With many residents in the Trenton community relying on federally qualified health centers to keep their health in check, the Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) has actively taken significant strides to ensure the health and wellness of these individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HJAHC, which has increased its roles in providing patient primary care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, now provides telehealth evaluations, COVID-19 tests and follow-up appointments for individuals with no health insurance or primary care doctor. This ensures that residents of Trenton can receive adequate access and assistance in receiving treatment and quality health care amid the pandemic.
The Center was among over 500 qualified health centers to receive $39,000 in emergency grant funding from the Direct Relief organization, which partnered with the National Association of Community Health Workers to recognize the intense effects of the pandemic on health care finances, services, staff and other important factors in healthcare environments. HJAHC will use the funding to hire a community health worker that can aid and assist their patients handle life during and after the chilling COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so grateful to the National Association of Community Health Centers and Direct Relief for allowing these funds to be available for us during these turbulent times,” said Dr. Kemi Alli, Chief Executive Officer for the Henry J. Austin Health Center. “These funds will not only allow us to hire a community health worker but more importantly will allow us to help patients and their families navigate the often challenging and complex health care and social support systems in our community.”
As a federally qualified Health Center, the HJAHC and its significant actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly impacted the lives of families and individuals who reside in the Trenton community.
