November 6, 2024
March 20, 2024
Sheila Och Honored by The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy
Lowell Community Health Center is proud to announce that Sheila Och, Chief Engagement and Equity Officer, has been recognized by The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy (IHE) as part of their “Women Leading the Charge” feature for Women’s History Month. This distinguished acknowledgment celebrates Sheila’s exceptional contributions to advancing health equity within the community health sector in Massachusetts.
In the “Women Leading the Charge” feature, Sheila shares her invaluable perspectives alongside other influential women leaders. Her dedication to enhancing community health through cultural proficiency, comprehensive engagement, and a steadfast commitment to addressing the social, emotional, and cultural factors impacting healthcare sets a benchmark for leadership in health equity.
In receiving the recognition, Och remarked about community health centers, “We aim to actively engage our communities and collaborate in health initiatives, outreach programs, and health education. This engagement helps foster a sense of ownership and empowerment, centers our communities’ voices and strengths in our work, and advances our mission to bridge the gap in health disparities.”
Lowell Community Health Center is thrilled that Sheila’s work and the impact of our collective efforts are being recognized on such a prestigious platform. This accolade not only honors Sheila’s individual contributions but also highlights the critical role of community health centers in providing accessible, quality healthcare to underserved populations.
The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy is an initiative of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.
January 2, 2024
September 22, 2023
Bridging the Gap 2023
Congratulations to this year’s participants in the Bridging the Gap Professional Medical Interpreter Program on successfully completing the program!
“Bridging the Gap” is a nationally recognized Health Care Interpreter Training Program developed by the Cross-Cultural Health Care Program. This rigorous 40-hour training readies participants for National Certification.
Discover more about the diverse programs we offer at our Community Health Education Center (CHEC): https://www.lchealth.org/training-hub/
August 2, 2023
REACH LoWELL Community Baby Shower
REACH LoWELL, a program of Lowell Community Health Center, will hold a Community Baby Shower for expecting parents and families with children under 6 months old.
Read from The Sun 5-Minute Read
The event, part of a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Clark Auditorium (Conference Center entrance) at Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave. It will include free giveaways (while supplies last), raffles, onsite lactation consultants and other resources.
To register, go to bit.ly/43YbSqt.
For more information, go to reachlowell.org or email niemna@lchealth.org.
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March 13, 2023
Community Conversations: Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union
Thank you to our friends at Jeanne D’Arc for supporting a just and healthy community as an Annual Sponsor!
Did you know that in 2022 alone, JDCU supported more than 400 nonprofit partners by donating over $550,000? Employees also volunteered over 4,000 hours. Now that’s walking the walk!
Recently, we had breakfast with Alison Hughes, Jeanne D’Arc’s Community Engagement Officer (at the Owl Diner, of course!) to learn more about their approach to community building.
Why does Jeanne D’Arc make these investments in the community – and encourage its employees to do the same?
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union considers social responsibility to be an integral part of our overall mission. Our sense of duty and concern for the community, including those who reside here, are at the root of our efforts and commitment to be involved with many area charities. We are all connected in the community and when we help our members, nonprofit partners, and neighbors, we all benefit. It’s no mistake that our tagline and the name of our Foundation are both “We Share A Common Thread”.
Tell us a little more about how Jeanne D’Arc gives back?
We stay connected through our Foundation and charitable giving and just as meaningful are the hours our team members spend volunteering in the community.
In 2022, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union supported over 400 nonprofit partners by donating over $550,000 and 198 team members volunteering over 4,000 hours. That is nearly an 80% participation rate by our team.
Why does Jeanne D’Arc support Lowell CHC as an Annual Sponsor?
The focus of our foundation is to partner with local philanthropic organizations to expand access to food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education. Lowell CHC is the perfect partner to help us highlight healthcare to our members because you provide education, programming, and services to help reduce health disparities and enhance the health of the Greater Lowell community. We strive to bring financial wellness to our members and the community just as LCHC strives to empower each individual to maximize their overall well-being.
What’s one thing that stands out to you about Lowell CHC’s work in the community?
Teen BLOCK is a program that truly stands out. The program’s goal to help empower our youth to be strong leaders in our community aligns with our goals as an organization. The program allows teens a safe space to be when not in school while teaching them key life skills like communication, collaboration, healthy habits, and civic engagement.
Any key upcoming community events you would like to share?
We are excited to announce Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s annual We Share A Common Thread Foundation Fundraiser on March 29, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union values the compassionate work of local non-profits. We are committed to providing assistance to those who serve the many needs of our community. We truly live the mission of our Foundation, We Share a Common Thread. Proceeds from this event will be used to continue our efforts to make a difference in the lives of our members and the public at large by assisting with food, shelter, clothing, health, and education.
In 2022 our fundraiser raised over $110,000 and directly benefited 140 local organizations. We hope to assist even more organizations in 2023. There are several ways to get involved; become a sponsor, make a donation, or attend the event, please visit www.wsact.com for all the details.
Please join us, meet some of the worthy charities we support, and be a part of the community where we all “share a common thread”. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Alison Hughes at alison.hughes@JDCU.com or 978-323-4712.
Photo caption: We share a common thread, indeed… Alison Hughes (right; next to Lowell CHC Development Manager, Carley Monell) is a true community champion. We sure are lucky to have her in our corner.
“Lowell CHC is the perfect partner to help us highlight healthcare to our members because you provide education, programming, and services to help reduce health disparities and enhance the health of the Greater Lowell community.” – Alison Hughes, JDCU
March 8, 2023
Traffic Alert for March 8th
Attention Patients and Staff – Lowell Community Health Center has been alerted by the City of Lowell that on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Central Street traffic will be temporarily halted for work between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Those traveling by vehicle or walking in that area should expect delays.
The traffic impacts are to accommodate bridge beam installation on Central Street over the Pawtucket Canal.
For more details about the City of Lowell’s advisory, information about the project, and tips for staying up-to-date on traffic conditions in Lowell, please visit the City’s website: https://www.lowellma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=700
January 2, 2023
How one Afghan family is forging a new community in Lowell & at Lowell CHC
Scarcely any of the 40 Afghans who trooped off planes at the Manchester, N.H., airport on an unseasonably warm day on Nov. 18, 2021, had ever heard of Lowell.
Among the dazed and weary refugees at the airport was an irrepressibly optimistic former US military interpreter called Noori. His wife, Samya, and two young daughters, Taqwa and Zahra, were at his side. They were exhausted, but they were safe.
Noori recalled that he didn’t know a single person in New England. He didn’t have a job. Or a car. Or an apartment. Or a winter coat. But he had his family.
Give the Gift of Warmth
Please join us in keeping our patients warm this winter with the gift of a new winter coat! As a Refugee Health Assessment Center, many of our patients arrive from places more used to sun than snow. They have to adjust to so much, all while processing the trauma of fleeing the only home they knew. For many, one of the first stops in their journey toward healing is our Health Center. When they leave our building, let’s continue that welcome embrace with the warmth and care of a brand new winter coat they can wear for years to come. With the recent influx of refugees from places like Haiti and Afghanistan, need has never been greater.
Thanks to the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for the funding jumpstart!
While the community offers options for children’s coats, adult options are limited. There are 3 ways you can change that:
- Purchase a coat via our Amazon Smile wishlist. Options range from only $55-$65. Make sure to choose Lowell CHC as your delivery address at checkout.
- Make an donation via credit card and we will shop for you! All monetary donations will be used to purchase high-quality, affordable coats.
- If you would like to shop yourself, we are happy to accept brand new coats (contact development@lchealth.org for delivery)
September 8, 2022
