The deadline to enroll in or change your health insurance plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector is Thursday, January 23, 2025. Apply now to make sure your plan starts on February 1, 2025.
Lowell Community Health Center’s Health Insurance Navigators are here to help! Call us at 978.937.9700 or visit us at 161 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA for assistance with your health insurance needs.
Visit the Health Connector’s renewal page to learn more and get started.
Extended Call Center Hours for Support
To help during the final days of Open Enrollment, the Health Connector’s Customer Service Call Center will have extended hours:
Tuesday, January 21, 2025: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 23, 2025: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Note: These extended hours are for the call center only. Walk-in centers will be open during normal business hours. For more information, visit the Health Connector Contact page.
What Happens After January 23?
If you miss the deadline, you can only sign up for health insurance if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This happens if you’ve had a big life event like losing your current insurance, having a baby, or moving.
Don’t wait! Call us at 978.937.9700 or visit today for help. Let’s make sure you have the health coverage you need.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/health-connector.png128395BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2025-01-17 09:36:562025-01-17 09:36:57Health Connector Open Enrollment Deadline: January 23, 2025
Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC), the healthcare home of choice for more than 38,000 patients from across Greater Lowell, is pleased to announce expanded hours in its Primary Care Departments beginningJanuary 6, 2025. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our patients by providing greater flexibility and convenience in accessing care.
Starting January 6, all Primary Care Departments will be open (by appointment):
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
These expanded hours will allow patients to access primary care services later in the evening, accommodating busy schedules and ensuring more opportunities for care.
The following hours remain unchanged:
Lowell CHC Pharmacy: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Patient Walk-In Center: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The health center remains closed on Sundays.
Lowell CHC offers a wide range of services, including:
Primary Care for adults, children, and families
Behavioral health and substance use services
Vision and dental care
School-Based Health Centers
Specialty care services, including HIV/AIDS care
Health insurance enrollment assistance
For more information about our services or to become a patient, please visit lchealth.org or call 978-937-9700. Lowell Community Health Center welcomes all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20240307_LCHC_00427-scaled.jpg17032560BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-12-19 13:59:462024-12-19 14:00:44Health Center Expanding Hours to Better Serve Patients
Lowell Community Health Center celebrated the official opening of its new School-Based Health Center location at Lowell High School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In attendance were Mayor Daniel Rourke, Superintendent of Lowell Public Schools Liam Skinner, Howard Amidon from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Nate Robertson from MassDevelopment, Lowell CHC CEO, Susan West Levine, along with and members of the Health Center’s School-Based Health Center and Executive Teams.
The new space within Lowell’s new High School provides a range of essential services for local youth, including physical exams, immunizations, behavioral health support, and preventive education. Following the ribbon-cutting, the School-Based Health Center team led tours to showcase the facility’s offerings.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_55589-scaled.jpg14402560BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-11-27 11:57:412024-11-27 11:59:19New School-Based Health Center Officially Opens
Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) has been awarded a $224,892 grant to implement the Digital Navigator Program, an initiative designed to enhance patient access to digital health services such as telehealth, MyChart, and mobile devices. The program will empower patients by overcoming digital access barriers and improving their ability to engage in their own care.
The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers recently presented Lowell CHC leadership, including CEO Susan West Levine, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kumble Rajesh, Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth Hale, and Chief Advancement and External Relations Officer Jennifer Meehan with the grant check. The Digital Navigator Program will allow Lowell CHC to recruit and train a full-time Digital Navigator for 18 months. This individual will support patients in navigating and using digital health tools, while also promoting patient portal – MyChart – engagement.
Key components of the funding include:
A full-time Digital Navigator for 18 months
Stipends for a Population Health Supervisor and Provider Champion
Support for using a texting platform to enhance patient engagement
Training and guidance from Link Health and Consortium partners
The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, represented by Susan Adams, VP of Informatics; Casey Squier, Program Manager; and Ruth Adade, Program Manager for C3, toured the Lowell CHC facility and met with key staff following the check presentation.
This grant is part of a broader effort to address health equity by integrating digital tools into patient care and empowering individuals to take control of their health through technology.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.png00BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-11-22 11:41:002024-11-22 11:41:01Lowell Community Health Center Receives $224,892 Grant for Digital Navigator Program
Annual Award Highlights Women Leaders’ Impact on Massachusetts’ Economy and Community Health
Boston (November 1, 2024) – The Women’s Edge, in partnership with The Boston Globe, has once again recognized Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) among the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts for a sixth consecutive year. This honor celebrates women-led organizations that drive substantial economic and societal contributions statewide. This year’s honorees collectively generated more than $124 billion in revenue, underscoring the critical role of women leaders in advancing the region’s economy.
