Health is among life’s great equalizers. Nearly everyone, including people of all income levels and insurance statuses, has faced serious health challenges or witnessed a loved one struggle. Yet access to health care is far from equal, and those who can help have a responsibility to ensure others can receive care.

So believes Tracy Blackwell, General Manager at Fingerpaint Group, a health care advertising agency in Cedar Knolls. In September, she became the newest member of the Zufall Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees—the volunteer team responsible for advancing Zufall Health’s mission and securing its financial future.

She first learned about the health center when a colleague shared how Zufall’s mobile medical and dental services were making a difference for the workers on her family’s farm. Blackwell and the Fingerpaint Group leadership team were inspired and knew they wanted to get involved. Like Blackwell, the company believes that no one’s life circumstances should stand in the way of receiving quality care.

The partnership began with Fingerpaint Group lending creative expertise. The agency has produced Zufall’s annual report for three years and, in 2024, engaged its interns to develop ideas to expand Zufall’s philanthropic reach. The Road for Good Health Tour for Zufall’s new Mobile Medical was one idea from the interns’ project.

In 2024, Fingerpaint Group presented the health center with a four-by-five-foot fingerpainting of the Zufalls, created by renowned speed fingerpainter Cody Sabol in just 10 minutes. Left to right: Tracy Blackwell; Fran Palm, Zufall Health President and CEO; Dawn Contillo, Fingerpaint Group SVP, Group Account Director; Jenny McKenna, Fingerpaint Group Chief of Staff.

Blackwell’s commitment later deepened with her visits to Zufall’s Dover and West Orange locations, where she recalls an instant magnetic draw: “While financial help is important, I wanted to get more involved,” she says. “My daughter is a doctor of nursing practice at a community health center in Massachusetts, so I understand the challenges faced by Zufall patients.”

“There’s no question the role Zufall plays in our community has never been more important,” Blackwell adds. “My hope is that we can inspire a groundswell of understanding and support. Together we can maintain our high level of service and expand it to reach everyone who needs help. There is so much good being done—I can’t wait to see how we can amplify our impact.”

A health care marketing executive with 30 years of experience, Blackwell lives in Morris County with her husband. She is also active with the county’s Family Promise chapter and its Court Appointed Special Advocate program.