>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS FUNDED BY NJ INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

AND, HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS" WITH BRIAND UP NOSY.

>> I AM BRIAND OF THE NOSY.

PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS TODAY SAID THEY ARE ALREADY PREPARING TO PUT SHOTS IN THE ARMS OF ADOLESCENCE.

ANTICIPATING THAT THE CDC AND FDA WILL APPROVE PFIZER'S REQUEST FOR AN EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION ON KIDS 12-15 YEARS OLD.

THE NEW JERSEY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID THEY ARE FINALIZING GUIDANCE AS OF THIS MORNING, MORE THAN 3.6 MILLION RESIDENTS ARE NOW FULLY VACCINATED.

BUT THE STATE HAS ITS WORK CUT OUT.

AS DEMAND MOVES TOWARDS REOPENING.

THE STATE HAS BEEN SHIFTING OUTREACH STRATEGIES LIKE MOVING VACCINE SUPPLY TO FAMILIAR COMMUNITY LOCATIONS AND IT APPEARS THAT'S NOT ALL.

IT TURNS OUT THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS NOT ABOVE THROWING IN A FEW EXTRA INCENTIVES TO GET THAT SHOT IN YOUR ARM AFTER ALL.

BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> Reporter: DAN HAS BEEN PULLING CRAFT BEERS FOR NEWLY VACCINATED JERSEY RESIDENTS AT HIS GASLIGHT BREWERY AND RESTAURANT.

IT'S ONE OF 38 BREWPUBS NOW PARTICIPATING IN NEW JERSEY'S SHOT AND A BEER PROGRAM.

BUT IT'S NOT SIX PACKING THEM IN HERE.

>> IT'S BEEN SLOW.

PROBABLY A FEW PEOPLE A DAY, TWO, THREE, FOUR PEOPLE A DAY.

IF YOU ARE HELPING, MAYBE.

>> Reporter: BUT BEER IS ONLY ONE ITEM ON THE COVID VACCINATION INCENTIVES ACROSS THE AREA THAT NOW INCLUDES A GROCERY GIFT CARDS, TICKETS TO MUSEUMS, METS AND YANKEES GAMES, PAID TIME OFF AND EVEN COMPANY BONUSES.

HOW FAR IS NEW JERSEY WILLING TO GO?

>> ARE WE WILLING TO JUST BASICALLY BRIBE PEOPLE TO GET VACCINATED?

EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE.

LITERALLY EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE.

>> WHAT A DIFFERENCE BILLIONS IN FEDERAL AID MAKE.

>> NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE THE MONEY, WE DON'T THINK THAT WE NEED TO.

>> Reporter: BUT NOW, JERZY HAS TO PUT 280,001ST DOSES PER WEEK THIS MONTH, 220,002ND DOSE IS WEEKLY THROUGH JUNE 2 HIT ITS HERD IMMUNITY GOAL.

HEALTH OFFICIALS ESTIMATE AND BUSINESSES ARE HITTING THEIR OWN WALL WITH TROUBLE HIRING.

>> THE WORKFORCE WILL BE MORE APT TO RETURN IF THEY HEAR THAT THEIR COLLEAGUES HAVE BEEN VACCINATED.

BUSINESSES ARE GOING TO DO ANYTHING THEY CAN TO GET THEIR WORKFORCE BACK TO WORK.

BUSINESSES PARTNERING WITH UBER OR LIFT.

>> I THINK ANYTHING THAT HELPS HELPS.

IT HELPS BRING MORE PEOPLE IN TO GET INOCULATED, THAT'S A GOOD THING.

>> Reporter: THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, NOW SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE OFFERING REAL MONEY, CASH ON THE BARREL IN EXCHANGE FOR VACCINATIONS.

STATE WORKERS IN MARYLAND GET $100 PER SHOT.

WEST VIRGINIA IS OFFERING $100 SAVINGS BOND.

THE UCLA SURVEY SHOWED 34% OF PEOPLE WILL BE MORE LIKELY TO GET VACCINATED FOR $100.

INTERESTINGLY, 15% WOULD BE LESS LIKELY TO TAKE THE SHOT IF YOU GAVE THEM $100 PICKETT MAKES SKEPTICS EVEN MORE DISTRUSTFUL.

>> THEY FEEL AS IF THIS WAS SO BENEFICIAL, WHY WOULD YOU NEED TO PAY PEOPLE TO DO THIS?

