The Greater Newark Health Care Coalition (GNHCC) began in 2008 as a vehicle for response to the closure of two Newark hospitals.  It provided a conduit for information between hospital CEOs and the New Jersey Commissioner of Health.  As the crisis abated, the participants determined that there was value in the continuation of an organization comprising high-level representatives of Newark area entities concerned with access to high-quality health care – and in particular, primary health care – in the greater Newark area.  Over time, the organization grew to include high-level representatives of hospitals, primary health care, educational institutions, advocacy organizations, behavioral health organizations, visiting nurse organizations, and others.  The New Jersey and Newark Health Departments are represented ex officio. Since its inception, GNHCC has undertaken diverse initiatives aimed at transforming healthcare and health outcomes for our region.