By J. Durett
Correspondent
EDISON—After receiving substantial pushback from residents on its original planned location, the Jewish Renaissance Foundation has opened a health center in the township.
The JRF Community Health Center, which is a federally qualified health center, is now based at Oak Tree Surgery Center on Oak Tree Road. Federally qualified health centers, which serve an underserved area or population, qualify for enhanced reimbursement from government medical insurance programs.
Last year, the JRF faced steep opposition from residents when it presented plans about its intent to establish the office at the Toth Center on Idlewild Road to the Township Council. Residents were concerned about losing public health resources available in the center as well as the potential for a high volume of patients. The JRF then decided to source a different location and had hoped to be up and running by March of this year. After some delays, the March opening became a September one.
“We’re still pretty new right now,” said Amanda Tse, planning and development coordinator for the center.
The community health center has one doctor on staff: Dr. Irina Zelikson.
Seven years ago, Zelikson was convicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
When asked about the past situation, Zelikson stressed that she was caught up at the time in an “unfortunate situation,” wherein she joined a practice that was already under federal investigation. She said she fully complied with authorities, which was reflected in her receiving probation and fines as opposed to jail time. She said she is eager to move on from the past and doesn’t want her history to jeopardize the success of the new practice, which is intended to help the homeless.
Tse said the JRF Community Health Center also has a licensed clinical social worker available, and dental services will be available in January. In the future, the JRF hopes to have a van to do outreach to connect with the homeless, she added.
“We’re still pretty new right now,” Tse said, adding that the center has reached out to various charitable and nonprofit organizations. “We have a lot of plans for growth.”
Tse said the JRF is offering all patients free office visits through Dec. 30. Otherwise, the facility charges on a sliding-scale basis.
The office takes walk-ins, and appointments can be made as well. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Tse pointed out that staff members speak various languages, including Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Chinese and Gujarati, and can assist those who don’t speak English.
Tse said the practice is looking to establish itself as a primary care provider for those in need of one. Services such as flu shots and blood testing can be done on site, and the practice can make referrals to specialists as needed.
Appointments can also be made on Saturdays to receive help with the federal open enrollment for medical insurance.
To find out more about the center, visit jrfnj.org/chc.
