FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
Contact: Candace Zafirellis, NJPCA Senior Coordinator of Communications
(609) 571-7759 (cell) or [email protected]
Saint James Health, Inc., NJPCA, and Partners Celebrate National Health Center Week at State Kickoff
Newark, New Jersey—Saint James Health, Inc., the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District, New Jersey’s 29th Legislative District, New Jersey Department of Health, and other distinguished guests and elected officials gathered today to celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW) in New Jersey.
National Health Center Week is an annual observance held the first week of August to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Community Health Centers. The celebratory event for the state was rescheduled to Thursday, September 10, due to inclement weather.
This year’s National Health Center Week theme, “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” celebrated how CHCs use creativity and commitment to advance innovative solutions that meet patients where they are and improve primary care delivery, access, and outcomes nationwide. This includes partnering with key stakeholders and elected officials to strengthen relationships that support high-quality, patient-centered care in the communities they serve.
“National Health Center Week is a celebration of the patients, providers, staff, and community partners who make our mission possible every day. At Saint James Health, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare, regardless of their circumstances,” said Nicole Fields, CEO, Saint James Health, Inc. “We are honored to host New Jersey’s 2026 National Health Center Week Kickoff and to showcase the innovative partnerships and community-driven solutions that are transforming healthcare in Newark and across our state. Together, we are not only expanding access to care; we are building healthier communities and brighter futures.”
Community Health Centers play a vital role in improving public health by reducing common barriers to care such as cost, transportation, language access, and coverage gaps. They offer affordable, comprehensive services in primary care, dental, behavioral health, and specialty areas, regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. This whole-person approach promotes healthier outcomes and builds more resilient communities.
New Jersey is home to 23 FQHCs and one FQHC Look-Alike, operating 130 sites across all 21 counties. Together, these centers serve over 645,000 patients each year through more than 2.3 million patient visits.
“The 1500+ community health centers across the country and in New Jersey represent a unique approach to delivering healthcare that thrives on compassion, innovation, and resilience,” said Selina Haq, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New Jersey Primary Care Association. “New Jersey’s 24 community health centers play a critical role in delivering accessible and affordable primary care and improving the health outcomes of countless individuals and families in the State. NJPCA is proud to celebrate their extraordinary dedication and commitment during National Health Center Week and throughout the year,”
Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors National Health Center Week to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s Community Health Centers (CHCs). NHCW is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of CHC staff, board members, stakeholders and community partners who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to over 32.7 million patients across more than 17,000 communities.
“Since taking office, I have fought to ensure families have access to high quality, affordable healthcare close to home,” said Congressman Robert Menendez, New Jersey’s 8th District. “It was great to join the National Health Center Week kickoff to recognize New Jersey’s community health centers, which reduce barriers to care and provide comprehensive services to families across our communities. I look forward to our continued partnership with the NJPCA, Saint James Health, and RWJBarnabas as we work to support our community health centers and deliver the reliable healthcare that our families deserve.”
“Community health centers turn the promise of good health into something within reach, by delivering comprehensive and high-quality care every single day,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey’s Health Commissioner. “National Health Center Week gives us an opportunity to highlight the work these centers do all year long: Making dignified and often life-saving care available to anyone who walks through their doors.”
Across New Jersey, more than 50 events were held for National Health Center Week. Most events are open to the public and include health fairs, free health screenings, vaccinations, giveaways and raffles, free food and entertainment, and visits from members of Congress, along with other state and local officials.
“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,” said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD, Senior Vice President, Community Health, RWJBarnabas Health. “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.”
After the kickoff press conference, Saint James Health, Inc. hosted a Family Fun Day, complete with back-to-school giveaways, community resources, health services and education, children’s activities, and more.
The NJPCA provided coordination support for the Kick-off event and sponsorship for giveaways. The event was also sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health and Wellpoint, two organizations that share a strong commitment to improving the health of our communities and expanding access to high-quality healthcare across New Jersey.
About Saint James Health, Inc.
Saint James Health is a community health center located in Newark, NJ, committed to bringing premier healthcare services to the Newark Metropolitan Area since 2016. Their goal is to provide comprehensive primary health and preventive services in a setting that is comfortable and accommodating to the communities they serve. For more information, visit saintjameshealth.com.
About the New Jersey Primary Care Association
The New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing access to high-quality, comprehensive primary care for all New Jerseyans. NJPCA represents and supports New Jersey’s community health centers through policy, advocacy, and technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of health centers to deliver affordable and accessible 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.
###
For more information and photos, please contact Candace Zafirellis.
