New Jersey State Senator Diane Allen (R-7) was the recent recipient of the "Community Health Center Champion Award" given by the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA). The NJPCA represents the twenty Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) around the state, which are the major providers of primary and preventative care to the uninsured and underserved in New Jersey.
"The Health Centers represented by the NJPCA provide an invaluable resource to the communities in which they are located, helping residents obtain vital healthcare services that otherwise may be unattainable," Allen stated. " The Centers provide long-term support, allowing them to create relationships with their patients and ensure that the entire range of issues a patient might be facing are treated to achieve the best possible outcome. This continuity of care saves lives and represents an efficient use of precious taxpayer dollars as emerging health problems can be diagnosed and treated early before they become more complicated and expensive problems."
"The NJPCA always makes sure that we honor those legislators who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support community health centers," said Katherine Grant-Davis, President and CEO of the FQHC trade association. "Our centers are at the front lines in delivering primary care to those who need it the most. We cannot do our jobs alone and for that reason, we try and select legislators, who on a yearly basis commit to working with the community health centers to ensure their survival. Senator Allen was selected for that very reason. She is a strong and dedicated supporter of health centers and we thank her for her tremendous efforts."
With Senator Allen's support, the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) received necessary funding in this year's state budget allowing them to stay open and provide access to preventative and primary healthcare for lower income residents, particularly women and children.
"I appreciate being recognized for my advocacy on behalf of the FQHCs, but the real recognition should be given to the employees at the Health Centers for the wonderful work that they do on behalf of our communities," Allen concluded.
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