BRICK — A New Year celebration arrived right on schedule at Ocean University Medical Center, where a baby boy was born, marking one of the first births of 2026 in Ocean County.
Jordan Ford entered the world at 1:03 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 8.6 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches long. He is the son of Kristyn and Doug Ford of Toms River, who welcomed their newborn surrounded by the maternity care team in Brick.
Hospital officials said the birth reflects the ongoing commitment to maternal and newborn care across the network operated by Hackensack Meridian Health.
The birth comes as Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals again earned national recognition for maternity services. U.S. News & World Report named seven Hackensack Meridian facilities to its 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list, including Ocean University Medical Center.
The “high performing” designation represents the highest rating in the publication’s annual evaluation of maternity programs, recognizing hospitals for outcomes, patient experience and adherence to best practices.
Another Ocean County baby was born on New Year’s Day at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin.
