Leadership Archives - Lowell Community Health Center

October 24, 2025

The Women’s Edge and The Boston Globe Magazine Again Name Lowell Community Health Center Among the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts

Seventh Consecutive Year of Recognition Comes as Lowell CHC Celebrates 55 Years of The Power to Care

The Women’s Edge, in partnership The Boston Globe Magazine, has once again named Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts for 2025. Now in its 25th year, this annual list honors the women leaders driving Massachusetts’ economy and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.

This marks the seventh consecutive year that Lowell CHC has earned a place on the list under the leadership of Susan West Levine, CEO. As the organization celebrates its 55th anniversary, Lowell CHC continues to play a vital role in Greater Lowell’s health and well-being, serving more than 41,000 patients each year with care they can trust.

“We’re deeply honored to be recognized by The Women’s Edge and The Boston Globe Magazine,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center. “This recognition reflects the essential role community health centers play in the strength of Massachusetts. For 55 years, Lowell CHC has been a trusted partner in care, improving health outcomes, helping people stay healthy and productive, and contributing to the well-being of the entire Greater Lowell community. I’m incredibly proud of our team and the difference they make every day for this community.”

Lowell Community Health Center also congratulates UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen and Vinfen President and CEO Jean Yang, who were both also named to this year’s list. Together, both organizations exemplify the city’s continued leadership in innovation, health, education, and community impact.

Now celebrating its 25th year, the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts list recognizes organizations that make significant contributions to the state’s economy and civic life. This year’s honorees represent a wide range of industries, collectively generating billions in revenue and providing leadership that advances opportunity across Massachusetts.

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. Guided by The Power to Care, we provide comprehensive, high-quality care that ensures every patient is welcomed, understood, and supported. We offer a full range of services to help people stay healthy and connected to care—regardless of ability to pay.

About The Women’s Edge
The Women’s Edge, a Boston-based nonprofit, supports women in leadership by offering relevant programs and fostering a diverse community of high-performing leaders. Visit thewomensedge.org for more information.

March 12, 2024

Top Health Center Leaders and Federal Leadership Convene for ACH’s 3rd Annual Member Meeting

Senior leaders representing more than 30 of the nation’s largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) traveled to our nation’s capital to have a conversation about the future of the Community Health Center Program with high-ranking officials during ACH’s 3^rd Annual Member Meeting. This year’s meeting, held on March 5-7, 2024, came at a pivotal time for health centers who face continued uncertainty around reliable and long-term funding for the Health Center Program which serves more than 31.5 million patients nationwide.

Read the full story from ACH

March 20, 2024

Sheila Och Honored by The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy

Lowell Community Health Center is proud to announce that Sheila Och, Chief Engagement and Equity Officer, has been recognized by The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy (IHE) as part of their “Women Leading the Charge” feature for Women’s History Month. This distinguished acknowledgment celebrates Sheila’s exceptional contributions to advancing health equity within the community health sector in Massachusetts.

In the “Women Leading the Charge” feature, Sheila shares her invaluable perspectives alongside other influential women leaders. Her dedication to enhancing community health through cultural proficiency, comprehensive engagement, and a steadfast commitment to addressing the social, emotional, and cultural factors impacting healthcare sets a benchmark for leadership in health equity.

In receiving the recognition, Och remarked about community health centers, “We aim to actively engage our communities and collaborate in health initiatives, outreach programs, and health education. This engagement helps foster a sense of ownership and empowerment, centers our communities’ voices and strengths in our work, and advances our mission to bridge the gap in health disparities.”

Lowell Community Health Center is thrilled that Sheila’s work and the impact of our collective efforts are being recognized on such a prestigious platform. This accolade not only honors Sheila’s individual contributions but also highlights the critical role of community health centers in providing accessible, quality healthcare to underserved populations.

The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy is an initiative of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.

February 7, 2024

Jennifer Meehan To Lead Lowell CHC’s Advancement and External Relations Efforts

Lowell, MA (February 7, 2024) – Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is pleased to announce Jennifer Meehan as the organization’s new Chief Advancement and External Relations Officer. Jennifer brings not only established credentials as a fund development professional but also her passion as a community advocate, known for creating strategic, mission-driven initiatives.

Jennifer is adept in forging community connections and has a strong background in corporate communications and public relations. She previously worked in communications at organizations such as National Amusements, Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and Weber Shandwick, and joined Lowell CHC on February 5th.

Read the story in the Boston Business Journal.

Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center, shared, “2024 is a pivotal year for us as we plan significant programs like our Family Medicine Residency Program and Health Justice Learning Institute^Ó. Jennifer’s deep understanding and commitment to the Greater Lowell Community, along with her expertise, will be crucial as we create more healthcare jobs and expand primary care access for this community.”

