TRENTON – On Wednesday, May 13th, Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) was honored for her contributions to women’s healthcare at the 5th Annual Women’s Health Advocates Recognition Breakfast hosted by the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA) and the New Jersey Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).
The breakfast took place at the Trenton Marriott during National Women’s Health Week, which is observed from May 10th (Mother’s Day) to May 16th. “The NJPCA and New Jersey’s nineteen FQHC’s work tirelessly to ensure that New Jersey’s women and families have access to the quality, affordable healthcare,” said Senator Buono. “It is truly an honor to be with them and amongst so many adamant women’s health advocates.”
Heart disease, HIV/AIDS, strokes, breast and lung cancer continue to strike New Jersey women at alarming rates. African American and Hispanic women experience even higher rates of these diseases than the general population.
“Because New Jersey women experience high rates of many serious illnesses, it is extremely important that information about and access to methods of prevention and treatment remain readily available to New Jersey’s women” said Senator Buono. “The FQHCs have made significant progress in encouraging women to take the steps necessary to reduce these disease risk factors.”
The FQHCs provide primary care services to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Approximately 46% of the 346,000 patients served by the FQHCs last year were women.
Senator Buono was recognized for her work as an advocate of women’s healthcare and for her support of quality, affordable healthcare for all of New Jersey’s families.
“I want to thank the NJPCA and the FQHCs for hosting this event as we recognize Women’s Health Week,” said Senator Buono. “Women’s healthcare has been a priority in New Jersey, and I am committed to ensuring that it remains one.”
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