Governor Healey and Mayor Rourke Officially Declare Health Center Week in Massachusetts and the City of Lowell

Lowell, MA – This week, Lowell Community Health Center held a community celebration to honor the health center’s 55th birthday. Attended by more than 200 supporters, elected officials, and community partners, the fundraising event was also part of this week’s national celebration of community health centers.

Collectively, community health centers are the United States’ largest network of primary care providers. In Massachusetts, about one in seven residents choose community health centers as their health care home. At Lowell Community Health Center, nearly one-third of all children in Lowell receive their care through the health center, which serves more than 41,000 individuals.  

The community celebration included a number of speakers, many of whom had personal connections to the health center.

Lowell Community Health Center CEO, Susan West Levine, noted, “We are the front door to integrated care – where you can see a doctor, nurse practitioner, a case manager, a mental health counselor and get your prescriptions or your glasses and if you need, your dental cleaning…all under ONE roof. We are the community health center for everyone in this community. Our doors are for everyone.”

Lowell Community Health Center Board Member, Bopha Som Boutselis spoke about The Power to Care and visiting the health center as a patient, “I still remember… walking into [the health center] and seeing yourself reflected in the faces of other patients and the staff. I saw a true reflection of our community. I was not afraid to ask questions because I knew someone would understand me and be able to answer me. That made me feel hopeful and relaxed. This is what Lowell CHC stands for in this community. That is The Power to Care.”

Governor Maura Healey sent the health center a proclamation—co-signed by Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin—declaring this week Massachusetts Community Health Center Week. In her proclamation, the Governor noted,

“Massachusetts Community Health Centers have created over 17,800 jobs, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, licensed family therapists and certified nurse-midwives, who work as part of multi-disciplinary clinical teams designed to treat the whole patient, and generated over $2,800,000,000 in total economic activity in 2021.”

Mayor Daniel Rourke, who attended the event in person along with City Council Vice Chair Paul Ratha Yem and Councilor Wayne Jenness, proclaimed August 4 through August 10, 2025, as National Health Center Week in the City of Lowell. In the official proclamation, he “encourage(s) all residents to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Lowell Community Health Center and to recognize its vital role in building a healthier… community for all.”

Representatives from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office, as well as from Congresswoman Lori Trahan’s office, were also in attendance. Each presented citations and notes on behalf of the members. U.S. Senator Edward Markey sent a citation to commemorate the week’s celebration. These citations included:

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren: “Since its founding, the Lowell Health Center has displayed meaningful commitment to providing exceptional healthcare and experiences to patients through competent and reliable service. Thank you for everything you do for your patients.”

U.S. Senator Edward Markey: Presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition,
“In honor of 55 years of providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare for Greater Lowell, dedicated advocacy on behalf of their patients, and outstanding and invaluable service to the community.”

U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan: Presented a Congressional Proclamation in Recognition of Lowell Community Health Center, which read in part, “The care provided by community health centers like Lowell CHC has never been more essential, offering not only medical treatment, but also connection, continuity, and compassion at a time when accessible health care is critical to both individual and community well-being.”

Massachusetts State Representative Vanna Howard, who also attended the event in person, presented the health center with a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, co-signed by Representatives Rodney Elliott and Tara Hong, as well as Speaker Ronald Mariano.

Representatives from the office of Massachusetts State Senator Ed Kennedy presented the health center with a Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate Official Citation, also signed by Senate President Karen Spilka, “In recognition of 55 years of providing medical care and services to over 41,000 patients in the Greater Lowell Area.”

CEO Susan West Levine emphasized the importance of elected support, “We couldn’t do the work we do without the support of our legislative delegations, and we are all so lucky to have them in Lowell, in Boston and in Washington fighting for and protecting healthcare access for all.”

About Lowell Community Health Center
Lowell Community Health Center, established in 1970, is the healthcare home of choice for more than 41,000 individuals in Greater Lowell. For 55 years, our mission has remained constant: to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to all—regardless of income or insurance status. Today, as we celebrate The Power to Care, we continue to bring together care and compassion under one roof. Our integrated model connects patients to medical, dental, behavioral health, vision, and pharmacy services—all designed to meet the evolving needs of our community.