Shore Medical Center

02/27/2026

Earlier this month, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine third-year medical student Dane Holtz delivered an outstanding presentation on heart health myths at the Ocean City Senior Center.

Using real statements he’s heard from patients in the office, Dane broke down some of the most common misconceptions about heart health in a way that was engaging, relatable, and easy to understand.

Dane is completing his core clinical rotations at Shore this year. We’re incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and care he put into creating such an informative and impactful presentation. Thank you, Dane, for helping our community stay heart-healthy! 💜

02/26/2026

🌟 Exciting news! Shore Medical Center is expanding our Sensory Friendly programs thanks to a generous grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation!

Launching April 2026, our Sensory Friendly Respiratory Program will help neurodiverse patients feel at ease during respiratory treatments — from quiet nebulizers and playful animal masks to calming bedside sensory carts and clear visual education tools. Specialized staff training ensures every patient receives compassionate, stress-free care.

Breathing easier starts with feeling at ease — and this grant makes it possible! 💜

The Eagles Autism Foundation is proud to contribute $10.8 million to fund 54 projects specializing in cutting edge autism research and care! With this commitment, EAF has invested over $50 million into the autism community since its inception. 💚

Learn more about the 54 awarded research and community grants here: https://bit.ly/4s94ogw

02/22/2026

As heavy, wet snow and blizzard conditions approach, Shore Medical Center urges you to prepare now — and protect your heart. ❤️❄️

Shoveling snow is one of the most strenuous activities many people do all year. Cold air + heavy snow + sudden exertion can significantly increase your risk of heart attack.

Prepare now to reduce strain later:
• Check your snow blower before the storm
• Set out lightweight shovels and ice melt
• Move cars to minimize shoveling, and clear obstacles in advance
• Mark driveway edges to avoid extra work

Shovel smart:
• Clear snow in small amounts throughout the storm
• Push snow instead of lifting when possible
• Take frequent breaks
• Dress in layers and stay hydrated

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, are over 40, or aren’t regularly active — ask for help instead, as you are at greater risk of a heart attack from shoveling.

Stop and call 911 if you feel:
Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.

A little preparation now can help protect your heart later. Stay safe and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

02/20/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Melody Pugliese, a preschool teacher at Slaybaugh Primary School in Egg Harbor Township and local titleholder in the Miss America Organization (Miss Seashore Line 2025), for donating a collection of books to our Pediatric Emergency Department.

As part of her Community Service Initiative, “No Mind Left Behind: Advocating for Equal and Accessible Education,” Melody organized a community book drive, collecting nearly 300 books to support children in our area. Shore Medical Center was the first stop in her book drive, and we were grateful to receive more than 50 books for our pediatric patients.

“No child, no mind, should be left behind,” Melody shared. “If I can provide books to help them keep learning or simply offer a distraction during a difficult time, that means everything.”

The donated books will help provide comfort for children during their visit to Shore’s Pediatric Emergency Department.

We appreciate Melody for thinking of our youngest patients and wish her continued success on her journey toward Miss New Jersey.

Pictured left to right is Jenell Lee, Clinical Supervisor, Sherri Richmond, Administrative Director of Emergency Dept., Pediatrics and Respiratory Therapy, Melody Pugliese, Aylin Torenli, RN, and Morenike Vega, RN.

02/20/2026

Today, on National Caregivers Day, we celebrate the incredible compassion, strength, and dedication of caregivers everywhere. 💜

From family members caring for loved ones at home to our amazing nurses, physicians, therapists, and support staff at Shore Medical Center, caregivers truly are the heart of healing in our community.

We are committed to supporting not only our patients but also the caregivers who stand by them. Our Center for Family Caregivers offers valuable resources, education, and guidance to help family caregivers navigate their journey with confidence and support.

Remember, if you are caring for a loved one, you don’t have to do it alone. Discover the support available to you here: https://ow.ly/xo2J50YiX61

02/18/2026

Please join us in celebrating Matt Weitz, our February Employee of the Month!

As an electrician at Shore, Matt keeps the hospital running safely and smoothly. He installs and repairs electrical, nurse call and fire alarm systems and handles electrical issues throughout the hospital and surrounding offices. His work is critical to ensuring Shore meets or exceeds all safety requirements and provides a secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff every single day.

This fall, Matt’s expertise was key during the installation of our new 3D mammography unit, CT scanner, and Emergency Department X-ray equipment. His skill and attention to detail helped these projects run safely and efficiently, bringing advanced imaging care to our community without a hitch.

“Matt routinely uses his skills as an electrician to assure the hospital meets or exceeds all electrical safety requirements,” says Bob Kirschner, Director of Plant Operations and Maintenance. “He is quick to respond to any emergency situation, assess the issue, and resolve the problem. Additionally, Matt has shown a willingness to take on larger projects to benefit the hospital. He's a tremendous asset to our team."

When he’s not powering the hospital, you’ll likely find Matt at the hockey rink cheering on his MVP - his son. 🏒

Thank you, Matt, for your expertise and dedication, and for helping make Shore a safe, reliable, and caring place for everyone who walks through our doors.