THESE VACCINES COME WITH MULTIPLE SHOTS.

AND THEN, WE MAY NEED BOOSTERS AS WELL.

SO DOES THAT MEAN THEY NEED TO BE PAID FOR EACH SHOT INDIVIDUALLY?

>> IT'S NOT LIKE WE HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT IT.

>> Reporter: BUT POINTING TO THE CITY'S MOBILE OUTREACH BAN.

HE IS NOT WILLING TO TRADE CASH FOR JOBS.

>> WE ARE NOT OFFERING ANY MONEY UP HERE OR A SHOT OR A HAMBURGER OR WHATEVER.

AND ONCE YOU PAY A BRIBE, YOU OFTEN HAVE TO KEEP PAYING.

I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS".

>>> PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS ARE CONCERNED THAT GETTING A SHOT MAY NOT BE NECESSARY NOW THAT THERE ARE 400,000 NEW POSITIVE TESTS.

HOSPITALIZATIONS HAVE ALSO FALLEN TO THEIR LOWEST POINT IN MORE THAN SIX MONTHS.

IT'S A POSITIVE SIGN AFTER A GRUELING YEAR.

ONE SENT IN ISOLATION.

AS THE STATE MARCHES TOWARD REOPENING, NOT EVERYONE IS EAGER TO JUMP BACK INTO PRE- PANDEMIC LIFE.

>> SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WAITING MORE THAN A YEAR FOR THIS MOMENT.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SOCIALIZE AGAIN NOW THE RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTING.

BUT FOR OTHERS, THE IDEA OF REENTERING SOCIETY IS CAUSING EXTREME ANXIETY.

>> I THINK MOST PEOPLE HAVE A SENSE OF WHAT SOCIAL ANXIETY IS LIKE.

IT'S JUST PEOPLE WHO SEEK TREATMENT FOR IT USUALLY EXPERIENCE IT TO A HIGHER DEGREE.

BUT IT'S USUALLY FEAR OF JUDGMENT, FEAR OF EMBARRASSING THEMSELVES.

FEAR OF NOT BEING RECEIVED THE WAY THEY WANT TO BE RECEIVED.

>> AND SO NOW, THEY ARE FACED WITH GOING BACK INTO THE WORLD SO THOSE AVOIDANT BEHAVIORS.

ONE FOR ADULTS AND ONE FOR TEENAGERS.

IT ALLOWS SOMEONE TO CONFRONT THEIR FEAR HEAD ON.

INSTEAD OF AVOIDING IT.

>> SO FAIR FREEDOM, PRACTICING PUBLIC SPEAKING.

SO LET'S HAVE YOU STUTTER IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE.

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE SOMEBODY -- RIGHT NOW.

>> HE HAS SEEN AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF PEOPLE SEEKING HELP.

HE SAYS HE USED TO SPEND TWO MONTHS OR SO PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC.

NOW COMMITS MORE THAN DOUBLE.

>> WHERE YOU GOING TO SIT AT LUNCH?

OR ARE YOU GOING TO TALK TO IN THE HALLWAY.

ARE YOU GOING TO WAIT AND THEN PASS THIS PERSON.

ALL OF THIS HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF THEIR PLATE FOR A WHILE.

THEY ARE FEELING A LOT OF ANXIETY ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL FULL-TIME IN PERSON AND HAVING TO FACE THOSE THINGS AGAIN.

>> Reporter: IN AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SURVEY FROM FEBRUARY POLLED 3000 ADULTS AGED 18 AND OLDER.

HE FOUND NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS, 49% SAID THEY FEEL UNEASY ABOUT ADJUSTING TO IN PERSON INTERACTION ONCE THE PANDEMIC ENDS.

ADULTS WHO RECEIVED THE VACCINE WERE JUST AS LIKELY AS THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE VACCINE TO SAY THIS.

>> A LOT OF THE ANXIETY THAT WE'VE ALL BEEN EXPERIENCING IS THE LACK OF COHERENT, CONSISTENT AND CLEAR ACTIONABLE INFORMATION.

>> Reporter: PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY.

>> I DON'T THINK IT'S JUST ABOUT WHAT THE INDIVIDUAL CAN DO.

IT'S ABOUT WHAT INSTITUTIONS DO FOR THE INDIVIDUAL.

