Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center Celebrates Grand Opening of State-of-the-Art Annex

Rockaway Peninsula, NY—Today, Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center (JPAFHC) celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed annex facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bringing together health center leadership, dedicated staff, board members, government officials, community partners, and local residents, the event marked the official opening of a transformative expansion.

Initially breaking ground in 2013, the annex project has completed a 44,000-square-foot, LEED-certified extension adjacent to the existing JPAFHC site at 6200 Beach Channel Drive. The expansion includes 21 new exam rooms, enhanced clinical and administrative spaces, 25 off-street parking spaces, and 7,000 square feet of green space — all designed to meet the highest standards of accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability.

“This annex is more than a building–it’s a beacon of progress, access, and care,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, CEO of JPAFHC. “It represents over a decade of unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes and removing barriers to care. This new space allows us to expand our services, reduce wait times, and create a more seamless patient experience. I am proud of our team, grateful to our partners, and energized by what’s ahead.”

Constructed while the existing healthcare center remained fully operational, the facility includes new testing areas, labs, conference rooms, ADA-compliant elevators and bathrooms, upgraded infrastructure, and life-safety systems. This carefully phased development, done to ICRA standards, ensured that patient care remained uninterrupted throughout construction.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, a long-standing champion of equitable healthcare in Queens and a key supporter of securing federal funding for the project, was on hand to commemorate the opening.

“I have always been an advocate for providing the Addabbo Family Health Center with adequate federal funding to serve the growing and diverse population of the Rockaways,” Congressman Meeks said. “Investing in the facility’s expansion allows for healthcare personnel to improve their medical services for patients and continue providing them with the quality care they deserve. 

New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., whose father the health center is named after, also offered his support. “I am proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement for Rockaway and our community,” said Senator Addabbo. “The new annex of the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center represents a significant step forward in expanding access to quality healthcare for all residents. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances our healthcare infrastructure but also underscores our commitment to ensuring every individual in our community receives the care they deserve—close to home, with dignity and compassion. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this vision a reality. The Addabbo family is immensely proud of the work done at the center, the dedicated efforts of its staff, and the credible expansion of my father’s vision for local, accessible, affordable, exceptional healthcare.”

The event also included remarks for Board Chair Betty A. Leon, COO Arlene Rodrigez, and local community advocates who have supported the health center’s growth.

With the annex now open, JPAFHC reaffirms its mission to serve the whole person and community with comprehensive, affordable healthcare delivered with integrity, respect, and excellence.

Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc. (JPAFHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to transforming value-based care servicing communities of Southeast Queens (Rockaway + Jamaica), and Red Hook Brooklyn. For decades, JPAFHC provides comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare services, ensuring equitable access to high-quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and social support programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Health Center continues to address chronic disease management and improve health outcomes by integrating advanced technology and fostering strong provider-patient relationships. As one of the leading FQHCs in NYC, its commitment extends beyond healthcare. To learn more about Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., visit www.addabbo.org.