November 24, 2025
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.
August 8, 2025
Community Comes Out to Support Lowell Community Health Center Patients and Staff
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.
June 6, 2025
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BrentCa@lchealth.org2025-06-20 15:31:532025-06-20 15:34:19Lowell CHC’s Lorna Kiplagat Named 2025 Statewide Community Health Worker of the Year
May 5, 2025
Lowell CHC, Lowell Public Schools, and Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Collaborate to Deliver Care to Kids
For families with limited transportation and busy schedules, getting to the doctor’s office for routine checkups can be a challenge.
To bring care directly to Lowell children, Lowell Public Schools, UMass Lowell’s Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences and the Lowell Community Health Center joined forces to launch a Mobile Health Unit. The “clinic on wheels” travels to Lowell community schools, providing K-12 students with access to services such as checkups, sick visits and vaccinations.
At a Mobile Health Unit ribbon cutting at the Greenhalge Elementary School on May 5, local officials celebrated the launch of the community initiative.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with our community partners to meet children where they are, breaking down barriers to care while providing experiences for our health sciences students,” said UMass Lowell’s Mary Gallant, dean of the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.
Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Liam Skinner praised the power of the partnership.
“In Lowell, this is what we do,” Skinner said. “We join together to find solutions to difficult problems. Thank you to everyone who made the Mobile Health Unit possible for our children and their families.”
Outfitted with two private exam rooms, a vaccination and blood collection area, and equipment to monitor vital signs, the Mobile Health Unit is staffed by Lowell Community Health Center licensed health care providers and community health workers. The unit will be a setting for career-connected experiences for UMass Lowell students. Students in the Solomont School of Nursing will earn clinical hours by assisting in delivering care, and students from all majors will collaborate to provide workshops that promote healthy living in areas such as nutrition, stress management and physical activity.
Susan Levine, CEO of the Lowell Community Health Center, said her team was exploring ways to expand school-based health care beyond their clinics at Lowell High School and Stoklosa Middle School when she learned UMass Lowell had a Mobile Health Unit and was looking for community partners.
“On day one, our team was delivering vaccines and helping families connect to primary care,” Levine said. “That’s the kind of access this mobile unit makes possible. Students can step into the unit, get the care they need, and return to class – healthy and ready to learn. We are grateful to UMass Lowell and Lowell Public Schools for helping to turn this vision into a reality.”
UMass Lowell’s Nicole Champagne, Zuckerberg College associate dean for academic affairs, worked closely with faculty and partners to bring health services to the children and youth of Lowell.
“We always had this vision that we’d use the Mobile Health Unit to travel to places where people are in need and immerse our students in community care,” Champagne said. “I’m grateful to all my colleagues and partners who united for the common good of our community.”
May 8, 2025
Lowell Community Health Center Honors 2025 DAISY Award Recipients for Extraordinary Nursing
Lowell Community Health Center is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses: Bridget Porter of Adult Medicine and Sophornna “SO” Nuon of the PASS (Cariño) Department. Presented during National Nurses Week, the DAISY Award is a national recognition that honors nurses who provide extraordinary care with compassion and dedication.
This year’s honorees represent the best of Lowell CHC’s mission in action. Both Bridget and Sophornna are known for the unwavering compassion they show patients and the steady support they offer their colleagues every day.
“Bridget and Sophornna are examples of what it means to lead with compassion and respect,” said Elizabeth Hale DNP, RN, CENP, Chief Operating Officer of Lowell Community Health Center. “Bridget is someone her colleagues rely on without hesitation—whether it’s helping a new teammate or bringing calm during a hectic moment. And Sophornna is that rare kind of caregiver whose empathy shows in every interaction —from taking extra time to explain a diagnosis to singing softly to help ease a patient’s fear. Their peers see them not just as nurses, but as role models.”
According to peer nominations, Bridget Porter is someone who “always goes above and beyond to ensure her patients’ needs are fully met.” Team members described her as “the one everyone turns to when things get stressful” and praised her calm demeanor, constant willingness to help, and leadership by example. She was also commended for mentoring new staff, jumping in wherever needed, and creating a supportive environment where patients and colleagues feel valued and cared for. Her coworkers consistently described her as compassionate, patient-focused, and uplifting.
