How Community Health Centers Support Our People in Massachusetts
From August 3 to 9, 2025, we celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW).
This week is dedicated to recognizing the impact of Community Health Centers (CHCs) across the United States.
In its 60th edition, NHCW has the theme: “Celebrating the Past, Present & Future: 60 Years of Improving Our Nation’s Health.”
It also aims to highlight both the history and future of these centers that have served over 32.5 million people in 16,000 communities (National Health Center Week).
What Are Community Health Centers?
CHCs are nonprofit clinics known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
They are created to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare, regardless of insurance status, immigration status, or income level.
Community Health Centers are required to ensure that at least 51% of their board members are current patients of the center.
This ensures that clinical and administrative decisions reflect the real needs of the communities they serve, because those receiving care also have a voice in how services are managed and improved.
They offer:
- Primary, preventive, and dental care
- Mental health services and chronic disease management
- Programs for women, children, seniors, and migrants
- Multilingual services and social assistance
Why Are They Important for the Latino Community in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, CHCs are vital for closing health gaps in Latino communities that face barriers like language or fear due to immigration status.
These centers do not share information with ICE and provide care regardless of your legal status.
Many centers also offer bilingual staff and culturally adapted services, which builds trust and improves access for Latino families.
NHCW 2025 Theme Days
During this week, each day has a special focus to celebrate different aspects of CHCs — from their history to their current and future roles.
Some ideas for getting involved:
What You Need to Know:
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Health Centers
1. Can I receive medical care at a health center if I don’t have health insurance?
Yes. Centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income, even if you don’t have insurance. No one is turned away due to lack of coverage.
2. Do they serve people without legal immigration status?
Yes. Healthcare is available to everyone regardless of immigration status.
Proof of citizenship is not required for basic services.
3. What services do Community Health Centers in Massachusetts provide?
They offer primary care, pediatrics, mental health, dental care, women’s health, vaccines, lab testing, chronic disease management, and more.
4. How much does a medical visit cost at a health center?
The cost depends on your income.
Most centers use a sliding fee scale, so you may pay very little or nothing at all.
5. Do they speak Spanish at these centers? Can I get an interpreter if I don’t speak English?
Yes. Many centers have bilingual staff or interpreters available to assist Spanish-speaking patients and others.
6. Can I take my children to the health center even if I don’t have legal documents?
Yes. If your children were born in the U.S. or qualify based on age or income, they can access care — and you can accompany them and receive support as well.
7. How do I sign up as a patient at a Community Health Center?
You can call or visit your nearest center and fill out a registration form. Some also allow online registration.
8. What kind of specialists or programs do they have? Do they provide mental, dental, or vision care?
Yes. Many centers offer comprehensive services including mental health, dental care, vision services, nutrition counseling, and more.
9. How do I find the health center closest to my home and check if I qualify for their services?
Use the locator at massleague.org/Find-a-Health-Center or call 2-1-1 for assistance in Spanish.
Top Health Centers in Massachusetts: Care Close to Your Community
These CHCs in Massachusetts stand out for their community impact, multicultural approach, and support for Latino families:
- Whittier Street Health Center (Roxbury)
Primary care, mental health, HIV/AIDS services, available in Spanish
➤ https://myhealthfair.com/booths/whittier/ - NeighborHealth
Immigrant services, child & adult care, community pharmacy
➤ ebnhc.org - The Dimock Center (Roxbury)
Integrated care: family health, addiction services, community wellness
➤ dimock.org - Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (Lawrence)
Mobile clinic, Spanish services, focus on Latino families
➤ glfhc.org - Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell)
Refugee support, interpreters, multicultural care
➤ lchealth.org - Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (Brockton)
Pediatric, dental, and social services in multiple languages
➤ bnhc.org - Mattapan Community Health Center (Mattapan)
Women’s and children’s care, HIV prevention, community wellness
➤ mattapanchc.org - Holyoke Health Center (Holyoke)
Social programs, WIC nutrition for women and children, comprehensive care
➤ hhcinc.org - Family Health Center of Worcester
Full support for migrant and uninsured families
➤ fhcw.org - Fenway Health (Boston)
Inclusive LGBTQ+ and Latino-focused care
➤ fenwayhealth.org
Local Resources for the Latino Community
- Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
Find health centers near you
➤ www.massleague.org - Health Connector
Information and help getting health insurance
➤ https://myhealthfair.com/booths/mass-health/ - Health Care For All
Free help in Spanish
➤ 1‑800‑272‑4232
➤ www.hcfama.org - Boston Public Health Commission
Mobile clinics and community health fairs
➤ www.bphc.org
Stronger Health, Stronger Communities
Health is a right: no matter your language, insurance status, or immigration situation, you have access to respectful, reliable care.
This week is a time to recognize the value of community health centers, learn how they work, and spread the word that you and your family can receive preventive care and holistic support.
Take advantage of National Health Center Week 2025 to visit your local center, ask questions, and participate in community activities.
At My Health Fair, we stand with you, promoting your well-being and strengthening our community.
