OHI shares in $3.6M federal health allocation

Lakewood-based Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI)is about to receive $358,333 in federal funds to support its services to uninsured patients and Medicaid subscribers.

The allotment is part of a $3.6 million Affordable Care Act allotment to nine New Jersey community health centers through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced today by shore Representative Frank Pallone (D-6). Fu

"Community Health Centers attend to hard-to-reach populations and are a vital community resource that have a significant impact in improving health in New Jersey," Pallone said in a prepared statement.

"This funding, which is yet another example of the positive and transformative impact the Affordable Care Act is having in New Jersey and across the country, will be instrumental in our efforts to continue serving those who need it most."

OHI, with additional offices in Toms River and Manahawkin, provides care, to underserved, uninsured and marginal-income patients. It's among 20 federally-supported centers in New Jersey serving a patient base estimate to be near 500,000, almost half of whom have no health insurance.

See the list of fund recipients here.