“We’re thrilled to be honored by The Boston Globe and The Women’s Edge once again this year,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center. “This acknowledgment reflects our team’s commitment to serving the community with compassion and innovation. With our new pharmacy offering high-tech, multilingual service, the planned Health Justice Learning Institute aimed at creating future health career pathways for local youth, and our upcoming Family Medicine Residency Program addressing urgent workforce needs, we’re continually evolving to provide accessible, equitable care for Greater Lowell.”
UMass Lowell and Lowell CHC Teams at the Annual Top 100 Women-Led Businesses Breakfast on November 1, 2024.
Lowell Community Health Center congratulates UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, the other Lowell organization recognized on this year’s list, as well as Deb Fowler, Co-Founder and Executive Director of History UnErased, for receiving The Women’s Edge Impact Award. We are honored to be part of such a distinguished group making a meaningful impact throughout the Commonwealth.
Susan West Levine, who nominated Deb for this recognition, added, “I am incredibly proud to congratulate Deb Fowler on receiving The Women’s Edge Impact Award. Her leadership and dedication to inclusive education through History UnErased have transformed classrooms and empowered students to see themselves reflected in history. This award is a testament to her remarkable contributions.”
This is the 24th year that The Women’s Edge has curated the Top 100 list, in collaboration with The Boston Globe for the past twelve years. The selection process includes evaluating revenue or operating budgets, workplace diversity, board composition, and innovative projects.
About Lowell Community Health Center
Lowell Community Health Center, established in 1970, is the healthcare home of choice for more than 36,000 individuals in Greater Lowell. At the heart of our mission lies a strong commitment to offering comprehensive and culturally responsive healthcare services, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need, regardless of financial status.
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.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.png00BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-11-01 12:43:282024-11-01 12:43:30The Women’s Edge and The Boston Globe Name Lowell CHC Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts for 2024
Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is excited to announce the official opening of its new in-house pharmacy and the expansion of its Patient Walk-In Center. Located on the newly renovated first floor at 161 Jackson Street, these updates reflect a significant commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the community.
While the Patient Walk-In Center has long provided vital immediate care, the recent renovations enhance its capacity and functionality. The pharmacy, is a brand-new service, established to ensure that Greater Lowell residents continue to have convenient access to essential medication services following the closure of a large national chain pharmacy.
Faced with the prospect of leaving patients at risk of a pharmacy desert, Lowell CHC moved quickly to create a fully operational pharmacy, completing the project in just under one year. This action ensured that patients and the public could continue to access critical pharmacy services close to home.
“We knew that stepping up was the only option,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center. “Our patients depend on us for their health, and we could not let them down. This new pharmacy goes beyond filling prescriptions; it’s about breaking down barriers to accessing care and enhancing the overall patient experience.”
“For over half a century, Lowell Community Health Center has not only provided vital care but has grown alongside this community, standing as a beacon of health, compassion, and inclusivity,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “The opening of the health center’s expanded patient walk-in center and the new in-house pharmacy are critical to fulfilling Lowell CHC’s commitment to accessible, timely care. Lowell Community Health Center’s journey from an apartment-based clinic all those years ago to the thriving facility it is today is more than a story of growth – it’s a testament to the strength of our community and the power of a shared commitment to care.”
State Senator Ed Kennedy stated, “Affordable healthcare is a human right, and I am proud to support initiatives such as the Lowell Community Health Center’s new pharmacy and Walk-In Center that allow more residents of the First Middlesex Senate District to receive necessary health services regardless of their financial status.”
“Making access to healthcare equitable not only means expanding coverage, but also increasing availability for patients to get immediate care when necessary for their health care needs,” said State Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “Having served on the Lowell Community Health Center Board of Directors, then a staff member, and both my children are longtime patients, I know that in-house pharmacy and a walk-in center on site go a long way towards that goal and which clearly improve patient outcomes in almost every instance.”
“The work of Lowell Community Health Center and its partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels make projects like the new pharmacy and expanded patient walk-in center a reality for our community,” said State Representative Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “The commitment of the Lowell Community Health Center team to completing these projects is truly commendable.”
