State Celebrates Community Health Centers

Touts vital role of federally qualified health centers
TRENTON — During his visit to the New Jersey Primary Care Association’s Big Bash Picnic in Mercer County Park, Governor Jon S. Corzine Monday, Aug. 10 recognized the valuable services that health centers and health professionals provide to New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents.
“We are celebrating National Health Center Week at a time when better, more efficient and affordable health care has moved to the forefront of the national debate,” Governor Corzine said. “In New Jersey, we are committed to the mission and expansion of community health centers, which is to provide preventive and primary health care for New Jersey’s uninsured and underserved population.”
Over the past four years, New Jersey has strongly supported Federally Qualified Health Centers, including Cape Community Health Center, 410 North Route 9, Court House. Since 2006, the State has reimbursed more than $142.6 million to the centers for direct patient care.
Under a 2008 budget initiative, patient care reimbursement was increased to further support what is the cornerstone of New Jersey’s health care safety net. In addition, with $17.5 million in State capacity expansion grants, community health center location sites have almost doubled. In 2006, there were 18 Federally Qualified Health Centers with 51 licensed sites. Now, in 2009, there are 20 with 93 licensed sites.
With this funding, all community health centers in the State have expanded operating hours, with most centers open from 50 to 60 hours per week. With continued support, these health centers were able to handle more than 1.1 million patient visits in 2008 and are now serving approximately 50,000 more people than in 2006.
“National Health Center Week is the perfect opportunity to recognize New Jersey’s community health centers’ commitment to providing comprehensive primary and preventive care for our uninsured and medically underserved residents,” said Commissioner Heather Howard. “Thanks to Governor Corzine’s investments in our state’s community health centers, more New Jerseyans are receiving the quality and affordable health care they need.”
“New Jersey’s Federally Qualified Health Centers have been tireless champions for NJ FamilyCare and a strong partner in helping us reduce the numbers of uninsured in the state,” Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez said. “Our missions are the same: We are committed to caring for New Jersey’s residents by making health care affordable and available.”
New Jersey’s 20 community health centers also are collectively receiving $25 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds over the next two years to expand health care services to low-income medically underserved residents. They are among 1,128 community health centers nationwide that are receiving $338 million in federal economic recovery funds to help an additional 2.1 million patients across the country.
“There can be no dispute that community-based health care providers serve as a critical link and an important partner for many of our residents,” added Governor Corzine. They have and will continue to provide an important safety net for those in need of medical care. I remain a strong advocate for community health centers and I am committed to ensuring they have a seat at the table in the ongoing health care debate.”
In recognition of National Health Centers Week, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo is scheduled to visit the Cape Community Health Center on Friday, Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. There will be an open house, lunch and tours of the facility.