By Suzy Dyer, Esq.
Parker Family Health Center joins in the deep sadness and long-standing pain felt by the African American community and others marginalized in our society. The Parker Center is named for the Doctors James Parker, Sr. and Jr., two black physicians who cared for the neediest of the Red Bank community from 1919 until the late 90’s. As was the policy of the day, the doctors were denied hospital privileges because of their race and this policy stood firm until the early 1950’s. Meeting their patients’ needs with early morning and weekend hours, the Doctors Parker cared for the community without regard to income, race or ethnicity.
In 1998, the model of inclusion displayed by the Parker doctors found new life when Dr. Eugene Cheslock, a retired oncologist, recognizing the need for accessible medical care in an underserved community, partnered with local politicians, businessmen and medical professionals to begin the journey of Parker Family Health Center. Today, a core staff at the medical facility is supported by over 150 volunteer doctors, nurses, interpreters and helpers. Now celebrating twenty years, both the Center’s volunteers and patient population include a diversity of races and heritages. All are welcome and all are cared for with compassion and dignity.
At present, Parker Family Health Center serves over 1700 patients annually. The Center provides primary care treatment for adults and children, including vaccinations, school and employment physicals, women’s care, and an extensive chronic disease program focused on hypertension and diabetes.
Going forward, Parker Family Health Center will leverage its platform as a community health provider to encourage open dialogue, to advocate for resources that will better serve the community, and to continue addressing the medical disparities in Monmouth County. Parker Family Health Center remains committed to the care and medical treatment of the underserved in Monmouth County regardless of race or ethnicity. Parker Family Health Center will continue in the tradition evidenced by the Doctors Parker. The health of all of us depends upon the health of each of us.
Suzy Dyer, Esq., CHC, is the executive director of the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the June 18-24, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