Jennifer added, “As a long-time Lowell resident, I’ve seen the vital role Lowell CHC plays in this community. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what will be transformational change for this community – changes that will create a new standard in collaborative healthcare education, one that is deeply intertwined with the principles of health justice, cultural proficiency, and community engagement.”

Jennifer’s previous work, experience, and dedication to the field of behavioral health have made lasting impacts, work she plans to continue at Lowell CHC. She previously served as Director of Development at Lowell General Hospital, where her relationship-based fundraising significantly enhanced the hospital’s corporate giving programs. Her master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy complements her practical experience, providing a strong foundation in strategic planning and governance.

Jennifer’s dedication to the Lowell community is evident through her involvement in various boards promoting education for women and girls. Her work with the Academy of Notre Dame, Women Working Wonders, Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, and the Marty Meehan Education Foundation highlights her commitment to local service.

February 1, 2024

Lowell CHC Announces Promotions in Key Leadership Roles

Lowell Community Health Center (LOWELL CHC) is pleased to announce the promotion of three key members of our medical staff, each bringing their unique expertise and dedication to their new roles.

Dr. Natalie Bowen steps into the role of Chief of Pediatrics. Since joining LOWELL CHC in March 2020 as a primary care pediatrician, Dr. Bowen has demonstrated a deep commitment to providing comprehensive care to children. A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and alumnus of Children’s Hospital Colorado’s pediatric residency program, she has extensive experience in various clinical settings, particularly in team-based care. Dr. Bowen’s passion for working with diverse communities and addressing health disparities aligns perfectly with LOWELL CHC’s mission. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys gardening, reading, and outdoor activities with her family.

Dr. Ria Roberts has been appointed as the Medical Director for LOWELL CHC’s Program for Healthy Aging. A Yale-trained internist and Harvard-educated geriatrician, Dr. Roberts brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in geriatric care. Her approach is founded on the Geriatric “5 Ms” Framework: Mind, Mobility, Multi-Complexity, Medications, and Matters most. Dr. Roberts, who also serves as a part-time Clinical Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, has been a driving force behind the development of the Program for Healthy Aging, Lowell CHC’s first geriatric-focused clinic to address the complex needs of our older adults. Her dedication to diversity in medicine, astute leadership and comprehensive care philosophy make her an invaluable asset to the Lowell community.

Dr. Flora Sadri takes on the role of Medical Director, Substance Use Services, showcasing her extensive background in both clinical practice and public health. A graduate of Boston University and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Sadri has held notable positions in family medicine and addiction treatment. Her work has focused on developing outpatient alcohol withdrawal management programs and utilizing innovative methods for treating substance use disorders. Dr. Sadri’s involvement in medical societies like the Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Society of Addiction Medicine highlights her commitment to advancing addiction care. Dr. Sadri is board-certified in addiction medicine.

LOWELL CHC is excited to support Drs. Bowen, Roberts, and Sadri in their new roles and looks forward to their continued contributions to our community.

January 30, 2024

Dr. Cara Marshall Named Inaugural Director of Family Medical Residency Program

LOWELL, MA — [1/30/24] — Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is pleased to announce Cara Marshall, M.D., as the Inaugural Director of its planned Family Medical Residency Program. Dr. Marshall’s extensive academic and professional journey, particularly in social medicine and community health, positions her ideally for the directorship.

Read the article in The Sun for news coverage of this announcement.

The Family Medicine Residency Program will be a key component of Lowell Community Health Center’s planned Health Justice Learning InstituteÓ and is set to become only the second accredited Teaching Health Center in Massachusetts operated by a Federally Qualified Health Center.

“Dr. Marshall’s addition to our team is a significant milestone for Lowell CHC. Her background in family medicine, commitment to equity and community health, and her dedication to fostering educational rigor are exactly what we need,” stated Dr. Kumble Rajesh, Chief Medical Officer of Lowell CHC. “Our program will emphasize a healthcare education that is grounded in community needs, practitioner leadership, and antiracism, and Dr. Marshall will be instrumental in embedding these values into our new residency initiative.”

A graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine through an accelerated B.S./M.D. program, Dr. Marshall completed her residency at Montefiore Medical Center’s Residency Program in Social Medicine. She has been recognized with several accolades, notably the Family Medicine Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Marshall brings experience in curriculum development and resident supervision from her previous roles. She has contributed to several initiatives on diversity and health equity.

Dr. Marshall noted, “joining Lowell CHC is an extraordinary chance to impact the future of family medicine and the delivery of healthcare within the community. We will be training doctors in Lowell, for Lowell.”

The residency will occupy a state-of-the-art 16,000-square-foot facility on the 5th floor of Lowell CHC, opening its doors to six residents annually starting in 2026. By year 3, the Family Medicine Residency program will provide more than 5,000 residents of Greater Lowell with 18 new Primary Care Providers.