I WANT TO BE REASSURED THAT I'M GOING TO BE SAFE.

SO REASSURE ME.

DON'T JUST DO IT VAGUELY.

BE VERY SPECIFIC.

TELL ME THE PRECAUTIONS YOU'VE TAKEN.

WHAT ARE THE BUSES GOING TO BE LIKE?

ARE WE GOING TO BE HAVING KIDS SITTING NEXT TO EACH OTHER?

NOT NEXT TO EACH OTHER?

ARE THE WINDOWS GOING TO BE OPEN TO GET AIR VENTILATION IN WHICH CASE I NEED TO GIVE MY KID AN EXTRA SWEATER OR SOMETHING?

NO.

ON MOST EVERYTHING IS MANAGEABLE WHEN YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON.

WE FIND THAT THE THINGS THAT YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE, WHETHER THAT'S FRIENDSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS, YOU FIND THE SOCIAL ANXIETY IS REALLY GETTING IN THE WAY.

YOU FIND THAT YOU ARE SAYING NO TO THINGS THAT YOU WOULD REALLY IN YOUR HEART LIKE TO SAY YES TO.

AND THAT'S A GOOD SIGN THAT MAYBE IT WOULD BE WORTH SEEKING OUT TREATMENT.

>>> THE PANDEMIC ALSO SPURRED SOCIAL MOVEMENTS INTO ACTION.

AFTER DECADES OF TALK, NEW WORK IS LAUNCHING A PROGRAM TO GAIN SUPPORT LAST SUMMER DURING PROTESTS OVER RACIAL EQUITY.

A GUARANTEED INCOME PILOT PROGRAM, GIVING MONTHLY CASH PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE CITY RESIDENTS, NO STRINGS ATTACHED.

NO WORK REQUIREMENTS.

IT'S BEING FUNDED WITH MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN PRIVATE DONATIONS LED BY NEW WORKS VICTORIA FOUNDATION.

THE PILOT PROGRAM WILL START WITH 30 RANDOMLY SELECTED INDIVIDUALS AND GRADUALLY INCREASE UP TO 400 RESIDENTS OVER TWO YEARS.

PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE $6000 PER YEAR DURING THAT TIME.

HALF WILL GET PAYMENTS ON A BIWEEKLY BASIS.

THE OTHER HALF WILL GET THE PAYMENTS TWICE YEARLY AND CITY LEADERS SAY THEY PLAN TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF THE FREQUENCY OF THOSE PAYMENTS AND ADDING OTHER LAYERS OF ECONOMIC HEALTH TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL SECURITY.

THE CONCEPT FIRST CAME ABOUT DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN THE 60s WHEN DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

TALKED ABOUT IT AS A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO POVERTY.

ISSUES OF EQUITY ARE TOP OF MIND AS WE GET CLOSER TO ELECTION DAY.

ALL 120 LEGISLATIVE SEATS ARE ON THE BALLOT.

IN UNION COUNTY, THE 20th DISTRICT IS AMONG THOSE TO WATCH.

DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLYMAN JANEL HOLLY IS COMPETING WITHOUT HIS PARTIES BACKING TO TAKE THE SEAT OF INCUMBENT JOE CRYAN.

DESPITE RUNNING ON THE SAME TICKET, THE TWO HAVE NEVER BEEN CONSIDERED ALLIES.

AND HOLLY'S STAUNCH ANTI- VACCINE POSITION HAS BECOME A FLASHPOINT.

IT'S INTENSE AND ABOUT TO GET TIGHTER.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUISE REPORTS.

>> HE WON'T DEBATE ME, YOU WON'T COME ON ANY TV SHOW.

BECAUSE HE HAS NO RECORD AND NOTHING TO STAND ON.

>> Reporter: JOE HAWLEY WANTS A PIECE OF JOE CRYAN.

LIKE A BOXER WELL AHEAD ON POINTS, CRYAN REFUSES TO GO TOE TO TOE WITH HOLLY.

>> WE WERE OUT WORKING.

IF WE CAN, WE WILL.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HE ESPOUSES I'M NOT SURE DESERVE A PLATFORM.

>> EVERYONE HERE WITH LOVE AND APPRECIATION FOR ASSEMBLING NOW.

>> Reporter: OUTSIDE THE STATEHOUSE, EXPRESSING HIS SUPPORT FOR THE ANTI-VACCINE MOVEMENT OF 2020.

