U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $3,702,250 to the Paterson Community Health Center to assist the center in providing primary health care to low-income Paterson residents. Funding for the grant was provided by President Biden’s landmark American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Pascrell helped pass earlier this month.

“Paterson Community Health has served our city for decades and is working harder than ever before to combat COVID-19. With this lifesaving grant from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, this beacon of the Silk City can continue its lifesaving work unabated,” said Rep. Pascrell. “This major federal award will help alleviate health costs for Patersonians and potentially save lives. As long as this terrible virus is upon us, I will continue to fight for every cent our state needs to defeat it once and for all.”

“On behalf of the health center, we thank Congressman Pascrell for this and for his years and years of support,” said Dr. Mary Garner, CEO of the Paterson Community Health Center for 30 years.

“The City of Paterson is profoundly grateful to Congressman Pascrell for his continued efforts to protect Patersonians,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh. “The Paterson Community Health Center is essential to providing healthcare to our underserved and uninsured community. This award will substantially assist the health center as they continue helping our residents.”

Opened in 1979, Paterson Community Health offers primary care services to low-income Paterson residents along with oral health, mental health, and substance abuse services at both permanent locations. The program also offers on-site dental services at community based organizations, schools, day care centers, churches, and public housing developments. The Paterson Community Health Center has two facilities, located at 32 Clinton Street, and at 227 Broadway near Paterson’s downtown area, as well as a mobile van that provides community-based health and dental care to the entire City of Paterson. As a major source of Paterson Community Health’s annual funding, this grant will serve as a resource for the health center to continue providing support and services to uninsured patients.