Free Health Clinic Available for Poor, Uninsured

By Barbara Perone
Due to extended unemployment, with no end in sight, many New Jerseyans have actually lost their lives over the past few years. When their medical insurance ran out, they simply could no longer afford to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses.
But, access to free health care for the poor and uninsured is here and apparently it has been for several years.
Since 2003, Zarephath Christian Church in Somerset has been operating the Zarephath Health Center, located at 595 Weston Canal Road. The clinic, staffed by volunteers, was created by two local, physicians, a husband and wife team, Drs. Alieta & John Eck.
Frustrated by the inadequacy of the state’s health insurance system, the doctors wanted to provide a clinic where they could use donated: funds, equipment, medications, and services to meet the needs of those who need medical attention.
While the clinic is closed Friday to Sunday, it’s open Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
One Tuesday night each month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a clinic pediatrician is available to examine children only. To make an appointment, call 732.537.0737.
For further information about how to qualify to receive medical attention at the clinic, send a fax to 732.537.0738, email ZHCenter@aol.com, or visit www.zhcenter.org.
Directions from 287 South
Take Exit 12, turn left onto Weston Canal Road. Travel two miles. Drive past a school building on the left. Look for the center’s sign and make a left into the driveway. Park to the left and enter the clinic, located between two modular buildings.