RWJBarnabas Health Invests Nearly $50M in Federally Qualified Health Centers Across NJ

National Health Center Week highlights importance of FQHC partners in expanding access to high-quality, community-based care

West Orange, N.J., August 6, 2026 – In celebration of National Health Center Week, RWJBarnabas Health announced today its continued investments of nearly $50 million into Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to expand operations and access to care in underserved communities across New Jersey.

RWJBarnabas Health’s partnerships with FQHCs are a central component of the health system’s Our Healthy Communities initiative, supported by state appropriations, to address the social determinants of health and strengthen the community-based infrastructure needed to build stronger, more resilient communities.

“Federally Qualified Health Centers are among the most trusted partners in the communities they serve because they have built lasting relationships with residents and understand their unique needs,” said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD, Senior Vice President, Community Health, RWJBarnabas Health. “Working alongside organizations, our many FQHC partners throughout the state allows us to meet people where they are, remove barriers to care and improve health outcomes in meaningful ways. We could not fulfill our mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey without these partnerships, and we are equally grateful for the State of New Jersey’s continued investment, which enables us to work together to strengthen community health statewide.”

Since 2024, RWJBarnabas Health has made a total $49,353,421 investment in eight independent FQHCs operating in five New Jersey counties, combining clinical expertise with deep community relationships to help residents receive care earlier, manage chronic conditions, and connect with services that support their overall well-being. Specifically, the health system is partnering with:

“Community health centers turn the promise of good health into something within reach, by delivering comprehensive and high-quality care every single day,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey’s Health Commissioner. “National Health Center Week gives us an opportunity to highlight the work these centers do all year long: Making dignified and often life-saving care available to anyone who walks through their doors.”

National Health Center Week, recognized from August 2 through August 8, celebrates the work of community health centers and health care professionals who provide comprehensive, high-quality services regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. FQHCs serve as trusted health care homes for millions of Americans, including those who are uninsured or underinsured and may encounter financial, geographic, linguistic or other barriers to care.

“FQHCs are more than healthcare providers; they are trusted community partners that deliver comprehensive, high-quality care regardless of a person's ability to pay, while helping address the social and economic factors that shape health,” saidSelina Haq, President and CEO of the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA). “As we recognize the dedicated professionals who make this work possible, we are also grateful for partners like RWJBarnabas Health, whose continued investment in and collaboration with community health centers is expanding access to care, strengthening the healthcare safety net, and improving health outcomes for families across New Jersey.”

Building on RWJBarnabas Health’s existing partnership with Saint James Health, which includes the openings of a health clinic at Newark’s East Side High School and the Retail Pharmacy and Food Farmacy at 228 Lafayette Street, the health system is supporting the FQHC’s expansion with two new locations in Newark at 604 Market Street and 555 MLK Boulevard, enhancing access to primary and specialty care for city residents.

“Saint James Health was founded on the belief that everyone deserves compassionate, high-quality health care, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Nicole Fields, CEO of Saint James Health. “Our partnership with RWJBarnabas Health helps us connect more residents with the care, services, and resources they need to lead healthier lives. National Health Center Week is a wonderful opportunity to thank our dedicated team, our patients, the Newark community, RWJBarnabas Health, and all of the partners who make this work possible every day.”

In June, RWJBarnabas Health announced a $854,000 investment in Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch to support facility upgrades, replace critical equipment and enhance technology providers rely on to deliver high-quality care, such as exam tables, vital sign monitors, ultrasound machines, and computer equipment.

“As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Monmouth Family Health Center is dedicated to delivering quality, comprehensive care to everyone in our community, regardless of their background, means or insurance status,” said Paul McCloud, CEO of Monmouth Family Health Center. “Through our partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, we are making transformational upgrades to our center, that will benefit our patients and our providers alike.”

RWJBarnabas Health was proud to partner with many of our FQHC partners at community events across New Jersey this week. Pictured are members of the RWJBarnabas Health Community Health team at events hosted by North Hudson Community Action Corporation, Metropolitan Family Health Network, Zufall Health, and Henry J. Austin Center.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and a leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.

Contact: Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@RWJBH.org