Kennedy CHC Presents its Annual Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Awards
Dr. Stephen Tosi, President, UMass Memorial Medical Gr oup to receive individual award MetroWest Health Foundation to receive organization award

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) announces that it will present the 2016 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Award on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Mechanics Hall. Dr. Stephen Tosi, President of the UMass Memorial Medical Group, will be acknowledged for his leadership in strengthening the health care delivery system in the greater Worcester community. The MetroWest Health Foundation will be acknowledged for their efforts in being a catalyst for health and wellness in the communities they serve. Congressman James P. McGovern will be on hand for the awards event to share his thoughts on healthcare and this year’s awardees.

Kennedy CHC launched the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Award program last year in recognition of the 50^th Anniversary of Community Health Centers nationwide. The Award was established to recognize one individual and one organization making an impact on the health of our community.

Event sponsors include our Healthcare Champion: UMass Memorial Healthcare; Healthcare Trailblazers: Fallon Health, the Mass League of Community Health Centers; and Healthcare Friends: Alexander Aronson Finning, CPAs, Akuity, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mirick O’Connell, Neighborhood Health Plan, Senior Whole Health and TD Bank. For information about the event contact marketing@kennedychc.org

 

 

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) announces that it was recently honored by The Joint Commission and the Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Health Care as one of a select group of health centers nationally that have attained and maintained ambulatory care accreditation for over twenty years.  In addition, the Health Center’s President and CEO, Antonia McGuire and its COO, Leah Gallivan, were recognized for their significant contributions to accreditation and Patient Centered Medical Home Certification.

Kennedy CHC, with its flagship medical facility located in Worcester, is accredited by both The Joint Commission and HRSA, and is certified as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home.  It serves over 27,000 patients in Central Massachusetts and MetroWest through three medical sites, two optometry practices, three dental sites and five school based health centers.

About The Joint Commission

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

About HRSA

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving health and achieving health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce and innovative programs. HRSA’s programs provide health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable.

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) will be hosting its first ever 5K Walk and Health Fair on Saturday, June 4, 2016, sponsored by Neighborhood Health Plan.  The walk, entitled, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Kennedy CHC Walk for a Healthier Community,” will kick off with a welcome from City Manager, Ed Augustus and a patient testimonial at Kennedy CHC’s flagship medical facility located at 19 Tacoma Street in Worcester. Walkers will then proceed through Great Brook Valley, out onto East Mountain Street and back around to Tacoma Street.

The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness of and financial support for the work of Kennedy CHC, as well as draw attention to the needs of its patients, many of whom live in the public housing complex where the walk will take place.  This event will also help to remove the stigma of both the community health center movement and the patients it serves, most of who are low-income, under- and uninsured individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

During the walk, there will also be a health fair from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring table exhibits and activities from community organizations including health and wellness information, face painting, giveaways and more.

What: Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Kennedy CHC Walk for a Healthier Community
5K Walk and Health Fair

When:  Saturday, June 4, 2016
Registration 8:30 a.m.
Health Fair and Kick Off 9:00 a.m.

Where:  19 Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA

For information contact marketing@kennedychc.org

The Avidia Charitable Foundation recently donated $1,000 to the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center. Presenting the check from L-R: Kristin Costello, Clinton Branch Manager of Avidia Bank; Antonia G. McGuire, President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center; Mark R. O’Connell, President & CEO of Avidia Bank. This donation is to help purchase a new autoclave for the dental clinic in Clinton.

Avidia Bank is a $1.2 billion mutual community bank, headquartered in Hudson, with branches in Hudson, Westborough, Clinton, Leominster, Marlborough, Northborough and Shrewsbury.

Kennedy CHC Highlighted in Healthcare Equality Index 2016

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center Named as “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by National Survey

Worcester, MA –April 11, 2016 – The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.

The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

Kennedy CHC earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

Kennedy CHC is one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.  Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming healthcare.  Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign.  “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Kennedy CHC for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center announces that it has received and installed original artwork at its flagship medical facility, located at 19 Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA. Through The Art Connection, a Boston non-profit, Kennedy CHC received artwork from local artists and donors.

