State Awards $2.1 Million to Eight Community Health Centers

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.1 million in grant awards to implement, sustain, or expand family nurse practitioner (FNP) residency programs at eight community health centers (CHCs) across the state. The FNP residency grant program aims to support community-based workforce recruitment and retention and increase availability of primary care professionals serving Massachusetts residents.

This investment is part of Gov. Maura Healey’s commitment to shifting more resources to primary care and supporting workforce development of primary care providers. The Healey-Driscoll administration has identified primary care as a priority so Massachusetts residents can get appointments when they need them.

The following CHCs will each receive funding for two FNP residency slots: Brockton Neighborhood Health in Brockton, Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester, DOTHouse Health in Dorchester, NeighborHealth in East Boston, Edward Kennedy CHC in Worcester, HealthFirst Family Care Center in Fall River, Holyoke Health Center in Holyoke, and Upham’s Corner CHC in Dorchester.

“From my many years of work at community health centers, I know first-hand how crucial CHCs are as a means of access to healthcare in our state, and how important primary care is for maintaining health,” Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Kiame Mahaniah said. “Having more primary care professionals at CHCs across our state means better access to care for our residents, less strain on emergency rooms, and healthier lives for people in Massachusetts.”