U.S. Senators Menendez, Booker announce nearly $7.5M to expand COVID vaccines to hardest hit communities

NEW JERSEY – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) Friday announced a combined $7,427,359 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase COVID-19 vaccinations at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the state.

FQHCs, also known as community health centers, provide high quality and affordable health care to low and middle income individuals. In New Jersey, over 20 community health centers operate over 130 sites, providing a wide range of health care services to nearly 600,000 New Jerseyans.

“When COVID-19 swept through New Jersey, some of our most vulnerable communities were hit the hardest,” said Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy. “This funding will ensure that low income residents, the elderly, and minority communities have equitable access to the COVID vaccine. This critical investment in community health centers will benefit the health of our neighborhoods, our state, and our nation.”

“The best way to put this public health crisis behind us is for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted,” Booker said. “With this critical federal funding, New Jersey will be better equipped to bolster vaccination programs and protect our health and safety. I encourage all New Jerseyans who are eligible to get vaccinated and boosted — these vaccines are safe and effective.”

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which administers CHCs, more than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and more than 60% are racial or ethnic minorities.

The following FQHCs were awarded funding: