On Final Day of National Health Centers Week, Norcross Announces More Than $305K in Federal Grants for South Jersey Community Health Centers

CAMDEN, NJ – Today, on the final day of National Health Centers Week, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that two federally-qualified health centers in South Jersey will receive $305,795 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Center Program.

CAMcare Health Corporation, which has serviced Camden and Gloucester counties since 1978, will receive $167,000 to provide care for those in need in South Jersey. Project H.O.P.E., which specializes the health and well-being of homeless residents in Camden, will receive $138,795 to provide healthcare to the homeless and enhance substance abuse programs.

“Everyone ought to have access to quality health care. It’s that simple, and community health centers play an important role in ensuring there’s access for all. That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating Health Center Week together to recognize health centers like CAMcare and Project H.O.P.E. that provide high-quality healthcare for South Jersey families that need it most, and, in turn, keep our neighbors healthy and out of Emergency Rooms,” said Congressman Norcross. “Investments like these improve the well-being of our neighbors and friends, help us battle the disease of addiction at home and support jobs for hard-working health care professionals who devote their time to helping others.”

Earlier today, Norcross joined CAMcare, other South Jersey providers and patients at an event on Federal Street in Camden to celebrate the end of a successful Health Center Week. He told the providers about the grants in-person and the news was well-received.

“These funds will be used to increase healthcare to the unserved families in South Jersey,” said Mark Roberts, President and CEO of CAMcare Health Corporation. “We will hire two full time Licensed Clinical Social Workers, which will expand behavioral health and substance abuse services. Today community leaders, including Congressman Norcross attended Camcare National Health Center Week closing ceremony, to highlight Federally Qualified Health Centers essential care regardless of the patients’ social or economic status.”

“This funding enables Project H.O.P.E. to increase our capacity for delivering high quality integrated care to individuals who come to our health center for primary care and behavioral health services including mental health and/or substance use disorders.  We know that success in managing chronic disease is a result of an integrated model of care, the coordination of care provided to every patient addressing social determinants, mental health and substance use in the primary care setting.  Project H.O.P.E., a Community Health Center in Camden City, is especially excited to receive this notice of funding during National Health Center Week 2019.  Since their birth in the 1960’s Community Health Centers have been leaders in the movement to identify and address the impact of environmental and social factors on health and well-being,” said Patricia DeShields, CEO of Project H.O.P.E.

The Health Center Program is overseen by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and aims to improve health care access and strengthen the health workforce. Nearly 26 million Americans rely on HRSA-funded medical centers.

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