Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) was once a small community hospital that has grown significantly over the years. In 2010 SOMC became a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health Organization in Central New Jersey. Today, Southern Ocean Medical Center is a 176-bed center for medical excellence, featuring 230 physicians representing over 40 specialties, and over 1,200 skilled healthcare professionals. Located in Manahawkin, a part of Stafford Township and Ocean County SOMC sees an estimate of 40,000 patients a year. During the Winter, Spring and Fall months the population in 2010 was approximately: 2,603. In the Summer months due to location the population increases approximately 30% (United States Census, 2015) Southern Ocean Medical Center,
