Deborah Heart & Lung Center
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY HEART, LUNG AND VASCULAR CARE IN A COLLABORATIVE AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT, WHILE ENSURING ACCESS FOR ALL.
- Income
- $239.1 million
- Spending
- $242.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- -0.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 96%
- Employees
- 1,371
- Volunteers
- 54
- Highest pay
- $1.1 million, physician
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 38 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (health care, over $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 50% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (health care, over $100m).
Independent board
25 of 259 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (5)
- $217.8 million spent. Expenses incurred in providing the highest quality heart, lung and vascular care in a collaborative and welcoming environment, while ensuring access for all individuals in a non-discriminatory manner regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental handicap or ability to pay and in furtherance of charitable tax-exempt purposes. Please refer to the community benefit statement in schedule o.
- Our Commitment to Community Health Compassion is, and has always been, at the heart of Deborah's mission. Deborah Heart and Lung Center, supported by the fundraising of the Deborah Hospital Foundation, embraces the motto: "There is no price on life." For over 100 years, Deborah Heart and Lung Center has cared for New Jersey residents in need of comprehensive heart, lung and vascular care despite their financial status. Deborah believes that no one should have to make a medical decision based on his/her/their personal financial situation. Deborah is the only hospital in the nation that treats both adults and children and has never balance-billed a patient for care provided in the hospital, serving as a true safety net for cardiac, pulmonary and vascular services in New Jersey. Deborah is also active in the local community and service areas, providing specialty-focused community-based health and wellness programs. Our Mission To provide the highest quality heart, lung and vascular care in a collaborative and welcoming environment, while ensuring access for all. Our Vision To reimagine the delivery of advanced specialty care with a focus on healthy living for all communities. Our Core Values Deborah embraces a people-centered model of care through five (5) core values. These core values are reflective of Deborah's mission and vision in serving patients, staff and the community at-large: 1. Compassion - We cultivate a welcoming environment for our patients, their families, and our team that upholds our reputation of being "a special place." 2. Quality - We take pride in our collective skills, commitment to integrity, and dedication to providing exceptional, safe patient care. 3. Innovation - We are committed to leveraging best-in-class technology and continuously pursue better ways to serve our patients. 4. Teamwork: We collaborate and communicate across all levels of care to create successful outcomes and a lasting impact. 5. Respect: We welcome and include diverse perspectives to promote a culture of respect. Our Story The Deborah story is an extraordinary one. Deborah was first incorporated in 1922 as the Deborah Jewish Consumptive Relief Society to build a tuberculosis (TB) sanatorium. According to history, the therapeutic air of the Pine Barrens of rural Burlington County was key to patient recovery. Thousands of TB patients were medically treated and compassionately cared for by a heroic team of Deborah physicians and caregivers. When the development of antibiotic medications led to the eradication of TB, Deborah shifted its focus to other chest diseases, embracing the emerging specialty of cardiac disease prevention and treatment. The focus on cardiac diseases, combined with Deborah's established expertise in lung diseases, transformed Deborah into New Jersey's only cardiac and pulmonary specialty hospital, where New Jersey's first open-heart surgeries were performed in the 1950s. Today, Deborah offers leading-edge surgical techniques and non-surgical alternatives to diagnose and treat cardiac, pulmonary and vascular diseases in adults, and congenital and acquired heart defects in adults and children. Deborah is recognized as a leader in patient care, patient satisfaction, quality outcomes and innovative healing. New advances in cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular care are often available first at Deborah. Deborah's clinical research department - combined with our well-respected teaching program - helps to bring new treatments, technologies and innovations to the Center. This infusion of innovative ideas and professional talent shapes the medical landscape of the State, strengthening Deborah's reputation as an important medical provider. IRS Status Deborah is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Deborah operates within the following criteria outlined in IRS Revenue Ruling 69-545: 1. Deborah provides medically necessary healthcare services to all patients regardless of ability to pay, including Charity Care, self-pay, Medicare and Medicaid patients. 2. As a specialty hospital, Deborah is not eligible to operate an emergency room. To meet the community's need for emergency care, Deborah leases space in Deborah's main hospital building to a hospital system licensed to operate a satellite emergency department. In addition, as a regional referral center and specialty hospital, Deborah receives transfers from other hospitals' emergency departments, as well as admissions from our own outpatient clinics and direct admissions from referring physicians. 3. Deborah's Board of Trustees, comprised of independent civic leaders and other prominent members of the community, provide oversight of, and guidance to, Deborah's executive team. 4. Surplus funds are used to improve the quality of patient care, expand and renovate facilities and advance medical care programs and activities in the community. The use and control of Deborah is for the benefit of the public. No part of the income or net earnings of the organization inures to the benefit of any private individual, nor is any private interest being served other than incidentally. Charity Care Deborah provides medically necessary healthcare to patients who meet criteria under Deborah's Charity Care policy, as well as those who are uninsured, but do not meet Charity Care requirements. Deborah maintains records to identify and monitor the Charity Care and community service it provides. Consistent with its mission and values, Deborah does not bill patients who receive services in the hospital for amounts that remain unpaid (including copayments and deductibles) after Deborah bills federal, state and commercial insurance programs. Deborah also sponsors programs and provides other patient services that directly benefit the surrounding community. Such programs include services to vulnerable populations, community service programs and services for school-aged children, veterans, active-duty military and dependents, first responders, a
