October 13, 2022

Funding the Expansion of Trauma-Informed Care in New Jersey

Holistic, trauma-informed practices are the foundation for person-centered care at Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC), the largest non-hospital based ambulatory care provider in Trenton, New Jersey, and an important key to advancing health equity.

HJAHC is a vital community resource in Trenton and Mercer County. A recent needs assessment indicated a 17-year gap between the highest and lowest life expectancy in the county. This stark difference indicates that health outcomes are unevenly distributed throughout the county. Trenton’s residents have higher rates of cancer, HIV, and other chronic conditions, as well as higher risk factors for adverse health than other residents in Mercer County. Additionally, over 27% of Trenton’s 83,000 residents are in poverty, creating economic barriers to primary care and increasing the likelihood of co-morbidities.

So, when HJAHC wanted to expand their trauma-informed care practices beyond traditional treatment to create additional safe spaces for mind and body care that is both therapeutic and restorative, they turned to the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) for help with financing.

PCDC recently closed on a $3.65M recapitalization loan to fund renovations and construction of new space for HJAHC’s main site, which was constructed in 1977. New space within the main site includes construction of a behavioral health counseling suite, three multi-purpose rooms for group therapy, patient education and provider and staff training, and expanded pharmacy.

“HJAHC is grateful to PCDC for its continued partnership,” noted Dr. Kemi Alli, Chief Executive Officer at HJAHC [pictured]. “Thanks to PCDC, HJAHC is able to increase access to holistic, person-centered care that understands and responds to the effects of trauma and creates opportunities for well-being for every person who walks through our doors.”

”We’re proud to work with HJAHC,” said William O’Brien, Managing Director of Capital Investment at PCDC. “PCDC is dedicated to uplifting health centers in providing high-quality, comprehensive, cost-effective healthcare and providing resources that contribute to thriving communities.”