Sweeney, Gopal, Houghtaling Tour VNACJ’s LGBTQ Center for Health & Wellness

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling toured the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) Community Health Center in Asbury Park. Their LGBTQ+ Center for Health & Wellness is the first program of its kind to provide services that address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. This includes having specially trained staff to create a safe space and ensure culturally sensitive communications and services.

“The VNACJ Community Health Center has provided high quality healthcare services to the region for more than two decades,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “I am proud to see the VNACJ create the first health and wellness center specifically designed to serve the LGBTQ community. The commitment displayed by the doctors and staff to ensure inclusivity and accessibility emphasizes their dedication to providing the best healthcare services to all.”

The VNACJ Community Health Center of Asbury Park collaborated with the Prevention Resource Network to open the shore area’s first LGBTQ+ Health Center. Their Health Center provides an array of comprehensive care and wellness programs in a safe, culturally competent environment.

“Initiatives like the VNACJ Community Health Center make me proud to represent Monmouth County,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “The opening of this LGBTQ+ health clinic in Asbury Park last year sent a clear message that all members of New Jersey’s diverse community deserve access to quality healthcare. I’m delighted that Monmouth County is home to the first LGBTQ+ health clinic in our state, and I look forward to seeing more open across New Jersey.”

“I am grateful to represent a place like Asbury Park, a town that prides itself on the inclusion of all peoples and cultures, particularly with members of the LGBTQ community,” said Assemblyman Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “This center is a testament to those values and hopefully can be an example for other nursing facilities and service providers around the state. I was proud to be there at the ribbon-cutting for the opening of this great facility and even prouder of the important work being done there.”

Opened in 1994, the VNACJ Community Health Center provides service to Asbury Park, Keyport, Red Bank and surrounding communities. They have achieved their success by providing high quality, cost-effective, comprehensive health care services by qualified, culturally sensitive and competent staff.