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Payne, Jr. Attends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Newark to Mark National Health Center Week

August 13, 2015

Newark, N.J. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) delivered opening remarks at Newark Community Health Centers, Inc.’s (NCHC) ribbon cutting ceremony to mark 2015 National Health Center Week, which recognizes the important role local health centers play in providing care to underserved communities.

Congressman Payne, Jr. joined Congressman Albio Sires, as well as Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos, Newark Councilman Luis Quintana, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director Jackie Cornell-Bechelli, Newark Community Health Centers President and CEO Dr. Pamela Clarke, NJ Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Dr. Gloria Rodriguez, and other Essex County officials for the ceremony.

“Even in the 21st Century, health disparities are stark, especially in African-American communities, where life expectancies are lower and infant mortality rates are higher than among white Americans,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “But it’s because of the determination and dedication of organizations like Newark Community Health Centers that I’m confident we will eliminate these disparities and achieve health equity. Newark Community Health Centers has demonstrated the success of engaging with our community to get people the affordable, quality, and timely care they need to live healthy lives. It is a testament to how important and powerful preventive care really is.”

Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. provides comprehensive primary health care services to adults and children in Essex County. NCHC has renovated its health center at 741 Broadway in Newark to better serve nearly 140,000 patient visits each year. The renovated facility includes an additional 20,235 square feet of space, 16 new patient medical exam rooms, and a modified entrance for easy patient access.

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