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Legislature Passes Coughlin & Mukherji Bill Naming Department of Health Building in Commissioner Judith Persichilli’s Honor

In recognition of New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Judith Persichilli’s service to the State of New Jersey, a bill sponsored by Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji would name a DOH building in her honor.

Judith Persichilli began her career as an intensive care nurse and later served in executive positions at several health care centers/organizations. She has been the recipient of several honors and awards related to her service.

Persichilli was appointed as Acting Commissioner of Health in August 2019 and confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate in January 2020. Shortly after her confirmation, the state was thrust into the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Persichilli helped lead New Jersey’s efforts to combat the spread of this deadly virus.

Honoring her service, the bill (A-5933/S-3984) would designate the Department of Health office building located at 55 North Willow Street in Trenton as the ‘Judith M. Persichilli Building.’

Upon the legislation passing the full Assembly and Senate Thursday, by a vote of 49-21-4 and 25-11 respectively, Assembly Sponsors Coughlin (D-Middlesex) and Mukherji (D-Hudson) issued the following joint statement:

“It is totally unsurprising that Judith Persichilli has become a household name in New Jersey as a result of her expert leadership, communication and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. For well over a year, Commissioner Persichilli has worked diligently to convey critical information to residents and steer complex public health initiatives in order to combat the spread of a deadly new virus. The efforts of the Commissioner and her team throughout this unprecedented crisis have saved countless lives and gotten 4.9 million New Jerseyans fully vaccinated.

“Long before her service to the State, she dedicated her life to healing as a nurse and as an urban hospital executive with an incredible record of accomplishments. It was fate that she had this job at this moment in history. Naming this building in her honor is a befitting way to recognize her bravery, dedication and leadership.”