Southbridge
Southbridge, MA – Community leaders and patients gathered today at Family Health Center of Worcester, Inc.’s satellite health center at 32 Orchard Street in Southbridge, MA for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion and grand re‐opening of Family Health Center – Southbridge’s Family Dental Practice. The Federally Qualified Community Health Center first opened medical and dental services in Southbridge in March of 2014 to provide access to care for low‐income families and individuals. The celebration today marked the second expansion of services in Southbridge in response to growing community demand since opening.
“Congratulations to the team at Family Health Center of Worcester as they celebrate the expansion and reopening of their facility in Southbridge today,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “These community health centers are vital across the state and our country as they provide quality care in rural areas. They are a proven, cost effective solution to America’s health care access challenges. Based on the growth of this facility, it is clear to see that these programs work. I am proud to be a longtime supporter of these initiatives.”
Congressman Neal cut the red ribbon to re‐open the renovated facility, along with Executive Director of the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge, and Charlton Mary O’Coin, President and CEO of Family Health Center Frances M. Anthes, Dental Director Dr. Martha Sullivan, and the entire dental team.
Family Health Center – Southbridge’s Family Dental Practice offers comprehensive, high‐quality oral health care for patients of all ages, regardless of patients’ ability to pay. During the past year 1,053 patients received dental care at the site.
“Family Health Center – Southbridge’s Family Dental Practice is meeting the community’s need for access to dental care,” said Frances M. Anthes, President and CEO at Family Health Center of Worcester, Inc. “Many of our patients in Southbridge had significant dental issues that required immediate attention. We work closely with our patients to improve their oral health which contributes to their overall physical wellbeing. This complements the medical care that we provide for our patients across the street at 29 Orchard Street.” Family Health Center ‐ Southbridge Family Dental Practice, Family Health Center offers Family Medicine at a practice site across the street at 29 Orchard Street in Southbridge. Anthes added that many community partners have supported the health center during the past four years, making this expansion possible.
In total, more than 2,200 local residents rely on Family Health Center ‐ Southbridge each year for medical and dental services. The health center receives federal, state and local funding to deliver care for all residents regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Family Health Center – Southbridge is operated by Family Health Center of Worcester, Inc. whose mission is to improve the health and well‐being of all residents in the Greater Worcester area, especially culturally diverse populations, by providing access to affordable, high quality, integrated, comprehensive, and respectful primary health care and social services, regardless of patients’ ability to pay. In Massachusetts, 50 community health centers with more than 300 locations provide access to high quality health care for 988,000 state residents.
For more information about Family Health Center – Southbridge, please visit:
www.fhcw.org/southbridge.
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