Spotlight on community health
National Health Center Week events draw broad support from patients and local leaders
Zufall Health is proud to be part of the U.S.’s largest network of primary care providers—community health centers! Across the country, 1,400 of these organizations provide affordable, high-quality care to over 32.5 million patients, or 1 in 10 people!
Every August, Zufall participates in National Health Center Week to highlight the important role that health centers play in improving access to health care. A key part of this week is connecting with elected officials, who help shape policies and funding for health centers.
This year, Zufall Health hosted two special events:
West Orange Family Fun Day: Held on Saturday, August 3, this vibrant health and resource fair in West Orange attracted nearly 600 attendees. Notable guests included Assemblywoman Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie, West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney, and West Orange Town Council Member Tammy Williams.
Plainsboro Open House: On Wednesday, August 7, Zufall celebrated the addition of dental care to its Plainsboro facility with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Key attendees included Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) and Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14), while Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14) and Assemblyman Wayne D’Angelo and Governor Phil Murphy sent congratulatory proclamations.
A commemorative ribbon cutting marked the addition of dental services at Zufall Health – Plainsboro, made possible in partnership with Penn Medicine Princeton Hospital. Left to right: Zufall Health President and CEO Fran Palm, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Zufall Health Board of Directors Member Margaret Zufall-Roberts, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14), Zufall Health – Plainsboro Site Manager Adriana Espina de Sanchez, Zufall Health Dentist Riffat Haider, DMD, Jennifer L. Hollander, RN, DNP, CMSRN, CLSSG, Director of Patient Care Services, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, and Zufall Health Outreach Representative Tania Asmal. Credit: Shotwell Productions
“Zufall Health epitomizes what it means to be part of a community,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman, who led the Plainsboro ribbon cutting. “Community means taking care of your neighbor, offering a helping hand, especially when they are sick or hurt. The opening of this newest facility will not only expand their reach but strengthen our communities by ensuring access to quality health care.”
“This year’s National Health Center Week theme, ‘Powering Communities Through Caring Connections,’ resonates deeply with us. We are thankful for the ongoing trust our patients place in us and the continuous support from our community leaders. The enthusiastic response to our community health center events highlights the meaningful impact we’re making alongside our partners and in the lives of those we serve,” said Fran Palm, President and CEO of Zufall Health.
Above: Attendees at Family Fun Day – West Orange were thrilled to receive complimentary backpacks and school supplies, food, and health resources.