- - Carbon Health - Center for Family Services - Christian Caring Center - Cleveland Clinic Heart Vascular & Thoracic Institute - Alliance Member - Coalition of 100 Black Women - Cooper University Health Care - Deborah Cardiovascular Group, P.C., d/b/a Deborah Specialty Physicians - Defense Enhancement Coalition - DNV GL Healthcare - Garden State Bariatrics Center - Georgie's Pharmacy - Hope One of Burlington County - Humana Military - Ivy Rehab Network - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst - Knights of Columbus - Landmark Healthcare Facilities, LLC - The Leapfrog Group - Local 500 NJ State Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association - Maryville Addiction Treatment Center - New Jersey Chief of Police Association - New Jersey Department of Health - New Jersey Department of Human Services - New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - New Jersey Education Association - New Jersey Hospital Association - New Jersey Hospital Association Veteran Navigators - New Jersey State Firemen's Association - New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association - New Jersey State VFW - NFL Alumni Association - Ocean County Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates - Ocean County Health Department - Ocean Health Initiatives (a Federally-Qualified Health Center) - Ocean-Monmouth Health Alliance - Pemberton Community Library - Pemberton Township - Pemberton Township High School Medical Arts Academy - Pinelands Family Success Center - Rowan College at Burlington County - Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine - Samaritan - Sidney Kimmel College at Jefferson University Hospital - Society of Thoracic Surgeons - Southern New Jersey Development Council - Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative - St. Christopher's Hospital for Children - Stout's Transportation - The Eye Professionals - The Sisterhood - Temple University - Tobacco Free New Jersey - Veterans Administration - Virtua CEED (Cancer Education and Early Detection) Affiliated Partnerships for Expanded Healthcare Deborah focuses on regional collaboration with other healthcare systems and providers to remove barriers to access for care and to offer expanded services. Of particular note are: 1. HeroCare Connect, a specially-designed program for active-duty military, veterans, retirees and their dependents. Developed as a partnership with Cooper University Health Care, the program provides rapid point of access to medical services offered by both Deborah and Cooper. Working closely with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's staff at the 87th Medical Group, HeroCare Connect provides a vital link in specialty care for our military, including diagnostic testing, timely appointments with specialists, and medical clearances for rapid deployment. 2. Partnership in the support of a Medical Office Building on Deborah's hospital campus, owned and operated by Landmark Healthcare, LLC of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was designed to bring new medical providers into the community. Through this partnership, Pemberton Township residents (designated as a Federally Designated Medically Underserved Area MUA/MUP) have access to a variety of health care services including: urgent care; obstetric and gynecological services; physical therapy; a primary care practice, including pediatrics; a cardiac rehabilitation program; occupational therapy; pain management; eye care; pharmacy services; podiatry services; and a sleep center. 3. Deborah is an Alliance Member of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (CCHVTI), working to strengthen the processes underpinning the cardiovascular medicine and surgery performed at Deborah. The affiliation fosters sharing of best practices, enhancing opportunities to provide new treatments and therapies to patients, as well as exploring cutting-edge technologies and techniques in cardiac and vascular care to improve outcomes, safety, and quality for patient care. 4. Ivy Rehab, in partnership with Deborah Heart and Lung Center, jointly operates a full scope physical therapy practice on Deborah's campus. Located in a separate medical office building, Deborah Physical Therapy, provided by Ivy Rehabilitation offers our community convenient access to comprehensive physical therapy and physical assessments that members of our community previously had to travel outside of the region or forego. 5. Emergency services are offered at Deborah via a satellite emergency department operated by Capital Health System, Inc. Partnership with Capital Health was established in 2019 to ensure local residents in the Pine Barrens and military families at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst have access to critical emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residents in this area can rest assured knowing that modern, cutting-edge emergency care is close by with seamless access to the specialty services of Deborah, should additional treatment be necessary. Deborah Affiliations Deborah has relationships with various New Jersey statewide organizations. These relationships are endorsed by the executive leadership and/or governing body of each organization. - New Jersey State Fireman's Association - Veterans of Foreign Wars - Knights of Pythias - Knights of Columbus - NFL Alumni Association - New Jersey Education Association - New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association - New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Education As a teaching hospital, Deborah maintains robust cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure, and vascular surgery fellowship programs. This highly sought-after post-graduate training provides valuable experience to cardiologists and vascular specialists, drawing a diverse and talented group of students each year. Deborah's nursing program provides on-site rotational training for nurses entering the field, mentorships and internships for college students, and a new high school externship nursing assistant program. Deborah also hosts a year-round schedule of grand rounds presentations, CME seminars, sponsorin
