|
Dear HealthFirst Community,
Every child has a story. Some stories are carefree, but others carry the weight of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
At HealthFirst, we know that a child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. Behavioral health concerns can affect school performance, relationships, and even physical development. Left unaddressed, they can shape the course of a child’s life. That’s why our pediatric behavioral health team works every day to ensure that every child can access compassionate, stigma-free care.
| | | |
We meet children where they are, providing counseling, support, and resources for them and their families. We listen to their stories. We help them find their voices.
Your support makes this possible. Donations of any amount help us expand access to pediatric behavioral health services so that no child has to wait for the help they need.
Visit our website to make a tax-deductible donation today.
From all of us at HealthFirst—and from every child whose story you help change—thank you..
| | August is a time of joy and excitement at HealthFirst. August 3-9th was National Community Health Center week, a time when we celebrate the work Community Health Centers do to provide care to 1 in 10 residents of the U.S. This year we started the week with a Block Party Palooza where we made sure our pediatric patients had backpacks and school supplies and ended the week by celebrating our exceptional staff who live our mission – to provide high quality care to everyone in our community – everyday. | |
Every child has a story.
Some are filled with laughter and light. Others, heartbreakingly, are not. At HealthFirst, we’re seeing more children struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional distress. The need for pediatric behavioral health services is growing faster than we can meet it – and no child should be told they have to
wait to feel better.
That’s why we are asking for your help.
Your support of our Annual Appeal will help raise $25,000 to expand our behavioral health department – giving children in our community the care they need, when they need it most.
Your gift can change a life.
• $50 helps provide a behavioral health screening
• $100 supports therapy for a child in crisis
• $250 funds two one-on-one counseling sessions
• $1,000 helps us add space and staff to reach more families
With more providers and more support, we can bring hope and healing to our youngest patients – and peace of mind to the families who love them.
Visit HealthFirstFR.org to make a tax-deductible donation today.
From all of us at HealthFirst – and from every child you will benefit – thank you for believing in the power of care, compassion and community.
| | |
2024/2025 ACE Award Winner
HealthFirst is proud to announce that Dr. Gloria Mercado, Family Medicine Physician, is the 2024–2025 Award for Commitment to Excellence (ACE) recipient. This prestigious award is presented annually to a team member who embodies the highest standards of service, professionalism, and dedication to our mission.
Dr. Mercado’s unwavering commitment to her patients, collaborative spirit, and consistent pursuit of excellence exemplify the values that define HealthFirst. She not only provides exceptional medical care but also fosters trust, compassion, and empowerment for every individual she serves. Her leadership and dedication inspire colleagues across all departments to strive for the very best in patient-centered care.
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to our outstanding nominees, each of whom has demonstrated remarkable dedication to our community:
-
Maite Perez, Community Health Worker – for her tireless outreach and ability to connect patients with vital resources.
-
Brenda Velantzas, LICSW – for her compassionate care and steadfast advocacy for mental health support.
-
Maria Lopes, Dental Assistant – for her meticulous attention to detail and warm, welcoming presence in the dental clinic.
-
Diana DaCosta, Medical Patient Service Rep – for her exceptional customer service and dedication to creating a positive patient experience.
Each nominee reflects the spirit of the ACE Award: going above and beyond, day after day, to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Congratulations again to Dr. Gloria Mercado for this well-deserved recognition, and to all of our nominees for their exceptional contributions to HealthFirst’s mission.
| | Breastfeeding Awareness Month | |
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the many benefits of breastfeeding and raising awareness about the importance of supporting lactating individuals. This annual observance is an opportunity to highlight the role that communities, healthcare providers, and workplaces play in helping families successfully breastfeed.
Breastfeeding offers countless health benefits for both infants and mothers. For babies, it provides optimal nutrition, strengthens the immune system, and fosters healthy growth and development. For mothers, breastfeeding can promote recovery after childbirth, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and create a unique bond with their child.
