Rep. Frank Pallone spoke outside a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site in Asbury Park on Tuesday to tout a coronavirus bill.

The Democratic congressman is sponsoring a bill that includes $500 million for New Jersey - $80 million of that for vaccine distribution.

Community health centers like the Visiting Nurses Association in Asbury Park provide crucial medical needs for vulnerable members of the region and continue to offer vaccines for groups eligible and testing for all residents. The funding will allow community health centers to expand their vaccine programs and offer more doses once supplies increase.

News 12 New Jersey spoke to Pallone about the state’s vaccination rollout and why 40% of the current vaccine supply hasn’t been used.

“The federal government has not, in my opinion, done its job and coordinated this effort. So, you have these differences from state to state,” Pallone said. “All I can say is that I hope that now today is the beginning of the end for that so that we can actually see it's a national effort and the states aren't competing.”

The CEO of the Visiting Nurses Association Community Health Center says that they are ready to offer vaccines to whoever needs them.

“As the vaccines free up, as our supply increase, rest assured the VNA CJ Community Health Center – we are positioned, we are ready to expand significantly our vaccine deployment,” said CEO Christopher Rinn.

To increase the number of vaccinations and tests, the VNA Community Health Center will shift its building operations next week to the senior center located a short distance away on Springwood Avenue.