CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that a health care center in Camden will receive a $1.66 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide essential health care services to underserved communities in South Jersey. The grant recipient, Project H.O.P.E., specializes in providing primary health care, behavioral health care, and social work services to the city’s most vulnerable populations. The federal funding was administered through HHS’s Health Center Cluster Program.

“This grant funding recognizes the value of our local health centers in our effort to expand health care to every South Jersey family,” said Congressman Norcross. “I commend the entire Project H.O.P.E team for their commitment to keeping our community healthy, and I will continue to do my part in Congress to improve the health and quality of life of our families.”

“Federally Qualified Health Centers strive to provide primary health care to the most vulnerable individuals; today Project H.O.P.E. continues to provide access to care,” said Pat DeShields, CEO of Project H.O.P.E. “This funding supports the delivery of patient-centered primary care, behavioral health, and evidence-based medication-assisted treatment services to individuals within Camden City communities. Project H.O.P.E. continues to partner with community agencies, hospital systems, and public officials – like Congressman Norcross – to increase access to care and expand resources regardless of the patient’s social or economic status.”

About the DHHS Health Center Cluster Program (www.hrsa.gov)

The Health Center Cluster Program supports community-based and patient-directed nonprofit organizations that provide primary and preventive health care services to the nation’s underserved. Grantees are selected on a competitive basis having demonstrated a strong reputation in quality care. The grant program is overseen by HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) branch.