Congressman Chris Smith recently toured the new Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry (CHEMED) on Madison Avenue in Lakewood, NJ. 
    The Congressman met with CHEMED board members and administrative officials to discusses the center's service to the residents of the Lakewood area, its rapid growth and its plans for the future expansion.
    CHEMED, is a federally designated 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that delivers of primary/ancillary healthcare and social services, information, and referrals. Its staff has knowledge of a full range of medical disciplines and community resources, governmental entitlements, and private sector programs. The medical division accepts traditional insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare, along with a sliding fee scale for those without coverage. Social services are provided free to the general public.
    Starting in 2006, Smith fought to have CHEMED designated as an official  Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), a designation it was granted in March 2009.