INTRODUCED BY STEPHANIE HAZELTON.

A PRO TRUMPET ACTIVIST WHO IS SEEN HERE IMPLORING MEN TO STORM THE U.S. CAPITAL.

FOR WHICH SHE IS NOW FACING CHARGES.

>> A RALLY THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE CAPITAL IS HORRIBLE.

IT'S UNCONSCIONABLE.

THESE FOLKS SHOULD HAVE NEVER STORMED THE CAPITAL.

I STOOD UP AND SPOKE OUT AGAINST THAT.

THIS LADY SIMPLY INTRODUCED ME BECAUSE SHE KNEW ME BECAUSE OF MY ROLE IN THE LEGISLATURE.

WHAT SHE DID OUTSIDE OF THAT, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT.

>> IT REALLY CLOSES SOME OF THE DOORS THAT SHE WOULD NEED TO HAVE OPEN TO YOU AS A CHALLENGER TO THE COUNTY ORGANIZATION.

IT'S AN UPHILL CLIMB AS IT IS TO RUN AGAINST -- THE ORGANIZATION, THE PARTY.

>> IT'S NOT POSSIBLE, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE BROAD SUPPORT.

ISSUES ON YOUR SIDE, MONEY, ETC.

THERE'S A REASON FEW PEOPLE WIN WITHOUT THE PARTY BUYING.

>> Reporter: THE FACT THAT HE HAS CLOSED MINDS AND TAKEN THIS EXTREME POSITION FOR HIMSELF, PUT HIMSELF IN THIS CORNER, I THINK THAT MAKES HIM UN- POWERFUL TO THAT MUCH MORE OF THE PRIMARY ELECTORATE.

>> A YOUNG BLACK FORMER MAYOR OF ROSELLE HOLLYWOOD HAD TO SEEM TO HAVE THE RIGHT PROFILE FOR THE DIVERSE 20th DISTRICT WHICH INCLUDES ROSELLE, HILLSIDE AND UNION.

CRYAN, THE FORMER STATE PARTY CHAIR, ASSEMBLYMAN AND CURRENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY HAS FACED CRITICISM FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS ON THE PUBLIC PAYROLL.

>> THERE IS A CASE TO BE MADE.

THERE IS AN ELECTION TO BE RUN HERE.

BUT HE IS JUST NOT DOING IT.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THAT HE'S A DO-NOTHING SENATOR WHO HAS BEEN ABSENT FROM THE DISTRICT.

HE HAS RECEIVED OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE U.S. SENATE ARE SENT TO MAYORS OF THE TOWNS IN THE DISTRICT.

HE SAYS HOLLY HAS DAMAGED HIMSELF.

>> FRANKLY, IT'S BEEN OUTSIDE OF THE MAINSTREAM.

I THINK IN A GOVERNMENT, I THINK YOU NEED TO BE A LEADER IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE SAFE.

AND I THINK THAT'S WHY THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE HERE.

>> Reporter: A LEADING VOICE IN SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN THE CANNABIS LEGALIZATION EVER.

IT'S BEEN HIS MISFORTUNE THAT THE ADVOCACY HAD THAT HAS REACHED THE WIDEST AUDIENCE LIKELY HEARD HIM AS THE VOTERS HE NEEDS THE MOST.

>> IT WAS THIS TIME LAST YEAR THAT LEGAL WEED WAS THE BIG ITEM ON THE BALLOT.

NOW, THERE ARE SIGNS THAT RECREATIONAL INDUSTRY IS GETTING READY TO TAKE OFF.

A CANNABIS COMPANY CALLED THE APOTHECARY OF OPENNESS FLAGSHIP DISPENSARY OPENED FRIDAY IN MAPLEWOOD WITH HOPES TO SERVE THE ADULT MARKET ONCE LEGAL WEED SALES BEGIN.

IT'S THE COMPANY'S LARGEST EAST COAST STORE.

MAKES IT THE 17th MARIJUANA DISPENSARY.

RETICLE DISTRIBUTORS ARE MOST LIKELY TO GET THE FIRST SHOT AT SELLING TO THOSE 21 AND OLDER.

BUT WE WILL FIRST HAVE TO SHOW THEY HAVE ENOUGH SUPPLY FOR PATIENTS.

MORE THAN 100,000 ACROSS THE STATE.

