Somerset, N.J. – It all started with a simple phone call. Several years ago, Zufall Health’s President and CEO, Frances Palm, called Dr. John Ravally, Superintendent of Franklin Township Public Schools with a question: “Would Franklin Township Schools be interested in becoming the home of Zufall Health’s first school-based health center?”

According to Palm, Ravally said “YES!” without hesitation. 

That conversation ultimately led to a collaborative partnership between Zufall Health, the Franklin Township Board of Education, and Franklin Township, culminating in the official opening of Zufall Health’s first school-based health center during a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 13. Located at 1 Berger Street in Somerset on the Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street Campus, the new health center will expand access to primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services for students, families, and the broader community. 

Community partners, local and state officials, Franklin Township School administrators, and supporters gathered for the event, which included tours of the facility, remarks from community leaders, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting outside the new, modern health center. 

“This health center represents what is possible when healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders come together around a shared goal,” said Palm. “We are proud to partner with Franklin Township to ensure students, families, and community members have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.” 

Speakers at the event included Palm; Ravally; Shanel Robinson, Director, Somerset County Board of County Commissioners; Jason Ingel, Constituent Services & Field Representative for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim; Dr. Raynard Washington, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health; and Bill Shuler, Chairperson, Zufall Health Board of Directors. Makeda Breedy Fryson, Secretary of the Triple B Foundation Board of Directors, also said a few words and presented Palm with a check from the foundation which generously underwrote the outfitting of an exam room. The room is dedicated to her grandmother, Charlotte Bayley. 

“The opening of the Zufall School-Based Health Center represents the culmination of a multi-year partnership with Zufall Health and the foresight of the Board of Education Members and Franklin Township Council Members,” said Ravally. “I am incredibly proud of the dedication shown not only by our nurses, administrators, and staff, but by the entire Zufall team as well. I truly believe this partnership will continue to grow to meet the evolving needs of our students and the greater Franklin Township community.” 

Unlike traditional school-based clinics that exclusively serve students, the Franklin Township location will be open to everyone in the community who needs care. Zufall Health accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private health insurance and offers a sliding free schedule for the uninsured.