Debra Giordano, VNA of Central Jersey Community Health Center board chair, (l) and Gary Linington, executive director, VNACJ CHC, congratulate Betsey Pepperman (center), named VNACJ Social Worker of the Year. RED BANK — Betsey Pepperman, of Long Branch, has been named 2010 Social Worker of the Year by the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ). The award was presented on March 23 at a ceremony where more than 50 VNACJ social workers who touch the lives of the most vulnerable individuals in every stage of life, from children to elderly, were recognized.

For more than 20 years as a VNACJ social worker, Pepperman has held several positions but found her specialty working with the prenatal programs at the Community Health Centers and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Initiative for Parents (TIP) Program.

As part of her responsibilities, she works with expectantmothers to promote prenatal health education, parenting skills and family well-being.

“I am honored and delighted to receive this award and to be recognized for the work I love doing,” said Pepperman. “I work with a great team at the VNACJ Community Health Center to support mothers and ensure they are receiving the best prenatal care possible.”

VNACJ Community Health Center has locations in Red Bank, Keyport, Keansburg and Asbury Park. In 2009 more than 600 women received prenatal care services from the center. The centers offer comprehensive primary care to adults, adolescents and children. Prenatal care is available at all sites except Keansburg. This family-focused, firstline care emphasizes health education and wellness. Services include physical exams, testing and screenings, immunizations, illness care and wellness services. Care is provided by nurse practitioners and physicians who are assisted by community health nurses. The centers are Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

To make an appointment at one of the VNACJ Health Centers, or for more information about prenatal service, contact the Asbury Park Health Center at 732-774-6333.