FORT LAUDERDALE — Broward Health’s Bernard P. Alicki Health Center hosted an official ribbon cutting aimed at doing what its namesake made it his mission to do: bring healthcare to the homeless 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, officials said, and was financed through a $2.9 million Affordable Care Act Capital Development Grant.
The center officially opened for business on Jan. 28 and, and according to Anderson, has treated a steady stream of patients since. “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 multi-phased 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.”
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