By: Richard L. Smith
In a significant step towards improving healthcare access for Newark's most vulnerable populations, Saint James Health Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, has opened a new health clinic at East Side High School in the city’s Ironbound neighborhood.
The opening, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, coincided with the celebration of National Health Center Week.
The clinic, located at 69 Pulaski Street, is designed to provide comprehensive primary care services, including pediatrics, adult medicine, vaccinations, and physicals.
Additionally, the center offers access to social workers and assistance with insurance enrollment, all within a culturally sensitive and language-proficient environment.
The clinic, with its own separate entrance, is part of an ongoing effort to address health disparities in Newark by bringing essential healthcare services directly to the community.
Nicole Fields, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint James Health, expressed her gratitude during the ceremony.
“We are extremely fortunate to be opening this clinic during National Health Center Week, a time when we recognize the critical role of federally qualified health centers in providing care to underserved populations. Here in New Jersey, these centers serve over 574,000 patients annually, and the need for affordable healthcare continues to grow,” Fields said.
She also highlighted the importance of the partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, which has allowed for seamless collaboration and improved patient care through shared electronic medical records.
Newark Schools Superintendent Roger Leon acknowledged the pivotal role East Side High School has played in the community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it served as a key vaccination site.
“It is fitting that we are here at East Side High School, a place that has been at the forefront of meeting our community’s healthcare needs,” Leon said.
He thanked Saint James Health and RWJBarnabas Health for their ongoing commitment to the community.
Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the work being done to support Newark's most vulnerable residents.
“When people look back on what we have been doing for the last couple of years, they will judge us by how we treated the most vulnerable,” Manigan said, praising Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for his dedication to the project.
The new clinic is expected to play a crucial role in improving health outcomes in Newark, offering residents convenient access to essential healthcare services in a supportive and familiar setting.