Sophornna Nuon, affectionately known as “SO,” was similarly recognized by his colleagues for the compassion and calm he brings to his work. As shared in multiple nominations, he is known for singing to frightened patients, helping unhoused individuals access care, and offering kindness and support in every interaction. His peers called him a “natural leader” and “the purest soul,” highlighting how his calm presence and clinical skill make patients feel safe and respected—especially in sensitive situations.
The DAISY Award was created by the DAISY Foundation to honor the exceptional work nurses do every day. Lowell CHC is proud to have been the first community health center in the nation to present the award annually. This year marked the fourth year of honoring our nurses with the DAISY Award during National Nurses Week, held from May 6 to May 12.
The awards were presented during a ceremony recognizing this year’s honorees and the vital role nurses play at Lowell CHC.
About the DAISY Award
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was established in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses whose clinical skill and compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that patients and families, as well as staff, remember and celebrate. Learn more at www.DAISYfoundation.org.
February 11, 2025
Lowell Community Health Center to Launch Community Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit to Bring Lifesaving Services Directly Lowell Residents
Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is expanding its reach beyond clinic walls with the launch of the Community Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit, bringing essential health services directly to those who need them most. This initiative is made possible through the generosity of the Robert K. Kraft Family Foundation and in collaboration with The Kraft Center for Community Health at Mass General Brigham, reinforcing a shared commitment to addressing community health needs through innovative, on-the-ground solutions.
The Community Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit, which is expected to be operational by Spring 2025, will offer a variety of health services, including access to Narcan, condoms, test strips, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and other safety supplies. The Community Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit will offer health education, help individuals connect to detox programs and community resources, and offer referrals for primary care, substance use treatment, and behavioral health services.
The Kraft Center for Community Health has been instrumental in developing and expanding the Community Care in Reach® model, which increases access to essential health services and clinical care community settings outside of the traditional hospital setting.
“The Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit represents an important step in our mission to make healthcare more accessible to everyone in our community,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell CHC. “By bringing essential services directly to individuals who face barriers to care, particularly those living with substance use disorder, we are not only addressing immediate health needs but also building connections to long-term support and treatment.”
“At Mass General Brigham, we believe that healthcare should never be out of reach,” said Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, Chief Community Health and Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham and Executive Director of the Kraft Center for Community Health. “This innovative approach breaks down the barriers that too often prevent people from accessing life-saving treatment. By meeting people where they live and work, we’re not only improving health outcomes but also empowering individuals to take control of their wellbeing.
The Community Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit’s operational funding is provided by the MA Department of Public Health – Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, to provide substance use disorder services to more people in more locations.
The Community Care in Reach Mobile Health Unit will be deployed throughout Greater Lowell, bringing essential health services directly to individuals and connecting them to the care and resources they need.
About Lowell Community Health Center
Founded in 1970, Lowell Community Health Center is the healthcare home of choice for more than 38,000 individuals in Greater Lowell. At the heart of our mission lies a strong commitment to offering comprehensive and accessible healthcare services, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need, regardless of financial status.
About The Kraft Center for Community Health The Kraft Center for Community Health at Mass General Brigham was established with the mission to expand access to high-quality, cost-effective healthcare for medically underserved patients and communities. Founded in 2011 through a generous donation by Robert Kraft, the Center aims to catalyze innovative solutions to real world community health problems, execute solutions locally, and make them scalable and ready to spread nationally to improve health outcomes for disadvantaged populations nationally. The Kraft Center is an innovation leader across the Mass General Brigham system, specializing in programmatic design and implementation to improve community health. For more information, please visit kraftcommunityhealth.org.
January 17, 2025
Health Connector Open Enrollment Deadline: January 23, 2025
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.
You’ll have 60 days after the event to enroll in a new plan. Learn more about SEP rules on the Health Connector’s Special Enrollment Period page.
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.
December 19, 2024
Health Center Expanding Hours to Better Serve Patients
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 beginning January 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.
November 13, 2024
New School-Based Health Center Officially Opens
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.
Click Here To Learn More About Our School-Based Health Centers.
Read about it in the Lowell Sun.