THE CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION IS STILL DEVELOPING RULES AND REGULATIONS AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.

TOWNS WILL HAVE UNTIL MID AUGUST TO DECIDE IF THEY WANT TO PASS AN ORDINANCE BLOCKING THE INDUSTRY FROM SELLING WITHIN TOWNLINE'S.

>>> ONE OF THE LARGEST FUEL PIPELINES REMAINS SHOT THIS FRIDAY WITH NO INDICATION HOW LONG IT COULD BE DOWN.

ON THE OPERATOR OF COLONIAL PIPELINE, WHICH IS A MAJOR ARTERY TRANSPORTING FUEL ACROSS THE EAST COAST SAID IT FELL VICTIM TO A RANSOMWARE ATTACK AND TOOK THE SYSTEMS OFF-LINE TO CONTAIN THE THREAT AS A PROACTIVE STAND.

ACCORDING TO NATIONAL MEDIA OUTLETS, A CRIMINAL GROUP MAY BE RESPONSIBLE.

COLONIAL PIPELINE CARRIES MORE THAN 100 MILLION GALLONS OF GASOLINE AND OTHER FUEL DAILY FROM TEXAS TO LINDEN, NEW JERSEY.

SUPPLY NEARLY HALF OF ALL FUEL USED ON THE EAST COAST.

THE ATTACK IS PUTTING A SPOTLIGHT ON JUST HOW VULNERABLE VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS TO CYBER ATTACKS.

INDUSTRY EXPERTS SAY THERE'S NO IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON GAS PRICES, BUT IT COULD LEAD TO A SURGE AT THE PUMP IF THE PIPELINE REMAINS SHOT FOR MORE THAN 10 DAYS.

>>> MORE DETAILS ON HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES COMING UP NEXT.

>> THE STATE IS GOING TO ALLOCATE MORE FUNDS TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY GRANTS TO BUSINESSES.

ANOTHER $235 MILLION IN AID WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS.

ABOUT HALF OF THAT MONEY WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR MICRO BUSINESSES.

FOR FEWER FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.

IN THE MEANTIME, HELP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS AND OTHER RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN INELIGIBLE FOR THE FEDERAL AND STATE AID PROGRAMS, THINGS LIKE THE STIMULUS CHECKS.

EXCLUDING NEW JERSEYANS FUND.

THESE RESIDENTS CAN RECEIVE A ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF UP TO $2000 PER HOUSEHOLD.

FOR INCOMES UP TO $55,000.

THE STATE IS SETTING ASIDE $40 MILLION FOR THAT PROGRAM.

>>> NEW NUMBER SHOW THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON NEW JERSEY'S TOURISM INDUSTRY.

LAST YEAR, TAURUS VISITING NEW JERSEY SPENT OVER $29 MILLION.

BUT THAT REPRESENTS A DROP OF 37% COMPARED TO THE YEAR BEFORE.

86.4 BILLION PEOPLE VISITED NEW JERSEY LAST YEAR.

BUT THAT'S A DECLINE OF 27% OF A RECORD 160 MILLION VISITORS IN 2019.

NOW THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE VACCINATED AND BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTING, STATE OFFICIALS ARE OPTIMISTIC FOR THIS SEASON'S NUMBERS.

>>> OF NEW YORK MOVES FORWARD WITH A PROPOSED INJECTION PRICING PLAN THAT WOULD HIT NEW JERSEY COMMUTERS, LAWMAKERS HERE ARE AVOWING PAY BACK.

STATE SENATOR JOE LICATA OUTLINED WHAT THEY HAVE IN MIND AS A NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY.

>> THIS CONJUNCTURE CANNOT GO UNCHALLENGED.

AND IF NEEDED, WE WOULD IMPLEMENT A TAX-FREE STRUCTURE FOR DRIVERS ENTERING INTO NEW JERSEY, WHICH WILL BE SET ASIDE IN A FUND THAT WILL USE TO CREATE REBATES IN NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: LAWMAKERS SAY NEW JERSEY COMMUTERS PAY ENOUGH TO GET INTO NEW YORK.

NOW, HERE'S A LOOK AT TODAY'S STOCK TRADING ACTION.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> IS MOST OF THE STATE BEGINS RECLAIMING SOME PIECES OF NORMALCY, ONE INDUSTRY WILL LIKELY NEVER BE THE SAME.