The new pharmacy features state-of-the-art automation technology, including prescription-filling equipment designed to streamline operations. The expanded space—now 1,600 square feet—supports prescription compliance by reducing potential barriers and offering culturally competent services in multiple languages. Additionally, this expansion reinforces Lowell CHC’s mission of providing wrap-around, patient-centered care to more than 36,000 patients who choose to call the health center their health care home.
The enhanced Patient Walk-In Center includes a repositioned and significantly enlarged waiting area, additional patient rooms, and improved triage spaces, all designed to meet the growing demand for accessible walk-in care.
The nearly $3.3 million combined investment in the pharmacy and Patient Walk-In Center reflects Lowell CHC’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare. The renovation of the Patient Walk-In Center was funded through federal and state grants, while the new pharmacy was supported by board-approved reserve funds. This project is another step in Lowell CHC’s nearly 55-year tradition of breaking ground on new initiatives to meet ever evolving patient and community needs.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_5514-scaled.jpg19202560BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-10-30 17:18:512024-10-30 17:18:52Lowell CHC Expands Access to Care with New Pharmacy and Enhanced Patient Walk-In Center
Lowell, MA (October 23, 2024) — Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is pleased to announce two new additions to its Executive Leadership Team: Patrick Curtin as Chief Financial Officer and Bawo Ebigbeyi as Chief of Staff.
Patrick Curtin, MHA, FACHE, LSSBB, brings extensive experience in healthcare finance and management. Most recently, he served as System Vice President of Finance & Revenue Cycle at North Country Healthcare in New Hampshire. Patrick has a strong background in supporting Federally Qualified Health Centers in Massachusetts (FQHCs) and Critical Access Hospitals, with a proven record of improving financial operations and enhancing community health initiatives.
Bawo Ebigbeyi, MBA, CPA, brings a wealth of experience in healthcare strategy and business performance to Lowell CHC. She previously worked at Anthem Inc., where she led strategic planning and helped develop a Health Equity framework for a Medicaid Health Plan business unit with over $11 billion in revenue. Prior to that, she contributed to the Clinton Health Access Initiative, working on efforts to improve health outcomes for children in Nigeria.
“We are thrilled to welcome both Patrick and Bawo to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell CHC. “Patrick’s extensive expertise in healthcare finance and operations will be key as we strengthen our post-COVID financial foundation and expand services like our new pharmacy. Bawo’s experience in strategic planning and health equity will be critical in leading our organizational strategy and performance, ensuring that our health center continues to meet the needs of our community.”
Patrick and Bawo will work closely with the rest of the leadership team to help advance the health center’s strategic goals, including supporting the ongoing launch of the new Lowell Community Health Center Pharmacy, as well as supporting the financial planning and implementation of the Family Medicine Residency Program and the Health Justice Learning Institute. The Family Medicine Residency Program is a future initiative that will train the next generation of healthcare providers with a focus on community health, while the Health Justice Learning Institute will provide training and education to promote health equity and create youth health career pathways.
“I’m looking forward to helping Lowell CHC grow and succeed by building a strong financial foundation that supports our vision for the future,” said Patrick Curtin. “My immediate focus is on ensuring a smooth launch of the new pharmacy so that our patients receive the best possible service. In the longer term, I’m eager to contribute to initiatives like the Family Medicine Residency Program and the Health Justice Learning Institute, where we can create pathways for people to enter health careers.”
“I’m thrilled to join Lowell CHC and be part of a team that’s truly committed to making quality healthcare accessible for all,” said Bawo Ebigbeyi. “I’m inspired by the impact our health center has on our community and humbled to support that purpose by ensuring strong organizational performance. By focusing on strategic goals—like empowering youth and addressing social determinants of health through the Health Justice Learning Institute, and developing the Family Medicine Residency Program to train future providers who truly understand our community—I am committed to advancing our purpose.”
About Lowell Community Health Center: Lowell Community Health Center, established in 1970, is the healthcare home of choice for more than 36,000 individuals in Greater Lowell. Central to our mission lies a strong commitment to offering comprehensive and culturally responsive healthcare services, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need, regardless of financial status.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bawo-Patrick-002.png28064691BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-10-23 14:11:152024-10-28 16:18:04Lowell CHC Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer and New Chief of Staff
Funding Will Expand Lowell CHC’s Initiative to Establish Youth Career Pathways and Revolutionize Community Programming
Lowell CHC is the recipient of a $5M grant by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation to expand youth-led community health solutions. The initiative aims to ensure all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
This award is part of the Youth as Health Care Change Agents grant program, a new initiative that funds community organizations in Eastern Massachusetts to establish youth health career pathways, while supporting youth to become health educators, health navigators, future health care professionals, and community health advocates.
