City Health Care Facility Opens Tuesday

Performing what may be one of his last ceremonial functions as mayor, Cory Booker Tuesday cut the ribbon on a newly renovated health-care center in the Central Ward.

“We have to provide a place where people care of their health, their well-being,” said Booker, who is running in the Oct. 16 special election for US Senate.

Booker, Central Ward Councilman Darrin Sharif, Municipal Council President Luis Quintana and other officials attended the grand opening of the Federally Qualified Health Center, located at 394 University Ave.

The new facility, which took three years to finish and was paid for largely with federal funds, will offer medical care services including dental, mental health, gynecology and other services to an estimated 12,000 city residents a year, said L’Tanya Williamson, the director of the city’s Department of Child and Family Well-Being.

The facility will serve those with medical insurance as well as those on low incomes, Williamson said, adding that all city residents are welcome.