Event attracts 700+ attendees and showcases the importance of access to care in New Jersey

Zufall Health, together with colleagues at the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA), hosted the National Health Center Week (NHCW) New Jersey Kick-Off Celebration on Monday.

The event brought together elected officials, health care leaders, community organizations, and local residents—primarily children and families from the Franklin Township School District—to learn about the impact of community health centers and their service to more than 600,000 New Jersey residents.

Zufall’s SVP of Nursing Kathleen Felezzola, RN, MEd, looks on as children enjoy the festivities. Credit: April Ludwig Photography

The 2025 observance, themed America’s Health Centers: Celebrating 60 Years of Improving Our Nation’s Health, honors six decades of care since health centers were first created under President Lyndon B. Johnson during his War on Poverty. Today, health centers face significant challenges, including policy shifts such as the recent passage of HR-1, which threatens to weaken access to Medicaid, the insurer for half of health center patients nationwide. Federal funding uncertainty, which is provided only in short-term installments and lags behind rising costs of care, adds to the strain.

The program, led by Fran Palm, President and CEO of Zufall Health, featured remarks from New Jersey Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25); Selina Haq, PhD, President and CEO of NJPCA; Kerri Powell, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Health Services Corporation and Board Chair of NJPCA;  John Ravally, EdD, Superintendent of Franklin Township Schools; Deborah Hartel, MSW, ACSW, Deputy Commissioner, Integrated Health at the New Jersey Department of Health; Sarah Adelman, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services; Thomas Bane, PhD, LSW, Acting New York Regional Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director of Somerset County; and Yuriko de la Cruz, MPH, CPH, Deputy Director, Grassroots Organizing at the National Association of Community Health Centers. Governor Phil Murphy, who could not be present, sent a celebratory proclamation, while Cory Booker sent a supportive letter in lieu of attendance.

“Since their founding in 1965, community health centers have grown into trusted medical homes, serving as beacons of strength, service, and care,” said Haq.

“That remains especially true today as health centers face a new wave of uncertainty at the federal level,” Palm added. As the co-host of today’s celebration, Zufall Health is committed to amplifying our patients’ voices, highlighting the value health centers provide, and championing the need for access to care throughout the state.”

Zufall’s first standalone school-based health center, featuring four medical exam rooms, two dental exam rooms, and one behavioral health consult room, is set to open soon. Credit: April Ludwig Photography

Held on the campus of Franklin Middle School, the event also gave attendees a preview of the interior of Zufall’s first free-standing school-based health center, which will open after furnishing and licensure are complete. The new center was the focus of Zufall’s 2024 annual fundraiser, demonstrating how donor support translates directly into expanded services.

Alongside the media conference, a back-to-school family event allowed guests to experience Zufall’s compassion in action. More than 600 attendees enjoyed food, games, health resources, and school supply giveaways to prepare students for the year ahead.

Zufall President and CEO Fran Palm with longtime Zufall advocate Senator Anthony M. Bucco, New Jersey’s Senate Minority Leader. Credit: April Ludwig Photography

New Jersey Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco remarked, “This is a model that should be replicated across New Jersey. Community Health Centers improve lives, create jobs, and strengthen entire communities. The more we invest in expanding them, the healthier and more resilient our state will be. To all our Community Health Centers across New Jersey — thank you for your tireless dedication. Your work truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents.”

Zufall’s NHCW festivities were made possible through the generosity of our corporate sponsors, Henry Schein and ProDirect Dental Laboratory, and our event supporters Aetna, Fidelis Care, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, LabCorp, New Jersey Primary Care Association, United Healthcare Community Plan, and

About Zufall Health
Zufall Health is an award-winning, nonprofit community health center providing access to high quality, affordable, and culturally responsive health care for people and communities who experience barriers to care. Patients are served in seven counties throughout northern and central New Jersey. For more information, visit zufallhealth.org.

About the New Jersey Primary Care Association
The New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA) is an advocate for community health centers as well as a provider of comprehensive education, training, and technical assistance to health centers in New Jersey. The 23 Federally Qualified Health Centers and one FQHC Look-alike in New Jersey and their 138 satellite sites provide healthcare services to almost 625,000 people annually. For more information about the NJPCA, please visit njpca.org.

Above: President and CEO Frances Palm (seventh from left) with program speakers and community health center leaders. Credit: April Ludwig Photography.