In Greater Lowell, health is shaped by social and economic factors such as income inequality, education access, and housing stability. Since 1970, Lowell CHC has been actively providing trauma-informed preventive healthcare services and addressing these social determinants of health. For this initiative, Lowell CHC will be collaborating with Community Teamwork, Inc., Coalition for a Better Acre, Greater Lowell Health Alliance, MassHire, and Lowell General Hospital/Tufts Medicine.
Funding from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation will support Lowell CHC’s Health Justice Learning Institute™’s groundbreaking initiative of establishing youth health career pathways and revolutionizing programming to increase social connectedness, improve family health outcomes, support youth mental wellness, boost high school graduation rates and promote post-secondary educational attainment, and address substance use – all tailored to community needs. The program will also bring together numerous cross-sectoral partners and establish a Youth and Health Coalition in Lowell.
Sheila Och, Executive Director of the Health Justice Learning Institute and Chief Equity Officer of Lowell Community Health Center, stated about the grant: “We are deeply grateful for the support from Atrius Health Equity Foundation for our Youth Health Program (YHP). This program will focus on youth and their families, addressing health, economic security, and life expectancy.”
Och continued, “By leveraging the health center and our partners’ expertise in innovative, culturally responsive services and youth programming, we will create new health career pathways and improve health outcomes. In collaboration with our partners, the program will ensure youth are supported from all corners of our city. The Youth Health Justice Academy, part of our Health Justice Learning Institute, will offer opportunities for young people to explore health careers in a community health setting and through a health justice lens. By centering youth and their families, we aim to combat chronic diseases, enhance wellness, and drive systems change. This grant propels our vision of a just and healthy community.”
Lowell CHC is among eight awardees selected through a highly competitive and rigorous selection process shaped by community input. View the full list of awardees at www.atriusfoundation.org.
More information about the work underway at Lowell CHC can be found at www.lchealth.org.
About the Atrius Health Equity Foundation
Established in 2022 as an independent organization, the Atrius Health Equity Foundation carries forward Atrius Health’s historic focus on improving health outcomes for all. The Foundation’s grantmaking emphasizes collaboration and community leadership and seeks to achieve lasting impact by transforming systems to promote health equity with the ultimate goal of creating a future where everyone in Eastern Massachusetts lives a longer, healthier life. More information about the Foundation’s work can be found at www.atriusfoundation.org.
About Lowell Community Health Center: Lowell Community Health Center, established in 1970, is the healthcare home of choice for more than 36,000 individuals in Greater Lowell. At the heart of our mission lies a strong commitment to offering comprehensive and culturally responsive healthcare services, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need, regardless of financial status.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/atrius-final-logo-full-color@3x.jpg11251500BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-07-24 11:35:242024-07-29 09:14:00Lowell CHC Awarded Grant By Atrius Health Equity Foundation To Improve Health and Longevity In Greater Lowell
Lowell Community Health Center is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses: Sary Sem and Tiffany Yonhorn. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the extraordinary care and compassion they demonstrate daily. Presented during National Nurses Week, the DAISY Award honors those who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional nursing care. Sary and Tiffany have distinguished themselves by their commitment to patient well-being and their ability to inspire their colleagues. The award highlights their invaluable contributions to the Lowell Community Health Center and underscores our commitment to excellence in nursing.
This year’s ceremony marked the third annual presentation of the DAISY Award at Lowell Community Health Center, which was the first community health center in the nation to begin presenting the Daisy Award annually. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs nationwide to recognize the extraordinary care nurses provide every day. The awards were presented during a luncheon last week for the health center’s nurses as part of the National Nurses Week celebrations held from May 6 to May 12. This year’s theme, “Nurses Make the Difference,” honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every healthcare setting.
(L to R) Mary Wolfenden, Nurse Director of Family Medicine and the Metta Health Center, Dr. Kumble Rajesh, Chief Medical Officer, Susan West Levine, CEO, Tiffany Yonhorn and Sary Sem – 2024 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses awardees, Elizabeth Hale, Chief Operating Officer, Melanie Goyette, Nurse Director of Adult Medicine the Patient Walk-In Center and Specialty Care.
https://www.lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Image-5.jpeg450600BrentCa@lchealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lchc-logo-1.pngBrentCa@lchealth.org2024-05-15 16:54:352024-05-20 08:25:00Lowell CHC Announces 2024 DAISY Award Recipients
