Garden State Times

On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners joined Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Health Department Director Caryelle Lasher, and the Center for Family Services to unveil the HealthFirst Care & Wellness Center at the Wiggins Center. The clinic will provide sexual health and immunization services that are confidential and free of charge for patients.

The clinic is housed in the Wiggins Center, formerly the US Wiggins College Preparatory Lab Family School, now operating as a community hub offering educational, economic, and workforce development programs as well as youth and young adult weekend activities, connections to social services, and more.

“The Wiggins Center has completely transformed into a one-stop shop for critical resources and services in Camden City,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Health Department. “And now we are expanding these services even further by including the HealthFirst Care & Wellness Center. Everyone, regardless of income or circumstances, deserves access to quality healthcare and we are so happy to know that we can provide that to our residents at this facility.”

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen discussed what the Wiggins Center aims to accomplish in the city.

“The goal of the Wiggins Center is to nurture our residents in all aspects of their lives,” Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said. “We are meeting them where they are at and providing them with resources needed to live full, happy, and healthy lives. The addition of the HealthFirst Care & Wellness Center will further aid us in moving our community in the right direction. I am so excited to see all the growth that has occurred here at the Wiggins Center since its launch last September and I only expect great things from this facility in the future.”

Sexual health services are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment necessary; walk-ins are welcome. Immunization services are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only. To schedule an immunization appointment, call 856-931-2700.

“Breaking down barriers to accessing quality healthcare is key to ensuring residents' health and wellbeing,” said Caryelle Lasher, director of the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “With this clinic, it is our hope that residents who may have difficulty regularly accessing care can easily attain sexual health and immunization services along with social health education and referrals.”

In addition to the health clinic, several programs currently operate at the Wiggins Center:

- The Financial Opportunity Center – A team of financial empowerment coaches provides services supporting residents in building effective financial habits through education.

- NJ4S – Staff office location providing prevention and early intervention services to Camden City schools.

- Reengagement Center – Connects youths who have dropped out of high school with pathways to obtain a diploma or provides wraparound social supports.

- CCPD open gym nights on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To view photos from the event [click here].