- Cardiomems - An integrated team consisting of interventional, electrophysiology and heart failure physicians is able to offer the cardiomems implant. This device allows patients with advanced heart failure to return home with monitoring provided once a day through a brief computerized test with the results sent to Deborah so the team can monitor, in real-time, the patient's status and immediately address the patient's needs, avoiding an emergency re-hospitalization. Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) shared services - Deborah has partnered with a transplant hospital to support its LVAD program, designed to allow patients to receive left ventricular assist devices as either a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy for qualifying patients. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), also known as extracorporeal life support, is an extracorporeal technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to provide adequate gas exchange or perfusion to sustain life for long-term support. Impella device is the world's smallest heart pump which provides the heart with active support in critical situations. The most common indications for using the Impella device are the treatment of myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and to facilitate high risk coronary angioplasty. Other indications include the treatment of cardiomyopathy with acute decompensation, post-cardiotomy shock, and off-pump coronary bypass surgery. 3. Ambulatory Care Services Area Ambulatory care patients seen at Deborah receive quality care in the center's renovated ambulatory care service area. The ambulatory care exam area contains spacious, modern exam rooms, all with cardiac monitors and a triage room for urgent situations. Ancillary services at Deborah offer ambulatory patients the convenience of labs, radiology and other clinical services to ensure a comprehensive, all-inclusive visit. 4. Cardiothoracic Surgery Adult Congenital Heart Surgery - The cardiac surgery service at Deborah has performed hundreds of surgeries on adult patients with congenital heart anomalies. Aortic Surgery - All aspects of aortic surgery are performed at Deborah, including repair of aneurysms of the ascending, descending and abdominal aorta, correction of aortic dissection, replacement of the aortic root and replacement of the aortic arch. Beating Heart Bypass Surgery - Beating heart bypass surgery is performed while the heart is still beating. With "off-pump" technology, heart and lungs continue to function during the surgery, reducing the risk of stroke, lung and kidney dysfunction and memory loss. Coronary Artery Surgery - Coronary artery surgery is performed at Deborah using the latest techniques to perform either an arterial bypass or mixed arterial and reversed saphenous vein grafting as indicated. Deborah's cardiac surgery team uses advanced techniques of myocardial protection, surgical technique, extracorporeal perfusion, anesthetic management, blood conservation and perioperative care. Direct Coronary Artery Bypass - Cardiac surgeons perform minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery. This procedure allows coronary revascularization in select cases with a limited sternotomy incision and without the use of the heart-lung machine. Endoscopic Radial Artery/Saphenous Vein Harvesting - Deborah surgeons offer endoscopic radial artery and saphenous vein harvesting, a minimally invasive technique for removal to be used as a conduit in coronary artery bypass surgery. 5. Valve Repair or Replacement Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery - Surgeons at Deborah can repair or replace both the mitral and aortic valves by applying a minimally invasive technique. Instead of a sternotomy, a smaller incision is used to expose and access the heart. Mitra Clip - The Mitra Clip is a minimally invasive, catheter-based therapy performed by a multidisciplinary heart team using venous access and real-time imaging (echocardiography and fluoroscopy), thereby avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass. Deborah offers the latest and safest refined surgical techniques for cardiac valve reconstruction. Many valve conditions result in valvular dysfunction, manifested by stenosis, incompetence or both. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - Combining the skills of surgeons and cardiac interventional physicians in Deborah's state-of-the-art hybrid operating room, teams can replace aortic valves percutaneously for the highest-risk patients who are not candidates for open heart surgery Valve Replacement - Deborah has used cardiac valve substitutes since 1963, and utilizes various state-of-the-art cardiac valve prostheses, designed to suit every individual's need, disease process or patient's age. 6. Vascular Surgery Deborah's highly skilled vascular surgeons specialize in open vascular surgery for complex cases requiring full access to the treatment area. Surgical procedures at Deborah include: carotid endarterectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm resection and lower extremity revascularization. 7. Endovascular Surgery Endovascular Surgery is an innovative, less invasive procedure used to treat problems affecting the blood vessels, such as an aneurysm, which is a swelling or "ballooning" of the blood vessel. The surgery involves making a small incision near each hip to access the blood vessels resulting in shorter recovery periods, less pain and better overall outcomes. Aortic Stenting - Endovascular Stent Grafting, or Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), is a newer form of treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm that is less invasive than open surgery. Endovascular stent grafting uses an endovascular stent graft to reinforce the wall of the aorta and to help keep the damaged area from rupturing. 8. The Children's Heart Center at Deborah/Children of the World Program Outpatient Pediatric Cardiology - Deborah's board-certified pediatric cardiologists and advanced nurse practitioner (ANP)
