Connections to Primary Care (C2PC) - HealthCare for the Homeless Program

To meet the primary health care needs of the medically underserved population of Hudson County, Metropolitan Family Health Network, Inc. (MFHN) proposes to collaborate with United Way of Hudson County and to make comprehensive medical services more accessible to a growing number of underinsured and uninsured individuals and families.

MFHN has recently been designated and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a Federally Qualified Family Health Center (FQHC). In view of the redesignation of the FQHC status to MFHN from Jersey City Family Health Center, a second location for a primary health care site is desired. The space available on the first level of the facility owned and occupied by the United Way of Hudson County will be ideal to the mission of MFHN and, if approved by all parties, will be renovated by MFHN to meet NJ Ambulatory Care Licensure Regulations.

Federally Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC)
A Federally Qualified Health Center is charged with providing comprehensive primary health care to all residents of its service (target) area. Its mission is to provide or to have agreements with area agencies to provide a wealth of direct and ancillary services to support the needs of the registered patients. FQHCs must adhere to its mission and create business, health, strategic and quality improvement plans that address the individualized needs of the patients served. Services must be culturally and linguistically appropriate. Centers must collaborate appropriately with other agencies in their geographic areas while ensuring that all laws, regulations and expectations regarding center governance are protected for the health center to retain eligibility for federal funding. All centers must have ongoing referral arrangements with one or more hospitals. The USDHHS/Health Resources and Services Administration assesses each health center based on the quality of care, management, strategic planning, and financial responsibility, part of which includes a mandatory annual independent financial audit.

Metropolitan Family Health Network, Inc.
Jersey City Family Health Center was the former designated FQHC in Jersey City and was operated by LibertyHealth Care System. Metropolitan Family Health Network, Inc. was incorporated in May, 2006 as a new organization and separated its operation from LibertyHealth Care System and became a freestanding operation on September 1, 2006. MFHN provides primary medical care and social services to the community. Medications are available to MFHN registered patients at discounted rates as a result of the health center’s participation in the federal 340B Drug Discount Program. MFHN will soon begin renovations to its main site at 935 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City to include a dental department and a medical radiology suite.

In addition to the main health care center operation at 935 Garfield Avenue, MFHN operates a two-story primary care medical clinic at 5300 Bergenline Avenue in a predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood in West New York.

Schedule and Operating Hours
By the end of the first year of operation, the C2PC Program at 857 Bergen Avenue is expected to provide approximately 3,000 patient visits to those who make Jersey City and Hudson County their home. Working 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m., Monday through Friday, the staff will see at least 15 persons per day.

Primary Care Services
State and federal regulations define the services that an ambulatory health center must provide. Typical health center services include physical examinations, acute care services (e.g., flu, stomach ache), well-child visits, diagnostic laboratory tests, immunizations, screenings (e.g., lead, cholesterol levels, eye and ear, dental), preventative treatment, and referrals for specialty services including radiology, cancer screening, prenatal, perinatal, family planning, and pharmacy services.

All health centers must help patients access case management services; financial counseling; referrals to other providers of medical and health-related services including substance abuse and mental health services; services that enable patients to access health center services such as outreach, transportation and interpretive services; and education of patients and the community regarding the availability and appropriate use of health services. The health center staff may provide the services or, services may be made available through defined arrangements with other organizations.

Closely Related Services
MFHN is involved in the Vaccine for Children (VCF) program, an effort to ensure that all children are immunized. MFHN also participate in nationally recognized Asthma and Diabetes Collaboratives that address the needs of children and adults who suffer from these chronic diseases and is one of Hudson County’s “lead agency” with the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services for Cancer Education and Early Detection Programs.

Patient Transportation
The proposed facility will be handicapped accessible and the C2PC Program will provided transportation services to registered clients. A multi-passenger van will be acquired by the program.