OUR NURSING HOMES, RAVAGED BY HIS COVID-19 NOW FACED WITH THE LASTING IMPACT, LIMITED FUNDS, RISING COSTS AND MORE HISTORIC PROFIT NURSING HOMES SAY THEY WON'T SURVIVE AND THOSE IN THE SECTOR EXPECT THAT THIS IS JUST THE START OF MORE CLOSINGS.

HEALTHCARE REPORTER -- IS HERE WITH US NOW TO EXPLAIN WHAT THIS COULD MEAN.

>> LILO, THIS SEEMS LIKE A TROUBLING TREND.

WHAT DID YOU FIND IN YOUR RECORDING?

>> WE HEARD ABOUT THESE TWO FACILITIES AND I HAVE TO SAY, WHEN I JUST HEARD THE STORY OF THE ARMENIAN CARE FACILITY, THINGS WERE CATERED TO A CERTAIN DEMOGRAPHIC WHERE PEOPLE SPOKE THE LANGUAGE.

IT'S KIND OF HEARTBREAKING, RIGHT?

TO THINK THAT IT WOULD CLOSE AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS?

THESE ARE NOT THE ONLY TWO.

IT TURNS OUT ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THERE IS A FACILITY IN LAKEWOOD THAT I THINK IS IN THE PROCESS OF CLOSING.

THERE'S ONE IN JACKSON THAT CLOSED IN MARCH.

AND THERE'S ANOTHER ONE IN ROCHELLE PARK THAT'S GONE THROUGH A MERGER THAT HAS CHANGED THE SITUATION FOR RESIDENTS.

SO AS ONE OF MY, AS THE STATE, LORI BREWER SAID, THERE'S A LOT OF CHURN IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.

SO THAT'S A LITTLE SCARY AND CERTAINLY IT SOUNDS LIKE SCARY FOR THE RESIDENTS.

SCARY FOR THE FAMILY MEMBERS, LIKE THE WOMAN THAT I TALKED TO.

AND YOU KNOW, WHEN I TALKED TO THESE OPERATORS, THEY POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS JUST A REALLY HARD INDUSTRY TO MAKE WORK ECONOMICALLY.

IN ARE WE FINDING THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT PUTTING THEIR LOVED ONES IN LONG-TERM FACILITIES NOW?

>> THE SENSE IS THAT IT'S DROPPING.

ONE OF THE REASONS THAT IT'S NOT REBOUNDING IS BECAUSE OF EXACTLY THAT.

PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT PUTTING A FAMILY MEMBER IN A NURSING HOME AFTER WHAT THEY HAVE SEEN.

YOU'VE GOT A THING, STAFF VACCINATIONS HAVE BEEN A CHALLENGE AS THE GOVERNOR SAID.

BUT THE HOME RESIDENTS ARE PROBABLY THE MOST VACCINATED POPULATION ON EARTH.

SO IN SOME WAYS, IT'S A VERY SAFE PLACE TO BE.

BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S A PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE WHEN THEY ARE GROWING OLD.

AND AARP AND A LOT OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS ARE SAYING, THIS IS REALLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT HOW WE AGE.

REALLY RETHINK HOW WE WANT TO DO THAT.

SO THE STATE IS STARTING TO LOOK AT CHANGES AND WAYS THAT PEOPLE COULD BE SUPPORTED IN THEIR HOMES LONGER.

SO THERE MAY BE A NEED FOR NURSING HOMES THAT ARE NOT AS LARGE AS THEY ARE NOW.

THEREFORE, THESE CLOSURES STILL END UP BEING AS TRAUMATIC AS THEY MAY SEEM AT FIRST.

>> A MAKESHIFT.

SOMETHING WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT QUITE A BIT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO HELP STRUGGLING FAMILIES, YOU COULD START WITH DONATING DIAPERS.

IT'S LIKELY NOT THE FIRST ITEM THAT COMES TO MIND, BUT IT IS AMONG THOSE MOST IN NEED.

NO FEDERAL OR STATE CHILD SAFETY NET PROGRAMS COVER THE COST FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS.

EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, ONE IN THREE MOMS NATIONWIDE COULD NOT AFFORD THIS BASICS NECESSITY.

>>> THIS WEEKEND, DO-GOODERS WRAPPED UP A MASSIVE EFFORT TO SET A WORLD RECORD, COLLECTING DIAPERS AND WIPES.