The partnership between Kennedy CHC and The Art Connection led to the placement of artwork in the Milford, MA and Framingham, MA medical sites. Artwork displayed at the Worcester site will be viewed by the over 18,000 patients served per year in Medical, Dental, Pharmacy and Behavioral Health departments.

About The Art Connection: The Art Connection was established in 1995 by Fay Chandler, a painter and sculptor working in Boston since the early 1970s.  As Fay considered what to do with some of her inventory of work, she became convinced that the best result would be transferring it to interested social service organizations in the community that have no funds for purchasing art. Learn more at https://www.theartconnection.org/

About Kennedy CHC

The mission of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) is to “help people live healthier lives.”  We believe that everyone has a right to accessible, high quality, comprehensive, integrated and compassionate health care. As a community health center, Kennedy CHC has always provided comprehensive care to its patients, who are at disparate risk for chronic disease and poor health outcomes. Our vision is to be a constantly growing, financially sound, Federally Qualified Community Health Center.

Founded in a Worcester housing project as the Great Brook Valley Health Center in 1972, today Kennedy CHC has three medical facilities, four dental sites and six school-based clinics serving residents of Worcester, Framingham, Clinton, Milford, and the surrounding communities of MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Currently over 28,000 patients of all ages receive care and service through Kennedy CHC’s medical home model of care which provides a comprehensive approach to primary care, urgent care, medical specialties, nutrition counseling, dental, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, health education and youth development programs.

Named as “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by National Survey

Worcester, MA (December 7, 2015) – The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.  The honor is given to facilities that meet LGBT-inclusive benchmarks that are part of the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, a unique survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

Kennedy CHC earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

The Health Center is one of a select group of healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming healthcare. Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign.  “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Kennedy CHC for its tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

About Kennedy CHC

The mission of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) is to “help people live healthier lives.”  We believe that everyone has a right to accessible, high quality, comprehensive, integrated and compassionate health care. As a community health center, Kennedy CHC has always provided comprehensive care to its patients, who are at disparate risk for chronic disease and poor health outcomes. Our vision is to be a constantly growing, financially sound, Federally Qualified Community Health Center.

Founded in a Worcester housing project as the Great Brook Valley Health Center in 1972, today Kennedy CHC has three medical facilities, four dental sites and six school-based clinics serving residents of Worcester, Framingham, Clinton, Milford, and the surrounding communities of MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Currently over 28,000 patients of all ages receive care and service through Kennedy CHC’s medical home model of care which provides a comprehensive approach to primary care, urgent care, medical specialties, nutrition counseling, dental, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, health education and youth development programs.

Frank Saba, CEO, Milford Regional Medical Center and Dismas House Awardees

 The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) announces that it presented Mr. Francis “Frank” Saba, CEO Milford Regional Medical Center, and Dismas House of Massachusetts with the first Annual Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Award on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Mechanics Hall.  Dr. Jean MacCormack, President of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate, was on hand for the awards event and shared her perspective on the legacy of the late-Senator.

Kennedy CHC launched this program in recognition of the 50^th Anniversary of Community Health Centers nationwide.  Each year the organization will use this event as an opportunity to recognize one individual and one organization making an impact on the health of our community.

Among his many accomplishments as CEO for Milford Regional Medical Center for over 25 years, Frank Saba was instrumental in bringing Kennedy CHC to Milford to help address the lack of primary care services in this region. His leadership in this effort demonstrated his commitment to the community and in just a year and a half over 3,000 patients have been able to access health care at Kennedy CHC’s medical facility in Milford. As a premiere organization dealing with reconciled prisoners in our Commonwealth, Dismas House was recognized for its work in assisting individuals recently released from prison reintegrate themselves into society.  Former prisoners are welcomed by Dismas House staff and volunteers who believe that care and compassion can make the difference for these prisoners as they start of a new life.

Event sponsors included Healthcare Champions Matthew and Laurie Hogan;  Healthcare Trailblazers: Mass League of Community Health Centers, Milford Regional Medical Center, Neighborhood Health Plan and Tufts Health Plan; and Healthcare Friends: Advocates, Anna Maria College, Consigli Foundation, Hanover Group Foundation, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Lamoureux Pagano and Associates, Oliva’s Market, Spectrum Health Systems, TD Bank, UMass Medical Center, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Worcester Business Journal.