Program residents will hone their skills, fully aware of the impacts of the social determinants of health such as racism and privilege, alongside other members of the care team. Our distinctive programs and innovative modelÓ will empower our next generation of physicians to be collaborative and committed to equity in their practice. The Residency will help prepare a diverse workforce to meet the growing need for cultural proficiency in healthcare settings – meaningfully & sustainably. Earlier this year, Lowell CHC received a $500,000 planning grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for this residency program, developed in collaboration with Tufts Medicine. Collaborating with Tufts Medicine will enable Lowell CHC to meet rigorous accreditation standards which require resources beyond the health center, including inpatient hospital rotations for rounding, access to a medical library, and on-call rooms for residents to sleep during rotations. The medical residents will rotate between Lowell CHC and Tufts Medicine-affiliated hospitals, including Lowell General Hospital.

September 26, 2023

Dr. Alison Curcio Appointed as Chief of Patient Walk-In Center at Lowell Community Health Center

Lowell Community Health Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Alison Curcio as the new Chief of the Patient Walk-In Center. Dr. Curcio brings with her 18 years of frontline emergency medicine experience and specialized training in Simulation Medicine aimed at enhancing patient safety and care quality. She has also previously contributed to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, developing protocols for optimized medication use in Emergency Departments.

Dr. Curcio received her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, completed her medical education at Emory University School of Medicine, and subsequently pursued a residency in Emergency Medicine through the Harvard program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center, praised the appointment, stating, “We are exceptionally fortunate to have Dr. Curcio join our team. With her years of frontline emergency medicine experience and specialized training in Simulation Medicine, she brings significant expertise to our health center. Dr. Curcio will be instrumental in developing a service model that better guides patients to the most appropriate care settings, thereby reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. Her leadership will be key to expanding our Walk-In Center’s services to better meet the healthcare needs of our community.”

Dr. Alison Curcio expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am excited to work with such an incredible team at the Patient Walk-In Center, and at the health center, and to be able to continue and expand upon the tremendous services provided by the walk-in center.”

Dr. Kumble Rajesh, Chief Medical Officer of Lowell Community Health Center, highlighted the significance of her expertise, noting, “Dr. Curcio’s vast experience in emergency medicine will be invaluable in optimizing and expanding our services at the Patient Walk-In Center and to the patients we serve.”

About the Patient Walk-In Center

The Patient Walk-In Center offers a range of Immediate Care walk-in services for Lowell Community Health Center patients. Services include, but are not limited to, sick visits, joint injuries, stitches, assistance with sprains and back pain, treatment of skin infections such as poison ivy, non-severe allergy management, ear lavage, and on-the-spot testing for conditions like COVID-19, pregnancy, urinary infections, vaginal infections, sore throats, and flu.

Click Here – To learn about the Patient Walk-In Center and its hours.

January 19, 2023

Lowell Community Health Center Announces Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer

(Lowell, MA) – Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) has announced that Elizabeth Hale DNP, RN, CENP, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.

Dr. Hale currently serves as Lowell CHC’s Chief Clinical Officer overseeing all clinical operations including nursing, clinical pharmacy, infection prevention, quality, integrated care management, behavioral health, occupational health, school-based health centers, and laboratory services. In this new and expanded role, Dr. Hale will continue to provide oversight for these services, and in addition will work to assure that our health center operations are aligned and integrated across our organization, with a focus on patient access, equity, experience, and quality of care.  

“I am delighted that Beth has accepted this challenge,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell CHC. “Beth’s knowledge of health care operations and commitment to excellent patient care make her a tremendous leader for the COO role.”

Levine continued, “Beth will launch a broad, solutions-oriented operations team comprised of leaders across the organization that will focus on continuous performance improvement, identify timely solutions to operational challenges, ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, and provide a forum to respond to urgent matters as they arise.”   

Dr. Hale joined Lowell CHC in September 2015 as Chief of Clinical Services. During her tenure, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of New Hampshire and served as Incident Commander, successfully leading us, and our community, through the COVID pandemic response and, now, recovery.

Dr. Hale earned both her MSN in Nursing and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of New Hampshire. Prior to working at Lowell CHC, she served as Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Lawrence General Hospital and, prior to that, as Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. 

June 29, 2021

US Senator Elizabeth Warren Visits Lowell CHC

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren visited Lowell Community Health Center on June 29 to celebrate the work of the health center in our community, thank our staff for their frontline work on the COVID-19 pandemic, and to applaud the patient- and community-focused use of the $5.3 million in HRS) funding for COVID response and recovery, as well as the $800,000 for capital improvements to our first floor. Senator Warren echoed Lowell CHC CEO Susan West Levine’s passionate advocacy for long-term, stable funding for CHCs as a key component of public health. We are deeply grateful for Senator Warren’s support.

COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Report

As part of demonstrating Lowell Community Health Center’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and combatting racism, we are continuing to produce a COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Report. This report provides details from our vaccine distribution here at the Health Center.