HCN News & Notes

Baystate Community Health Centers to Offer Free Health Fairs Aug. 10-12

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center’s three community health centers in Springfield will hold free health fairs during National Health Center Week, Aug. 7-13. This year’s theme is “Community Health Centers: The Chemistry for Strong Communities.”

The health fairs, including food, music, giveaways, and community resource vendors, are free and open to all. They begin on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Baystate Brightwood Health Center – Centro de Salud at 280 Plainfield St. The fairs continue on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Baystate High Street Health Center at 140 High St., lower level parking lot, and end on Friday, Aug. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center at 11 Wilbraham Road.

Baystate’s three health centers — Baystate Brightwood Health Center – Centro de Salud, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center, and Baystate High Street Health Center Adult Medicine & Pediatrics — are anchors of public-health efforts in the neighborhoods they serve, working in partnership with community members and groups to address some of the more pressing health challenges facing the city of Springfield.

Across the country, health centers like those operated by Baystate in Springfield improve access to care for millions of Americans regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. National Health Center Week is a time for celebrating community health centers and their contributions to national health.