FAU Community Health Center Receives Quantum Foundation Grant to Increase Healthcare Access in Westgate Community

The Westgate community has long been recognized as a vulnerable, medically underserved area in need of a location providing accessible and comprehensive health services. To help increase healthcare access for this community, Quantum Foundation recently awarded a grant of $205,000 to the FAU Community Health Center, a center of Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

The Center was established in January of 2014 to provide all-inclusive primary care and mental health services, as well as social services for children and adults in the underserved region.

“The grant will enable us to increase access to healthcare services offered in Westgate and will also increase the number of College of Nursing students who can contribute to the center and gain community healthcare experience,” said Eugenia Millender, director of the FAU Community Health Center. “We are so pleased Quantum Foundation has funded this important project, allowing us to expand our healthcare programs and train our future community-based healthcare workers.”

The Quantum Foundation grant will allow for a growth in the number of people with access to healthcare in Westgate; increase the number of early screening and prevention services provided in Westgate; and help to raise the number of College of Nursing students with community healthcare services experience.

“Healthcare is top of mind for many people in the county. Quantum Foundation is focused on ensuring that we have a robust pipeline of committed, highly-skilled healthcare workers for years to come,” said Quantum Foundation President Eric M. Kelly. “That passion for a healthcare career starts with our young people, and Quantum Foundation funds initiatives from primary and secondary schools through medical residency programs to ensure our communities benefit from a healthcare workforce that wants to practice and care for people right here in our county.”

With more than 750 patients served since opening its doors, the Community Health Center provides all-inclusive primary care and mental health services, including well-child services, chronic disease management, nutrition services, laboratory services and more. The Center also encompasses the FAU Diabetes Education and Research Center, which focuses on diabetes care and education for children and adults.

For more information on the FAU Community Health Center or to make an appointment, call 561-803-8880 or visit www.faucommunityhealthcenter.org.