Inspira Health has been awarded a $1 million grant from the State of New Jersey, marking a significant expansion of its Autism Diagnostic Centers (ADCs) in Woodbury and Bridgeton. The funding, secured through the efforts of Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Assemblyman William Moen, Assemblyman William Spearman and Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, will dramatically improve access to timely, high-quality autism evaluations and support services for families across South Jersey.
New Jersey currently faces a critical need for enhanced autism care, reporting some of the highest rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the country but some of the lowest rates of documented ASD testing, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Accelerating access and improving outcomes
“With this grant, we can accelerate access to care, improve outcomes, and remove barriers for families seeking an evaluation,” April Venable, senior vice president of Operations Strategy and Transformation at Inspira Health said. “Early intervention is paramount, and this expansion positions Inspira as a leader in autism care in the region.”
The grant funds will be strategically used to:
- Expand Testing Capacity by adding an additional testing area at both ADC locations.
- Enhance Sensory Spaces through soundproofing testing and treatment rooms, and creating dedicated group rooms and sensory spaces for self-regulation and social skill development.
- Invest in Staff Training with advanced training in evidence-based autism assessment and care.
- Acquire Essential Tools, including the gold-standard ADOS-2 assessment software and additional diagnostic kits.
Senator Cruz-Perez emphasized the importance of equitable healthcare access, stating, “Everyone in the state deserves equitable healthcare, and we are proud to be a part of the critical work that helps set families on the right track for proper diagnosis and assistance.”
Boosting patient capacity and reducing wait times
Since their opening in 2024, Inspira’s ADCs have completed over 400 evaluations. With referrals rapidly increasing from families, physicians, and schools, the grant is timely. Inspira now anticipates serving nearly 600 new patients annually, which will significantly reduce current wait times for appointments.
The impact of timely diagnosis is already evident for local families. Shannon Broglin, mother of 20-year-old Gracie Mae Broglin, praised the center, noting, “We came with a lot of concerns and uncertainty, but we left with answers, wonderful recommendations, and a great sense of empowerment… We have already implemented numerous care recommendations… and the impact is already noticeable.”
This expansion further strengthens Inspira’s commitment to autism care, which includes partnerships like the Blue Envelope program (supporting interactions with law enforcement) and the opening of Proud Moments at Inspira centers to ease the transition from diagnosis to treatment. Inspira’s Bridgeton ADC is also notable for featuring one of New Jersey’s first climbing walls designed specifically to support motor skill development.
