NJ Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen discusses children's health care at large health and human services non-profit in Hudson County

North Hudson Community Action Corp. serves more than 80,000 low-income residents

WEST NEW YORK  -- Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen today discussed issues facing low-income people in the Hudson County area and the challenges of enrolling children in the NJFamilyCare program during a visit to the North Hudson Community Action Corporation, a major provider of health and social services in northern New Jersey.

Chen, who is also the state's acting Child Advocate, has launched a grassroots campaign to enroll additional children in the state's free or low-cost children's health insurance program. He has particularly focused on the need to enroll children from families for whom English is not their first language.

"North Hudson Community Action Committee, which operates health centers at eight locations throughout the region, is a leader in providing quality, affordable health care to our children. This organization has played and will continue to play a significant role in helping to enroll hard-to-reach families who require quality health services and who might otherwise be denied needed treatment and preventative care," said Chen.

The Federally Qualified Health Center operated by North Hudson provides primary health care at 8 locations in West New York, Union City, North Bergen, Jersey City, Hoboken, Passaic and Hackensack.

"I am proud that New Jersey is a national leader in providing affordable health insurance to children. Through the work of health centers, like those operated by the North Hudson Community Action Committee, we will reach our goal of providing health coverage for every child in New Jersey," said Chen.

"We are honored to have had an opportunity to discuss everyday issues facing our clients and patients with the  New Jersey Public Advocate.  Over 80,000 people walk though our doors for service every year, multiple times, for all types of critical services.  It is nice to know that Governor Corzine has reinstated an office of such value to ensuring our most vulnerable residents' needs are met," said Christopher F. Irizarry, President/CEO

North Hudson Community Action Corporation."We had a wonderful discussion and were able to share our greatest challenges in serving our community.  Mr. Chen was attentive and receptive to all of our recommendations."

During the meeting with North Hudson staff and public officials, Chen learned about high demand for health and human services in the areas served by the North Hudson CAC and the problems facing people with mental illness in accessing services. In addition, Chen discussed the potential for working with the NHCAC to expand outreach to families on the issue of childhood lead poisoning.

North Hudson Community Action Corporation is a cornerstone of health and human services in New Jersey, serving more than 84,000 low-income residents at eight locations spread across three counties. An award-winning leader in its field for more than 40 years, NHCAC has played a vital role in creating much-needed services such as ob-gyn and prenatal care, emergency food and shelter, transitional housing, and mental health and addiction services.

For more information about the Public Advocate visit the Department website at http://www.njpublicadvocate.gov/.

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