The economy is tough, and as always, services usually get cut in an urban neighborhood when they are needed the most. At this juncture, health is very important in the community, who which usually is unaffordable in many cases.
On Wednesday August 11, 2010, North Ward residents got help for their health care needs, in a 15,000 square foot facility at 741 Broadway at the crossing of Grafton Avenue in the city of Newark. The facility selected has seen a long history, from being a police precinct to hospital to a health care facility in the past.
Newark Community Health Center, Inc., known as NCHC, is a network of federally qualified health care centers that have been providing comprehensive primary care services to at-risk and underserved individuals and families who reside in the city of Newark and surrounding communities for over 24 years.
NCHC president Peter Velez said, “Several studies show that Medicaid patients who use health centers regularly cost states significantly less than patients treated by private primary care doctors, health maintenance organizations and hospital outpatient departments. Cost savings come from decreased hospital admission rates and inpatient days, lower prescription drug costs, fewer laboratory tests and fewer emergency room visits. Over the years, NCHC has served as the safety net provider. On March 15, 2008, St. James Hospital in Newark's Ironbound section closed, ending a century of service to the community. Columbus Hospital, which has served residents of Newark's North Ward, also closed shortly after. In Essex County, we have been impacted severely by a reduction in health care resources.”
A patient of NCHC, Lisette Patia, said, “I have been coming to New Community Health Center for nine and a half years. This is close to home and there's a wonderful staff. I come mainly for the children. My oldest daughter is 9 years old. We have been coming here since she was born. I have Medicaid for the children. The treatment is great and I do recommend it to others.”
NCHC chairman Jerrid Douglas said, “One of our board members, Ray, could not be here with us this afternoon, because last week Ray passed away due to a heart attack.”
Douglas gave a tribute to Ray and talked about his passion and dedication towards NCHC.
Newark Council Vice President Anibal Ramos, who was inspirational in making the project possible, welcomed the institute and said that NCHC will be part of the Columbus Campus project in the future.
State Senator Teresa Ruiz said that during these economic tough times, every year everyone is looking at the numbers and representatives think about how to stretch the dollars for each project. With the help of all the key components, the project was successful and North Ward residents now have a spectacular facility for their health needs.
Newark Deputy Mayor Margarita Muniz said that the community needs this facility for quality health care. She further added that quality health care is important for quality of life.
Dr. Susan Walsh appreciated the facility in a neighborhood that needed the most. Caryl Lucas welcomed the guests and thanked everyone. Trio Cristal provided music.
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