Welcome from the President and CEO
Welcome to Zufall Health! We are a nonprofit community health center providing affordable, high-quality, and evidence-based health care across the full lifespan, regardless of income, insurance, or other barriers. With locations throughout northern and central New Jersey, we serve the largest geographic area of any health center in the state, and in 2024, we cared for the fifth-highest number of patients.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, it is my privilege to lead a talented staff who, at all levels, are committed to more equitable health care access and to helping our patients live longer, healthier lives. No matter what or where your interaction with Zufall – medical, dental, or behavioral care in one of our clinical offices; a health screening or vaccination at a community-based event; support with insurance enrollment by phone – we pledge to treat you with dignity and compassion.
Quality is a top priority at Zufall. We have repeatedly been named by the Health Resources and Services Administration a Health Center Quality Leader, indicating that our overall clinical quality measure performance ranks in the top 10 percent nationwide. The National Committee for Quality Assurance has since 2016 recognized Zufall as a Patient Centered Medical Home, meaning that we meet high standards for comprehensive, team-based care. We have also received accolades from the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for outstanding clinical results.
None of our achievements would have been possible without our board of directors, providers, staff, volunteers, philanthropic partners – and of course, the patients who entrust us with their health care. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!
Frances Palm, MPA
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mission & History
Our Mission
Zufall Health leads the way in community care by delivering high-quality health services you can trust, ensuring every person has access to the affordable care they deserve.
Our Vision
To create equal opportunity for good health.
Our Values
Community Trust
We earn trust through reliability, transparency, and long-standing commitment to those we serve.
Value for All
We treat all patients and colleagues with dignity, empathy, and respect.
Access
We believe health care is a right. We work relentlessly to remove barriers to care.
Consistent Quality
We set the bar for excellence and lead by example, delivering the highest standard of care to every patient, every time.
Leading Edge Care
We embrace new ideas, technologies, and approaches that improve care and reduce burden.
Our History
In 1990, with little seed money and a few volunteers, Dr. Robert Zufall and his wife, Kathryn, opened a small community clinic in Dover to provide medical care to low-income people and families. The retired urologist treated patients while his wife managed the clinic and doggedly pursued funding opportunities. Their tenacity for enlisting volunteers generated a core team of physicians, dentists, and support staff so they could provide a full spectrum of services.
Almost instantly, the once-a-week clinic attracted a growing patient base which, over the years, necessitated expansions of space and hours of operation. However, despite private and public support, funding for the clinic was a constant struggle. In 2004, its future was strengthened by its designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center. Renamed in 2006 to honor the Zufalls, the organization now proudly carries on their commitment in seven New Jersey counties.
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