The Northeast Regional Urgent Care Association has announced a significant milestone for the urgent care community: May 20 has been officially designated as Urgent Care Appreciation Day in New Jersey.
The designation follows dedicated advocacy efforts led in part by Robert Hargraves, a NERUCA board member and Director of Urgent Care Operations at Atlantic Health. Hargraves played a key role in advancing state-level recognition for urgent care, building on a strategic framework developed by the Urgent Care Association (UCA) Advocacy Council. This framework provided guidance to delegates nationwide on securing official proclamations recognizing the impact of urgent care.
Using this blueprint, a formal request was submitted to the Governor's Office in New Jersey. The process required ongoing coordination with government affairs partners and consistent communication with the NERUCA Government Affairs Committee. Through sustained outreach, follow-ups, and engagement with state officials, the initiative successfully progressed through multiple stages of review.
The result is a formal statewide recognition that highlights the vital role urgent care centers play in the healthcare system. Urgent Care Appreciation Day not only celebrates the contributions of providers and staff but also reinforces urgent care's position as a critical access point for patients across the healthcare continuum.
Beyond its symbolic value, the designation carries broader strategic importance. State-level recognition supports ongoing federal advocacy efforts led by the UCA, including initiatives aimed at securing formal recognition from CMS and commercial payers. These efforts also address long-standing reimbursement challenges that affect access to care, operational sustainability, and continued innovation within the urgent care sector.
NERUCA leaders view this achievement as a meaningful step forward and a model for continued advocacy efforts across the Northeast.