By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the Office of Health Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, July 29, to celebrate the County's new Public Health Center.
The center — once housed at 596 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick, relocated to 11 Kennedy Boulevard, East Brunswick —features over 11,000 square feet of space, including 14 exam rooms, officials say.
Officials said operational since early June 2024, the new Public Health Center location will continue to provide Child Health Services, Adult Vaccine Services, Sexual Health Services, HIV Counseling and Testing Program, Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED), and Tuberculosis Regional Control Center.
According to officials, the ceremony featured speakers, including Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Deputy Director of the Board of County Commissioners Shanti Narra, East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, and Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., who highlighted this new facility's importance in enhancing public health.
“Middlesex County has long recognized that access to healthcare is not just a vital service, but a cornerstone to a good quality of life,” said Director of the Board of County Commissioners Ronald G. Rios.
“The new Public Health Center marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to advance public health in Middlesex County. Together, we will continue to work toward creating a healthier and resilient community.”
“With this new Public Health Center, we want more residents of Middlesex County, especially in underserved communities, to know that they can get the care they need to improve their health and their family’s health,” said Deputy Director of the Board of County Commissioners Shanti Narra, chair of the County’s Public Safety and Health Committee.
“This new Public Health Center is a beacon of hope for uninsured and underinsured residents of our County, and we look forward to its continued success.”
“Our Middlesex County leadership recognizes that nothing is more important than providing health services to our residents. The County’s new Public Health Center confirms that commitment,” said Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.
The new Public Health Center has been established through the support of the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials and the New Jersey Department of Health, officials stated.
Authorities say with a $1.5 million grant aimed at enhancing local public health infrastructure, this funding was crucial in bringing this vital project to completion.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services, Nursing Division offers various essential public health services, including programs from the Center for Empowerment, and special child health services, including childhood lead poisoning prevention, officials said.
According to officials, the new Public Health Center provides numerous services, including:
- Sexual Health Services: Provides sexually transmitted disease screening, evaluation, treatment, follow-up, and referral. All prevention and counseling services are confidential and are provided for a small fee.
- HIV Counseling and Testing Program: This program, which is offered in conjunction with the STD service, offers free HIV counseling, testing, and referrals to qualified individuals.
- Child Health Services: Provides preventive health screenings in addition to all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccine administration to children through 18 years of age who have no health insurance. Services also include developmental screening, capillary blood lead testing, and health counseling. The child’s immunization record must be provided before the visit, and a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. There is a small fee for this service.
- Adult Vaccine Services: The Center provides recommended vaccines for adults aged 19 and older with no insurance.
- Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED): Screening services for breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer for men and women. Call 732-745-3100 for more information or to make an appointment.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Regional Control Center: The new facility is also the location for the Regional Tuberculosis (TB) Control Center. The Center provides comprehensive tuberculosis (TB) services for persons diagnosed with or suspected of having TB. Call 732-321-5297 for more information or to make an appointment.
Officials said for more eligibility information and to make an appointment for any of these services, please call 732-565-3788.
For more information on Middlesex County’s ongoing initiatives and services, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov, officials say.