FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2026
Contact: Candace Zafirellis, NJPCA Senior Coordinator of Communications
(609) 689-9930 or [email protected]
NJCPA Celebrates Women’s Health Week with Luncheon and Recognition
Monroe Township, New Jersey—The New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA), the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and partners throughout the State joined for a celebration of the National Women’s Health Week today. NJPCA hosts this event to create more awareness about the need to prioritize women’s health issues. Women’s Health Week is promoted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (US DHHS), Office of Women’s Health to encourage and empower women to make their health a priority. This year’s theme is, “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health.”
“Nationally, over 18.5 million women receive healthcare at the centers and in New Jersey, over 365,000 female patients receive their primary, preventive and women’s health services at the centers. On average, more women than men utilize health center services nationally as well as in the State. By making care affordable and accessible, health centers deliver lifesaving screenings and comprehensive preventive care services to medically underserved women everywhere. Prevention, innovation, and lifesaving impacts and outcomes are at the core of our health centers’ mission,” said Dr. Selina Haq, President and CEO of NJPCA.
This important annual health observance emphasizes the need for women to proactively work with their healthcare providers to schedule routine screenings, risk assessments, and early interventions to help reduce the likelihood of serious illness and improve their quality of life. While certain healthy habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise are important at every stage of life, screenings are an important way to identify specific risks that are more likely to occur in women in specific age groups or with a family history of certain conditions.
“During National Women’s Health Week, we are reminded that prevention, innovation, and impact are not just ideals—they are essential to advancing the health of women in our communities,” said Dr. Kerri Powell, NJPCA Board Chair and Neighborhood Health Services Corporation’s President and CEO. “By expanding access to preventive services, embracing innovative care models, and addressing barriers to care, we are building a healthier future for every woman. We also encourage women to prioritize self-care—because when women are healthy, the entire community thrives.”
This year’s luncheon celebrated three legislative champions for their commitment to Community Health Centers throughout New Jersey. Senator Angela V. McKnight (District 31), Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul Esq., Deputy Majority Leader (District 11), and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Deputy Speaker (District 29) were acknowledged for their ongoing efforts to help expand access to high quality primary care for communities across the state.
Linda Y. Flake, MBA, was also honored for more than 33 years of health center leadership. Former President & CEO of Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, Inc., Ms. Flake was recognized for her dedication to staff and the communities she served for more than three decades.
“Every woman deserves a place where she can bring her whole self for care — and in communities across New Jersey, that place is a Community Health Center. From cancer screenings to maternal care to oral health, FQHCs give women the information, the options, and the respect they need to take charge of their own health,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner. “The Department of Health is proud to partner with the NJPCA and its member centers in the shared mission of making sure every woman in New Jersey is able to access care and is empowered to make the decisions for her health.”
New Jersey has 23 Community Health Centers (CHCs) and one Look-Alike Health Center operating 130 satellite sites in all 21 counties of the state. They provide high quality primary and preventive care services to over 620,000 patients annually and nearly 59% of these patients are women.
These CHCs provide comprehensive, high-quality primary and preventative healthcare services to the medically underserved populations in New Jersey, including OB/GYN services, prenatal care, cervical and breast cancer screenings.
This year’s Women’s Health Luncheon was sponsored by WellPoint.
NJPCA’s Women’s Health Luncheon was held at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey.
About NJPCA
The New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing access to high-quality, comprehensive primary care for underserved populations across the state. NJPCA represents and supports New Jersey’s community health centers, which collectively operate more than 130 sites and serve over 620,000 residents annually. Through policy, advocacy, and technical assistance, NJPCA works to strengthen the capacity of health centers and promote equitable, community-based care. The organization plays a central role in convening stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that improve health outcomes across New Jersey. For more information about NJPCA, please visit www.njpca.org.
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are in every state across the nation. FQHCs are authorized under Section 330 of the Public Health Services Act to provide healthcare to the medically underserved. Many health centers and their sites are specially designated to serve the needs of special populations including homeless populations, public housing residents, migrant and seasonal farm workers, veterans and school-aged children. For more information about the HRSA Health Center Program, please visit bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.
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For more information, please contact Candace Zafirellis.
