The basics:

• RWJBarnabas Health investments in FQHCs top $49.35M since 2024
• Funding supports eight FQHC partners across New Jersey
• Projects expand care, transportation, community health services
• Additional clinics, pharmacy planned in Newark

As part of an effort to expand access to high-quality care in underserved communities across New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health has invested nearly $50 million over the past two years into federally qualified health centers.

The West Orange-based academic health system considers FQHCs a central component of its healthy communities initiative. The state-supported partnerships aim to help residents receive care earlier, manage chronic conditions and connect with services that support overall wellbeing.

According to RWJBarnabas Health, it distributed $49.35 million for projects at the following FQHC partners since 2024:

• Saint James Health in Newark
  Capital construction and expansion, community health workers, free rideshare transportation and referral infrastructure
• City of Newark Department of Health
  Electronic medical record integration, food farmacy, community health workers and free rideshare transportation
• Zufall Health in West Orange
  Community health workers, free rideshare transportation, expanded women’s health services
• Alliance Community Healthcare in Jersey City
  Facility renovation and expanded clinical capacity
• Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City and West New York
  Community health workers, free rideshare transportation and referral connectivity
• North Hudson Community Action in Hudson and Bergen counties
  Expanded services and resources, community health workers and free rideshare transportation
• Eric B. Chandler Health Center in New Brunswick
  Electronic medical record support, data integration and referral connectivity
• Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch
  Medical equipment and supplies, modular-unit installation, community health workers, free rideshare transportation and provider recruitment support

Strengthening the safety net

RWJBarnabas Health executives recently highlighted the importance of those relationships with FQHCs during National Health Center Week. Held annually during the first full week of August, the campaign celebrates the vital work that community health centers do across the U.S.

Because FQHCs offer comprehensive healthcare regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay, the facilities serve as trusted providers for millions of Americans. New Jersey is home to over 120 FQHC locations operated by roughly two dozen organizations statewide. 

“Federally qualified health centers are among the most trusted partners in the communities they serve because they have built lasting relationships with residents and understand their unique needs,” RWJBarnabas Health Senior Vice President of Community Health Balpreet Grewal-Virk said.

“Working alongside organizations, our many FQHC partners throughout the state allows us to meet people where they are, remove barriers to care and improve health outcomes in meaningful ways. We could not fulfill our mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey without these partnerships, and we are equally grateful for the State of New Jersey’s continued investment, which enables us to work together to strengthen community health statewide,” she said.

New Jersey Primary Care Association President and CEO Selina Haq shared, “As we recognize the dedicated professionals who make this work possible, we are grateful for partners like RWJBarnabas Health, whose continued investment in and collaboration with community health centers is expanding access to care, strengthening the healthcare safety net and improving health outcomes for families across New Jersey.”

Healthcare network RWJBarnabas also noted additional projects under development with existing FQHC partners.

That includes working with Saint James Health to open a health clinic at Newark’s East Side High School and a retail pharmacy/food farmacy at 228 Lafayette St. RWJBarnabas is also supporting the FQHCs expansion with two new locations in Newark (604 Market St., 555 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.).

Working alongside organizations, our many FQHC partners throughout the state allows us to meet people where they are, remove barriers to care and improve health outcomes in meaningful ways.
—Balpreet Grewal-Virk, senior vice president of community health, RWJBarnabas Health

Additionally, an $854,000 investment announced in June will help cover facility upgrades, critical equipment replacements and enhanced technology at Monmouth Family Health Center, the system said.