- Stereotaxis Gentle Touch Magnetic System - Deborah's electrophysiology suite includes one of the region's first stereotaxis gentle touch magnetic systems, as well as new enhanced imaging equipment and a specifically-designed mapping system. The stereotaxis gentle touch magnetic system allows doctors the ability to view the inside of the heart, both anatomically and electrically. Tilt Tables - Tilt tables are used to help identify the cause of fainting spells. Watchman - Deborah is implanting the watchman left atrial appendage closure device, a proven alternative to long-term warfarin therapy for stroke risk reduction in patients with non-valvular AFIB. 10. Imaging Services Deborah provides a full complement of imaging services. The Deborah services include: Nuclear Medicine - Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, to examine organ function and structure. Nuclear Studies - A cardiac (heart) nuclear study is a test that uses a small dose of radioactive solution to track blood flow to the heart muscle, and to evaluate heart function. Nuclear Stress - A nuclear exercise stress test is like an exercise stress test, in that it also involves walking on a treadmill. For this test, however, a radioactive isotope is injected into the bloodstream. A gamma camera can detect radiation and create computer images of the heart at rest and after exercise. CT Scanner - A cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan uses special x-rays to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. Deborah has a state of the art 256-slice CT scanner that provides superior quality images and leads to better, more precise diagnoses. Echo - An echocardiogram (or echo) is a test of the heart using ultrasound waves and is used for diagnosing disease of the heart or its valves. Trans Esophageal Echocardiography (TEE) - A special type of echo that produces moving pictures of your heart by placing a transductor in the esophagus. The esophagus is so close to the heart, images from a TEE provides very clear images of the heart and its structures. Ultrasound - A vascular ultrasound is used to study the circulation in the blood vessels of the body. This can be used to look at veins and arteries in the neck, abdomen, arms and legs. Mobile PET/CT - A mobile PET/CT scanner rotates onsite at Deborah for patients who need this diagnostic test, commonly used to identify carcinoma. 11. Institute for Sleep Medicine Deborah offers patients accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for disorders such as sleep apnea, as well as less common disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep movement disorders and sleep deprivation syndromes. Sleep studies are conducted on-site. Home sleep studies are also offered, expanding access to this important diagnostic testing. 12. Interventional Cardiology Deborah's interventional cardiology department includes a team of specialty-trained interventionists using highly advanced technologies and devices to open blockages, offering minimally invasive techniques and an array of interventional treatment options give their patients optimal outcomes. Radial Artery Access - Cardiac catheterization through the radial artery in the wrist is less invasive, more comfortable, and safer and has fewer complications and a faster recovery than the traditional femoral method. Performing cardiac catheterization through the wrist using a long, thin tube (called a catheter) through an artery in the wrist to get to the heart is the most common method used at Deborah. Services include: - 3D Vascular Stents - Adult Congenital Procedures - Alternative Access (including popliteal pedal access for complex anatomy) - Angioplasty with Drug Eluting Stents - Cardiac Catheterization - CardioMems Implant for Heart Failure Monitoring - Carotid Procedures and Interventions - Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO): diagnostics and interventions - Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Intravascular Ultrasound and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) - Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device: WATCHMAN FLXT - Limb Salvage Procedures for Critical Limb Ischemia - Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip) - Paravalvular Leak Closure - Percutaneous Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (PEVAR) - Pulmonary Emboli - Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) - Transradial Catheterization and Interventions - Valvuloplasty - Varicose Veins Ablations - Venous Disease Structural Heart Disease Procedures - Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure - Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Closure - Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Closure 13. The Wound Care Center The James Klinghoffer Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Treatment provides advanced wound care technology and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to enhance wound healing through a multidisciplinary team approach. Services include: - Arterial and Venous Pumps - Bioengineered Skin Substitutes - Compression Wraps - Growth Factors - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) - Negative Pressure Wound Therapy - Ultrasonic Debridement - Wound Matrix and Collagen Dressings 14. Multi-disciplinary Oncology Clinic (MDOC) Deborah's multi-disciplinary oncology clinic offers outpatient consultations through the Pulmonary Medicine Department. The clinic specializes in the coordination of care for patients with lung nodules, tumors, and other thoracic findings. Under the leadership of the Chairman of Pulmonary Medicine, the clinic integrates expertise from multiple specialties, including radiology, surgery, and oncology, to provide comprehensive and collaborative patient care. 15. Pulmonary Medicine and Rehabilitation Services The department of pulmonary medicine provides high quality care for patients with all types of lung disease. Our goal is to provide personal care to every patient in a friendly, timely and accessible manner. Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Pulmonary rehabilitation is a
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1973.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.