For Immediate Release
August 5, 2024
Contact: Juliana Baumann, NJPCA Communications and Events Specialist
(609) 376-1004 (cell) or jbaumann@njpca.org
Newark Community Health Centers, NJPCA, and Partners Celebrate National Health Center Week at
State Kick-Off
Newark Community Health Centers, Inc., the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA), U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region II, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) Region II, New Jersey Department of Health, New Jersey Department of Human Services, and U.S.
Congressman Rob Menendez, among other elected officials, joined to celebrate the statewide National
Health Center Week (NHCW) kick-off today. NHCW (August 4th – 10th) is an annual celebration to raise
awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Federally Qualified Health Centers
(FQHCs).
“Through our unwavering dedication and comprehensive systems, we reach into every corner of Essex,
lifting families and strengthening our communities. We believe in the power of connection, the importance
of compassion, and the necessity of equity in healthcare. Together, we are building a future where every
individual has the opportunity to thrive, and every community can flourish. This is our promise, and this
is our impact. Together, we are powering connections and fostering healthier futures for all,” said Dr.
Pamela Clarke, PhD., President and CEO of Newark Community Health Centers.
Community Health Centers are committed to providing comprehensive primary and preventive care
services to medically underserved populations regardless of their ability to pay. Nearly 1400 health
centers deliver affordable and high-quality medical, dental, behavioral, and ancillary services to over 30
million patients nationwide.
“Since the very beginning, Community Health Centers in New Jersey have been empowering their
communities through compassionate and caring services,” said Selina Haq, PhD., NJPCA President and
CEO. “Their unwavering commitment to serve each and every member of the community, regardless of
the barriers, is the reason why our FQHCs are so critical in the State’s public health system. It is an honor
and privilege to be able take part in these festivities as we highlight and recognize our centers during this
week.”
New Jersey is home to 23 FQHCs and one FQHC Look-Alike across its 21 counties. New Jersey’s FQHCs
serve over 577,000 patients, with more than 2 million total patient visits provided annually. In addition to
the clinical services, FQHCs provide non-clinical services including case management, translation and
interpretation, transportation, health education, enrollment assistance, etc. Additionally, many FQHCs
are also specialized to serve special populations and strive to ensure that patients have access to
affordable food, housing, and other social services to improve overall health outcomes.
“During National Health Center Week, we celebrate the vital role that community health centers play in
advancing health equity and providing compassionate care to those in need. Our commitment to
accessible, high-quality care remains steadfast, and together, we continue to build healthier communities
and a brighter future for all,” said Dr. Kerri Powell, MD, NJPCA Board Chair and Neighborhood Health
Services Corporation CEO.
This week of celebration highlights the critical work of FQHCs as they support the health needs of the most
vulnerable populations in the State. This includes low-income individuals and families, agricultural
workers, school-aged children, veterans, those experiencing homelessness, residents of public housing,
and other medically underserved groups.
“Every family deserves access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, regardless of their background,” said
Congressman Rob Menendez. “Newark Community Health Centers and the countless Federally Qualified
Health Centers across the country serve such a vital role in ensuring that this access is guaranteed. In honor
of National Health Center Week, I’m proud to celebrate their life-saving work and join advocates and
leaders from across the region in recommitting ourselves to providing them with the resources they need.”
Congress traditionally takes a recess in August, when National Health Center Week is held, allowing elected
officials to return home to meet with their constituents. August is also Civic Health Month, making this an
ideal opportunity for health centers to host back-to-school immunizations and resource fairs within their
communities.
“This year’s NHCW theme is “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections,” which emphasizes
how FQHCs serve as a beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities through good times and
bad. Nothing empowers a community more than health and wellness; conversely, a community lacking
access to quality healthcare is at risk, especially for the most vulnerable. That is why HHS and HRSA are
fully committed and invested in our Community Health Center program,” said Dennis González, HHS,
Region II, Executive Officer.
The annual theme is designed to showcase the collective strength of Community Health Centers
nationwide, while encouraging each center to celebrate the unique qualities of their local communities.
“Health centers provide critical services to people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid/CHIP, and the
Marketplace. Their passion for providing high-quality primary care to these populations and others is truly
commendable. We celebrate National Health Center Week and applaud all the hard work done across the
state by such a dedicated workforce,” said Kathleen Otte, CMS, Region II, Regional Administrator.
Throughout this week of advocacy and celebration, Health Centers host a variety of community events, as
well as some themed focus days. NHCW focus days include patient, stakeholder, and staff appreciation
events as well as dedicated events for special populations.
“Many people would not have a ‘medical home’ if not for our FQHCs. All too often, people without primary
care access put off needed medical care or have to visit the ER for what should be available, routine care,”
said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston, M.D. “Our health centers serve as an important
pillar of our health system and a safety net for our most vulnerable residents. They are also a critical part
of helping to reduce health disparities across the state. Their role cannot be overstated.”
Across the state of New Jersey, there are over 50 events being held for National Health Center Week. Most
events are open to the public and include health fairs, free health screenings, vaccinations, food drives,
giveaways and raffles, free food and entertainment, and visits from Members of Congress along with other
state and local officials. There are a few New Jersey FQHCs hosting ribbon cuttings during NHCW,
celebrating the opening of brand-new sites, school-based locations, and added services to existing sites.
“Federally Qualified Health Centers are a core partner for Human Services in expanding access to health
care, connecting to social supports, and ensuring that all individuals and families who need services are
able to receive them with dignity,” said Sarah Adelman, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of
Human Services. “We are grateful for the hard-working FQHC staff members in New Jersey who provide
compassionate care in their communities and deliver vital enrollment help for our Cover All Kids initiative.
Human Services is grateful for the longstanding relationships with the state’s FQHCs and our shared goal
to serve the people of New Jersey.”
After the New Jersey kick-off press conference, Newark Community Health Centers (NCHC) hosted a
community health fair complete with giveaways, information and resources from health vendors, and a
variety of free health screenings. Hyacinth, Aetna, and Horizon had mobile health units on site, and NCHC
offered complimentary blood pressure and glucose screenings. Attendees had fun in the sun with a DJ
playing music and a performance from the Silver Steppers dance group of East Orange, all while fueling up
on sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs grilled on site.
About Newark Community Health Centers
Newark Community Health Centers (NCHC) was founded in 1986. NCHC is one of the largest providers of
comprehensive primary care services for uninsured and medically underserved populations in one of the
country’s most populated areas. As the population continued to increase in Newark and its surrounding
cities, so did the need for access to quality healthcare. To meet this need, NCHC expanded their centers
and services. Today, over 48,420 patients receive care annually across 7 centers in Newark, East Orange,
Irvington, and Orange that offer a full range of medical and dental services for children, adults, and seniors.
About the New Jersey Primary Care Association
The New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA) is an advocate for Community Health Centers as well as
a provider of comprehensive education, training, and technical assistance to Health Centers in New Jersey.
The 23 Federally Qualified Health Centers and one FQHC Look-alike in New Jersey and their 138 satellite
sites provide healthcare services to over 577,000 individuals annually. For more information about the
NJPCA, please visit njpca.org.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as Community Health Centers, are in every state
across the nation. FQHCs are authorized under Section 330(A) of the Public Health Services Act to provide
healthcare to the medically underserved. Many Community Health Centers and their sites are specially
designated to serve the needs of special populations, including homeless populations, public housing
residents, migrant and seasonal farm workers, veterans, and school-aged children. For more information
about the HRSA Health Center Program, please visit bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.
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For more information and photos, please contact Juliana Baumann.