L-R: Wendy Saba, Toni McGuire, President and CEO, Kennedy CHC, Frank Saba, Honoree, CEO Milford Regional Medical Center, Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, Board Chair, Kennedy CHC

L-R Toni McGuire, President and CEO, Kennedy CHC, Dave McMahon, Honoree, Co-Executive Director, Dismas House, Ann Rise, Dismas House, Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, Board Chair, Kennedy CHC

Dr. Jean MacCormack: President, Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

Health centers across the US participate in National Health Center Week

BOSTON – August 5, 2015 – Community health centers across the nation and in Massachusetts kick off National Health Center Week, August 9 – 15, 2015. The community-led health care movement started in Massachusetts 50 years ago with the founding of the nation’s first community health center at Columbia Point in Dorchester. In Worcester, the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center serves over 28,000 patients a year and is the largest CHC in Central Massachusetts.

As part of the national celebration, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and its 49 members across the Commonwealth will hold local health fairs and events, take to social media, and promote a new webpage.

The first community health center was founded in 1965 at Columbia Point in Dorchester, MA, and spurred a movement to increase the general health of individuals by addressing poverty-causing conditions. Over the last 50 years, innovations that were first introduced at community health centers – such as the development of preventative health services and programs for assisting patients with the management of chronic illnesses — have become standards of care across the American health system. There are now over 1,200 community health centers across the U.S. serving residents in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

“Since the launch of Columbia Point Health Center in 1965, community health centers have been focused on improving the overall health and well-being of their patients,” said James W. Hunt, Jr., president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. “Health centers pioneered some of the important quality and cost saving measures we talk about today. For example, our understanding of the importance of primary and preventive care, patient-centered medical homes and coordinated care – all originated with community health centers 50 years ago.”

To mark the 50^th anniversary, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers is hosting a variety of activities over the next four months. The League is partnering with the University of Massachusetts Boston to study the health center network’s impact over its history and identify the next big public health challenges that health centers would be uniquely poised to address. In November, the League will host a day-long 50^th Anniversary Celebration at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate.

In 1965, physician activists H. Jack Geiger and Count D. Gibson Jr. recognized social, political and economic challenges greatly impact the overall health of a community. Developing a new model to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality health care, Geiger and Gibson founded two community health centers, the first in the Columbia Point section of Dorchester, MA, and the second in Mound Bayou, MS.

Community health centers expanded nationwide after Senator Edward M. Kennedy visited Columbia Point Health Center in 1966. Impressed with the community-focused model of care, Kennedy introduced an amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act, directing $51 million in funding for the development of additional health centers across the country. Fifty years later, Massachusetts’ 49 community health centers make up the Commonwealth’s largest primary care network and serve more than 889,000 patients, or one in eight state residents.

For more information on the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers visit www.massleague.org. Follow the League on Facebook and on Twitter, @MassLeague. National Health Center Week is supported by the National Association of Community Health Centers.

Worcester, MA (July 6, 2015) The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) announces that its new Worcester optometry practice officially opened on Monday, July 6, 2015.  Kennedy CHC’s optometry practice was expanded in partnership with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) to address access issues related to vision care services in Worcester, as well as to provide a clinical site for MCPHS doctor of optometry (OD) students to practice their learned skills. Congressman James P. McGovern was the honored guest at the opening event.

With an eight-month wait list for Kennedy CHC patients to see its one optometrist, Kennedy CHC entered into the partnership with MCPHS in an effort to expand services while meeting the clinical requirement for the University’s OD students.  MCPHS has provided the clinical equipment, students and preceptors; Kennedy CHC is providing the space and patients, and will keep the revenue thus making the expanded services sustainable over the long term.

Kennedy CHC built out the new space and infrastructure for the expanded optometry practice at its 631 Lincoln Street, which also houses community programs, a call center and a nurses’ triage area.  The renovation of the facility resulted in five exam rooms to accommodate Kennedy CHC’s one optometrist and four students and preceptors from MCPHS, in addition to a specialty exam room, optical shop and waiting area. The cost of the build-out was generously supported in part by the George I. Alden Trust, the Fletcher Foundation, the Stoddard Charitable Trust and The Health Foundation of Central Mass.