North Hudson Health Leaders Warn of Shutdown’s Threat to Community Care

Giovanni Ahmad, Board Chair of North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC), and Rebecca Acosta, the agency’s Executive Vice President, are warning that the federal government shutdown is putting critical health and social services at risk for thousands across North Jersey.

NHCAC, a federally qualified health center serving the region since 1965, sees more than 268,000 patients annually, regardless of their insurance status. Ahmad, who also serves as Weehawken’s township manager, emphasized the organization’s wide reach and local roots.

“Our role in the community is multifaceted,” Ahmad said. “We provide health care, social services, homelessness prevention—you name it, we’re there. We’re a staple in the community.”

Acosta added, “We’re a one-stop shop. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll help you find it. We make sure people know they can still come to us even if their insurance lapses.”

Leaders outlined major concerns about disruptions to WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), which supports at least 1,500 families in the northwest area, and the broader consequences of delayed care.

“If you skip a $3 medication for months, it can snowball into serious issues that land you in the ER,” Ahmad said. “That’s a $6,000 visit that could have been avoided with a $20 appointment.”

About 80% of NHCAC’s patients are on Medicaid. Staff frequently encounter families who discover during appointments that their coverage has lapsed. Many fear they cannot afford services, unaware that NHCAC offers sliding scale fees and payment plans.

“This fear is harming community health,” Acosta said. “If people are scared to make appointments or don’t know what documents we’ll ask for, they won’t come in—and that only makes things worse.”

Ahmad urged policymakers to consider the full scope of the shutdown’s impact.

“This affects everyone—insured, underinsured, and even people with workplace coverage,” he said. “Rising premiums and reduced federal support are forcing families into coverage gaps.”

NHCAC encourages the public to support their mission by seeking services, advocating to elected officials, and sharing accurate information.

“We’re not just for the uninsured,” Acosta said. “We meet hospital-level standards. We’re audited regularly, and 90% of our 750 employees live in the communities we serve.”

Walk-ins are welcome at any of NHCAC’s 10 health centers across Hudson, southern Bergen, and Passaic counties. For services, call 201-210-0200 or visit nhcac.org