National Breastfeeding Awareness Month also shines a light on the need for supportive policies and practices. Access to lactation-friendly workplaces, community resources, and healthcare guidance can make a significant difference for families.
By working together, we can help ensure that every parent who wishes to breastfeed has the support and resources they need to succeed—benefiting the health of both children and communities for years to come.
To learn more about the Fall River WIC office and to schedule an appointment with one of our WIC Breastfeeding Coordinators, please visit our website, HealthFirstFR.org, or call our WIC office at (508) 679-9349.
World Breastfeeding Week was also highlight on our monthly Heartbeat of Healthcare program on FRC Media.
| | Community Health Center Week | | |
HealthFirst employees kicked off Community Health Center Week in style with our 3rd Annual Block Party Palooza—a day filled with fun, connection, and community spirit!
The celebration brought together hundreds of families for an afternoon of excitement. HealthFirst staff distributed more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children...read more
| | |
Community Health Center Week may have kicked off with our 3rd Annual Block Party Palooza, but the celebration didn’t end there!
Throughout the week, HealthFirst took time to honor the incredible dedication, compassion, and hard work our employees bring to our patients and community every single day. From sweet treats to hourly gift card give-a-ways, each day featured a special way to say “thank you” to the people who make HealthFirst such a trusted and welcoming place for care.
Read more...
| | The Heartbest of Healthcare |
Breastfeeding Awareness & Community Health Center Week
HealthFirst’s monthly program, The Heartbeat of Healthcare, continues to inform and inspire our community with timely health topics that matter most. Hosted by our CEO, Lisa Jones, MD, each episode features candid conversations with HealthFirst’s own subject matter experts and aligns with national health observances to raise awareness and promote wellness.
Visit Fall River Community Media to view this months "Heartbeat of Healthcare".
| | | | | | |
Check-In before you even walk in, with MyChart eCheck-In!
Skip the wait and save time at your next visit! With eCheck-In, you can:
- Verify Insurance
- Update Allergies
- Sign documents
- Pay copay
All from your phone or computer.
Its fast, easy and contactless.
New to MyChart?
Signing up is quick and e-check in makes your appointment even smoother.
| |
| |
Small Actions BIG IMPACT
We are excited to share that Stop & Shop has selected HealthFirst to benefit from the Community Bag Program throughout September 2025. The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local communities.
Every time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Stop & Shop located at Somerset in September, $1 will be donated to HealthFirst. This is a great way to broaden awareness of our mission and help our cause.
To learn more about this program, please visit stopandshop.2givelocal.com
| | | | |
Family Fun & Healthy Living Join Us for
Family Wellness Day!
Celebrate health, happiness, and togetherness at WIC's Family Wellness Day!
Enjoy a fun-filled morning with free health screenings, interactive activities, wellness resources, and entertainment for all ages. Bring your family, meet local wellness experts, and discover new ways to live your healthiest life!
| |  | |
August 29, 2025
5:00-9:00 PM
The Meadows @ Heritage State Park
| | | |
Farmer's Market @ HealthFirst
Starting July 1st, 2025 the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) in Massachusetts monthly cap for SNAP recipients will be increased to $40 per household! This means more free fresh, local fruits and vegetables for your family every month!
Here’s how it works:
Use your SNAP (EBT) card to buy produce HIP gives you a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $40/month). It’s automatic—no extra paperwork needed!
You can use HIP at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and CSAs. In Fall River, that includes:
- Saint Anne’s Hospital (Brown Health): Tuesdays, 11 am–2 pm (June 10–Oct 28)
- HealthFirst Family Health Center: Wednesdays, 2 pm–5 pm (June 11–Oct 29)
- Cardinal Medeiros Towers: Fridays, 11 am–2 pm (Open Year Round)
Who’s eligible?
Any Massachusetts household receiving SNAP benefits is automatically enrolled!
Tip: HIP benefits refresh on the 1st of every month—use them early and often!
| | |
|
HealthFirst Family Care Center
387 Quarry St.
Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 679-8111
| | | | | |
