Bernard P. Alicki Health Center makes it official

Bernard P. Alicki Health Center makes it official

L to r: Broward Health CEO Frank Nask, John and Lisa Zozzaro (Bernie’s niece), Health Center Nurse Manager Portia Anderson, Carol Hall, Director of Quality/Clinic Operations Scott DiMarzo of Broward Health Community Health Services, and Vice President of Broward Health Community Health Services., Jasmin Shirley.

By Audra Hodges

      Bernard P. Alicki made it his mission to bring healthcare to the homeless of Broward County. 

     Now, Broward Health’s Bernard P. Alicki Health Center, which hosted an official ribbon cutting on April 11, is doing just that. 

     Named after one of the area’s pioneers of healthcare for the homeless, the health center offers a clean, comfortable environment with enhanced privacy and security for patients. The construction of the new health center reflects Broward Health’s continued assurance to deliver high quality healthcare to residents of Broward County. 

     “This is our hearts’ work,” said Portia Anderson, nurse manager for Broward Health Community Health Services.

     The center, located at 1101 W. Broward Blvd. in downtown Fort Lauderdale, is more than 7,000 square-feet. It was funded through a $2.9 million Affordable Care Act Capital Development Grant.

     The center officially opened for business on January 28, 2013 and according to Ander-son, has treated a steady stream of patients since then.

     “I said a year ago, as I say today, Bernie is looking down on us and saying, ‘Good job and well done,’ said Jasmin Shirley, vice president of Broward Health’s Community Health Services.

     The multiphased construction project finished in April, just in time for more than 50 community members and local dignitaries to gather for the official ribbon cutting.

     “The Bernard P. Alicki Health Center underscores the deep commitment of the Board of Commissioners and Broward Health administration to ensure healthcare is available to everyone in the community,” said Frank Nask, Broward Health President/CEO. “This is our mission. It has been our mission for 75 years. And it was Bernie’s mission. We are proud to honor his memory with the dedication of this building.”

     Alicki’s niece Lisa Zozzaro attended the ceremony with her husband, John.

     “I sincerely thank Broward Health,” she said. “(Uncle Bernie) was very passionate about his work and never gave up on anyone. I’m almost speechless because this building in his honor is exactly the way it should be.”

     Broward Health Community Health Services seeks to improve the health of all the people it serves through its community and school based health centers.