WOODBRIDGE, Va.– Congressman Gerry Connolly was in Woodbridge on Wednesday to celebrate National Community Health Center Week.
Appearing at the Greater Prince William Health Center in Woodbridge, a facility just off Prince William Parkway, run by Frank Principi who also doubles at the Prince William Woodbridge District Magisterial Supervisor, the congressman was joined by community members and children from the Prince William Boys and Girls Clubs who came for free health screenings, food, and fun.
“I believe healthcare is a human right and not a privilege. Your healthcare should not be about whether you can afford it or not,” said Connolly.
Principi, as well as other dignitaries including National Association of Community Health Centers Tom Van Coverden, presented Connolly with an award for his advocating for community health centers like this one.
Principi also receive accolades.
“This center was to be closed four years ago. People forget that, because there wasn’t enough money to keep it going. And then [Frank Principi] kicked in and said ‘yes we can,’” said Van Covcerden.
In its 15,000 square feet campus in an office park, the center is on track to serve 10,000 patients from across the Potomac Communities — some of the patients have health insurance and some go without — during 27,000 visits this year. It’s only a small fraction of the 27,000 residents of Prince William County who don’t have healthcare.
“We help to keep mom and dad at work, help to keep kids in school, and most importantly keep them all out of the emergency room,” said Principi.
Nationwide, community health centers like this one lessen the burden on hospitals, saving the national healthcare system $24 billion per year, he added.
Wednesday’s celebration was a part of National Community Health Center Week, when at the Woodbridge center free health screenings that are open to anyone will continue through Thursday.
On Tuesday, 187 adults screened for cholesterol, diabetes, mammograms, and other preventive health measures.