02/17/2026

🐬

On Saturday, Team Shore Medical Center once again hit the pavement for the annual Mike’s Seafood Run Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City, and this year our friendly ambassador Fin the Dolphin decided he was ready to put his unique bipedalism to work and joined Shore friends and thousands more in running the full 5K.

Although some spectators thought he might be a shark, or even a white whale, Fin appreciated all the cheers along the way that helped him stay focused on finishing the race to support local individuals with autism and their families.

Inspired and determined, he crossed the finish line in about 38 minutes. Not bad for a dolphin who is still getting his feet wet!

We are so proud of everyone on Team Shore who ran and walked in support of Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism. Past proceeds from this incredible event helped Shore establish a sensory-friendly outpatient testing program, and with their support we will continue to expand our sensory-friendly offerings to better serve families in our community.

Thank you to Mike and Jeannie Monichetti for hosting this meaningful event and for all they do for families each year. 💜

02/13/2026

💜 85 Years Together, and Still Going Strong! 💜

From the very beginning of our history, the Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center has stood beside Shore Medical Center, volunteering their time, talent, and heart to support our patients and community.

This past year, their dedication resulted in an incredible $183,900 donation to the hospital, which they presented to leadership on Jan. 22! 🎉

That number represents so much more than dollars. It reflects countless volunteer hours… early mornings at the thrift shops in Somers Point and Marmora… careful tending of the hospital gift shop… planning meetings… fundraising events… and decades of steady, faithful service.

To see how far they’ve come makes it even more meaningful. In their very first year of fundraising, the Auxiliary raised about $1,000 (see the newspaper clipping below!). Today, 85 years later, they continue to make a transformational impact on patient care, facility improvements, new technology, and expanded services across our hospital.

We are especially excited to share that the Auxiliary is launching a new satellite branch for junior members, ensuring this beautiful legacy of volunteerism continues for generations to come. 🌟

If you’ve ever wanted to play an active role in supporting Shore Medical Center, this is your moment. Join a group that truly makes a difference.

📞 To learn more or become a member, call 609-653-4646.

To every Auxiliary member — past, present, and future — thank you. We simply could not do this without you. 💜

02/11/2026

Have you ever seen a dolphin run? This Saturday, our ambassador Fin the Dolphin is going to make a valiant attempt while joining his Shore friends and thousands more for Mike’s Seafood Run Walk for Autism in Sea Isle! The race kicks off at noon, and Fin is thrilled to once again join in on the fun, all to raise funds to support programs and services that benefit local people with autism and their families, including here at Shore Medical Center.

We hope you'll join us! Please register today by 5pm and join the Shore Medical Center team. Learn more and click here to sign up: www.mikesseafoodrunwalkforautism.com

02/10/2026

Each year, we care for approximately 11,000 children in our Pediatric Care Center. We're always grateful for donations of sensory and relaxation toys like the ones shown here that help keep our young patients calm and comfortable during medical care. Those pictured are among the most loved items!

This Thursday, you can bring toys for our patients directly to Carolines By The Bay (just a few blocks away from Shore!) during a Happy Hour from 5–8 p.m., hosted by Bob Kelly - Kelly's Kidz with Kool 98.3. Pick up a toy at your favorite local retailer or online, choosing from these favorites, or any (non-messy) sensory toy or activity, and enjoy a fun night out supporting Shore!

Thank you to Bob Kelly and Kelly’s Kidz for making this special evening possible. We hope you’ll stop by to celebrate Shore Medical Center and help bring comfort to our youngest patients!

02/06/2026

This weekend is going to be frigid, but we have just the thing to help you look ahead to warmer days! 🌷

Shore is celebrating the first day of spring on Friday, March 20, with our popular Designer Handbag Bingo at the VFW in Somers Point. Get your tickets today and welcome the season in style with a fun night of games, designer handbags, and great company.

Best of all, your night out supports Shore Medical Center, our nonprofit community hospital, helping ensure compassionate, high-quality care is always available close to home. Cold weather won’t last forever, but a great night out is worth planning ahead 👜💜

Learn more and get your tickets today! https://www.shoremedicalcenter.org/events/designer-handbag-bingo-0

02/05/2026

Cancer changes everything—but you don’t have to face it alone or without tools to help you through it!

Shore is proud to once again offer the free six-week workshop, Cancer: Thriving & Surviving, which helps you build practical skills to move forward with confidence and strength.

Sessions are held on Tuesdays, 4:30-7pm, from Feb. 24 to March 31 at Shore Cancer Center. Whether you are currently in cancer treatment, living as a survivor, or caring for a loved one with cancer, and no matter where you received treatment, you belong here!

Past participants say:

💬 “This was better than a support group because we were taught the skills to use going forward.”
💬 “Every session felt of value. We truly need more programs like this.”
💬 “More people should take advantage of a program like this to gain techniques for dealing with cancer.”

If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this program offers real techniques, real connection, and real hope. 💜 Register today at 609-653-3923.