Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez
LAKEWOOD, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today joined CHEMED Health Center for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new site on River Avenue in south Lakewood, NJ. The senator was the guest of honor at today’s festivities, where he underscored the importance of this new site in expanding health care access to the residents of Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Sen. Menendez was instrumental in securing $207,000 in federal funds to help create a safe and inviting medical center.
“I am proud to join in the grand opening ceremony for this new site, CHEMED River Avenue, as they further their mission of providing care for anyone who comes through their doors. Investments in expanding access to quality health care through our community health centers – like CHEMED Health Center – are exactly the kind of investments we must make to ensure the health and wellbeing of all communities,” said Sen. Menendez. “At this new center, residents of Lakewood and patients across Ocean County will receive high-quality care with access to advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities.”
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The new CHEMED River Avenue site is fully equipped with the latest technology to provide a range of services, including a Pediatric Department, Internal Medicine Department, Women’s Health Department, Dental Department, a walk-in department for immediate care, and on-site laboratory services in partnership with LabCorp. The launch of this site signifies a crucial milestone for CHEMED Health Center as they continue to expand their services to meet the needs of all uninsured and underinsured residents in our area.
Senator Menendez secured federal funds for the Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC) to install a security system for the CHEMED Health Center. This funding was used to install a video surveillance system to help create a safe medical center where underserved New Jersey residents can access comprehensive health services.
Also in attendance at the event were key community figures and contributors including Lakewood Mayor Raymond Coles, Ocean County Commissioners, New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer, and Mark Manigan, President and CEO of RWJ Barnabas. Health care stakeholders from across the state, including leaders from NJFamilyCare HMOs, representatives of the New Jersey Department of Health, and the Ocean County Health Department were also in attendance.
“We are thrilled to open our doors to the community and provide comprehensive medical care to patients in the South Side of Lakewood,” said Dr. Dovid Friedman, CEO of CHEMED Health Center. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our healthcare stakeholders, local leaders, and the community. This facility is a testament to our commitment to providing quality healthcare for all.”
The Senator has previously secured $2 million in the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill of 2023 for the Township of Lakewood to construct a new road and utility infrastructure on undeveloped land. This project will ensure water and sewer infrastructure, public roads and pedestrian facilities are in place to support the anticipated housing under development to alleviate the local housing shortage.
The Senator also secured $3 million in the THUD bill for Beth Medrash, a nonprofit institution of higher education, to fund the purchase of land to construct a non-profit daycare center with 20 classrooms and additional space. The daycare center will accommodate children in a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment, providing important health, safety and educational benefits to Lakewood’s children.
For event photos, click HERE.
The new site is located at 1171 River Avenue in Lakewood. For more information about CHEMED Health Center or to schedule an appointment, please call 732-884-2222.
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