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Dear HealthFirst Community,
This month, I’m reminded once again that community is at the heart of everything we do. From celebrating our longtime team members to preparing for our biggest summer event—the BlockParty Palooza—HealthFirst is proud to be more than a health center. We are a place of connection, support, and care for all.
As the Federal government makes changes to Medicaid and Connector Care eligibility, we remain grounded in our mission: to provide the highest quality care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. No matter what happens in Washington, HealthFirst will continue to offer vital services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance use treatment, with compassion and consistency.
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This month’s newsletter spotlights team member Lisa Costa, who’s been with us since 1986 and who continues to provide exceptional support to patients and staff alike. You’ll also find helpful tips for UV Safety Month, updates on MyChart, and exciting news about HIP benefits that make it easier for families to afford fresh produce.
And don’t miss the details about our BlockParty Palooza on August 2nd! We’ll have games, music, backpacks, snacks, and prizes. It’s our way of celebrating National Health Center Week, with our patients and community at the heart of it all.
Thank you for being a part of the HealthFirst family. We are here for you, and we’re honored to grow stronger, together.
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In early July, the U.S. Congress passed a budget bill that will significantly impact Medicaid in Massachusetts and around the country. By some estimates, 11 million Americans could lose insurance coverage.
At HealthFirst, our mission is to provide the highest quality health care to everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay.
No matter what happens in Washington, that won’t change. HealthFirst will be here doing what we do best, ensuring that the Greater Fall River community has access to medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment.
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Lisa Costa, Call Center Rep.
Meet Lisa, one of HealthFirst’s dedicated Call Center Representatives. As a frontline connection for patients and community partners, she handles a wide range of calls through Talk Desk—from appointment requests and prescription refills to referrals, forms, and more. Every Monday, she also covers the Provider Line, offering critical support to providers and external partners like VNAs, schools, and pharmacies.
Lisa has been with HealthFirst since October 27, 1986, starting at our former location on County Street. Over the years, she’s worn many hats—including roles in Medical Registration, Medical Records, and as a Medical Assistant. Her hard work and dedication were recognized when she earned the ACE Award for 2023–2024.
Born and raised in Fall River, Lisa takes pride in her Portuguese heritage and enjoys the traditions of local feasts, music, and food. She's also the family photographer and finds joy in capturing life’s moments. Outside of HealthFirst, she’s worked as a Pharmacy Technician for 24 years—another role she finds deeply rewarding.
In her rare free time, she enjoys quiet rides, visits to the park or waterfront, and spending time with her son Tyler, granddaughter Audrey, and her dog Jack.
Fun fact: She's known for her friendly, outgoing nature—and for always having a smile on the phone.
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Summer is here, time for backyard BBQs, beach days, and... sunburns? Nope, not on our watch!
We get it, the sun is basically the summer celebrity everyone’s obsessed with. But guess what? It’s also got a dark side (literally).
July is the perfect month to talk about UV Safety and Healthy Vision because your skin and eyes deserve the VIP treatment this summer.
Let’s keep you glowing (in a good way) and seeing clearly through those sunny days!
Why it matters: Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin in just 15 minutes, leading to sunburn, skin aging, and even skin cancer.
Sun Safety Basics:
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher
Reapply Every 2 Hours – especially after swimming or sweating
Cover Up – with long sleeves, wide-brim hats.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wear Sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection
Make sure kids wear sunglasses too!
Stay hydrated!!!!
Visit the HealthFirst website for information on screenings and support.
Your health matters: to you, to us, and to those who love you.
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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.
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In this month’s episode, we’re proud to welcome Dr. Lynn Taylor, Internal Medicine Physician at HealthFirst, who brings her deep expertise on Hepatitis B and C awareness. With July recognized as Hepatitis Awareness Month, the episode focuses on the importance of early testing, available treatments, and how HealthFirst is helping patients manage and overcome the disease.
“Testing is quick and treatment is available. We want our patients to know that they are not alone—and that Hepatitis is a treatable condition,” says Dr. Taylor.
This episode helps break down the stigma surrounding Hepatitis while encouraging viewers to take proactive steps toward their health. Whether you're looking to understand the risk factors or help a loved one access care, Dr. Taylor offers clear, compassionate guidance in an approachable and informative way.
At HealthFirst, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. Through The Heartbeat of Healthcare, we aim to build a healthier, more connected community—one episode at a time.
Watch the latest episode and explore our archive at HealthFirstFR.org
Stay tuned for next month’s topic focused on World Breastfeeding Day and National HealthCenter Week!
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Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
HealthFirst Parking Lot
We’re just one month away from our biggest summer event — the BlockParty Palooza — and this year promises to be the best yet! Hosted by HealthFirst’s Community Initiatives Committee and supported by departments across the organization, this exciting FREE event will kick off National Health Center Week with fun, connection, and community spirit.
Thanks to generous funding from the Flint Neighborhood Association, we’re expanding the fun with giant inflatable games placed throughout the parking lot.
Tufts Health Plan will be here again, and together we will distribute backpacks filled with Back-To-School supplies! But that’s just the beginning! Here’s what’s in store:
- Live DJ keeping the energy up
- Snacks from Damien’s Food Pantry
- Bike raffles for one lucky boy and girl, courtesy of Standard Pharmacy
- Local community partners & resources
- Games, prizes, and family-friendly activities
Let’s come together, celebrate our mission, and show the Greater Fall River community what HealthFirst is all about!
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Skip the Wait & View Your Test Results Instantly with MyChart!
Why wait for a call back when you can get your results the moment they are ready?
With MyChart, you’ll have secure, anytime access to your test results — no phone tag, no delays.
Faster. Easier. On your time.
Log in to MyChart and stay in control of your health.
Take Charge of your health - visit the HealthFirst website and sign up with MyChart today!
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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!
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HealthFirst Family Care Center
387 Quarry St.
Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 679-8111
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