In 2002, a small group of primary care providers began meeting periodically over breakfast to network and discuss issues faced while practicing in Camden. Because there were few chances for neighborhood-based providers to meet, these gatherings were welcome opportunities to get together and talk about what would improve the quality of care in Camden. Over time, the meetings grew in number and drew a diverse group of participants that have included family physicians, internists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, school nurses, physician assistants, a midwife, and podiatrists from across the city and a variety of organizations.

It was quickly realized that the problems and issues encountered by one office was common to many or all. Most practices were too small and had few resources to seek strategic solutions to the problematic issues they faced. With the belief that providers could benefit greatly from a more organized structure, the group expanded in function and activity. Now called The Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, they formed a planning Board, drafted by-laws, scheduled an annual calendar, and planned specific discussion topics for each meeting with recruited speakers, from local specialists to health administrators at the county and state levels.

In 2006, the Coalition was awarded a planning grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiatives program to pursue initiatives and develop collaborative strategies to improve the delivery of and access to primary care in Camden.

Support for the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers is provided by:

•  Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiatives
•  Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare
•  Cooper Health System
•  Lourdes Health System
•  Merck Company Foundation
•  Virtua Health System