HOW CLOSE DID THEY GET?

>> I WOULD BE ON THE STREET HOMELESS IS WHERE I WOULD BE.

AND WHERE IT WAS BEFORE I CAME HERE ACTUALLY.

>> Reporter: FOR DENISE, NOT HAVING TO PAY FOR DIAPERS MEANS -- >> NOW I AM ABLE TO SPEND IT ON THINGS LIKE MY HOUSING AND FOOD AND MY SON.

WHO NEEDS A LOT.

LIKE CLOSE, YOU KNOW.

>> EVERY PARENT LOVES THE MOMENT WHEN THEIR BABY IS CLEAN AND HAPPY.

IN A NICE NEW DIVER.

HOWEVER, KEEPING YOUR CHILD DRY AND CLEAN COSTS CONSERVATIVELY ABOUT $80 A WEEK.

ONE IN THREE PARENTS IN THE UNITED STATES HAS STRUGGLED TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

>> Reporter: CONNIE MERCER EXPLAINED TODAY HOW DIAPERS ARE ACTUALLY A DETERRENT AGAINST HOMELESSNESS.

>> A CHILD STAYING IN A SOILED DIAPER CAUSES A LOT MORE THAN TEARS.

IT CAN LEAD TO PAINFUL DIAPER RASH, ALSO THE CHILD BECOMING INELIGIBLE FOR DAY CARE.

YOU KNOW WHAT ALL DAY CARES YOU MUST BRING A REQUIRED NUMBER OF DIAPERS EACH WEEK.

>> Reporter: FOR THOSE PARENTS WHO CAN'T, CAN BE THE CHOICE BETWEEN WORKING OR NOT AND WITHOUT INCOME, MANY CAN'T PUT A ROOF OVER THEIR FAMILIES HEADS.

>> BEHIND THESE GARAGE DOORS ARE A WHOLE LOT OF DIAPERS.

ROLL OVER 1 MILLION DIAPERS COLLECTED BY HOMEFRONT AND A RECORD-SETTING DRIVE.

NOW COMES THE HERCULEAN TASK OF DELIVERING THESE DIAPERS TO THE FAMILIES WHO NEED THEM.

THEY WILL BE PACKAGED WITH 50 DIAPERS AND ONE PACK OF WIPES PER BUNDLE.

FAMILIES CAN PICK THEM UP UNPACKED PER CHILD EVERY 30 DAYS.

>> DIAPERS, CLOTHES, IF I NEED ANYTHING, IF THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED, >> Reporter: BLACK MOTHERS ARE SEVERAL TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE DURING CHILDBIRTH.

AND THEIR BABIES ARE THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE BEFORE THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY.

>> I NACVELY BELIEVED THAT ACCESS TO PRENATAL CARE WAS THE SINGULAR SOLUTION.

BUT WHAT I HAVE LEARNED IS OUR MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS IS INCREDIBLY COMPLEX.

AT ITS HEART IS SYSTEMIC RACISM AND INEQUALITY.

>> Reporter: SHE NOTED ANOTHER PROGRAM FOR MY BABY AND ME THE OFFERS SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT AND NEW MOMS TRYING TO OVERCOME ADDICTION IS ANOTHER WAY TO CHANGE HEALTH OUTCOMES.

IT'S RUN BY CAPITAL HEALTH WITH THE HELP OF NONPROFITS LIKE HOMEFRONT, THE TRENTON HEALTH TEAM, AND CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TRENTON.

>> WE WILL NOT FIX THIS UNLESS WE HAVE WRAPAROUND SERVICES.

ACCESS TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION.

IT'S ALL OF THESE DETERRENTS OF HEALTH.

>> WENT FROM HOMELESS TO NOW A COLLEGE GRAD LAUNCHING A HEALTHCARE CAREER.

>> I CAN GET EMOTIONAL, BECAUSE THEY REALLY HELPED ME A LOT.

>> Reporter: FOR "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS", I'M JOANNA GAGIS.

>> THAT DOES IT FOR US.

HEAD OVER OR JUST FIND US ON SOCIAL TO CONTINUE FOLLOWING OUR REPORTING.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK FOR WATCHING.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RW J BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND THE OCEAN WING PROJECT, AND THE THE S E.G.

COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.