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Dear HealthFirst Community,
Each month, From the Heart gives us the chance to celebrate the incredible work happening both inside our health center and out in the world. This issue is especially meaningful, as it highlights the power of care, compassion, and community in action.
We are so proud of Jim Hodson, Family Nurse Practitioner, who recently traveled to Ethiopia on a medical mission. His service is a reminder that the skills and compassion we share here in Fall River can touch lives across the globe. At the same time, Jim continues to enrich the lives of his patients here at HealthFirst every day.
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Closer to home, we are shining a spotlight on one of the greatest needs in our community pediatric behavioral health. Too many children are waiting for the care they urgently need. That’s why our Annual Appeal is focused on raising $25,000 to expand behavioral health services for children and families. With your support, we can provide more screenings, more counseling sessions, and more hope for the youngest members of our community.
This issue also features our dedicated Behavioral Health Team, updates on Suicide Prevention Month, and events happening in our local community. And thanks to community partners like Stop & Shop and the Healthy Incentives Program, we’re finding even more ways to support healthy living for all.
Thank you for believing in HealthFirst’s mission. Together, we are making an impact—here at home, and beyond.
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Making an Impact Here and Around the Globe
We are bursting with pride for Jim Hodson, a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner here at HealthFirst Family Care Center. Jim recently joined a medical and spiritual mission to Ethiopia, bringing life-changing care to remote communities halfway across the globe while enriching the lives of patients right here at home.
Learn more...
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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.
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Suicide Prevention Month
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".
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Suicide Prevention
Awareness Month
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Each September, we raise awareness, promote hope, and remind one another that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Suicide affects millions of individuals and families every year, yet too many continue to struggle in silence.
This month is dedicated to:
- Recognizing the warning signs of suicide
- Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health
- Connecting people to proven treatments and life-saving resources
Whether you’re facing challenges yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to make a difference, your voice matters. By standing together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and save lives.
Do you want to take charge of your health? Learn more about:
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Meet the HealthFirst Behavioral Health Team
At HealthFirst Family Care Center, we believe that caring for your health means more than physical check-ups and prescriptions—it also means caring for your mental and emotional well-being. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our Behavioral Health Team, a group of dedicated providers committed to supporting patients of all ages with compassionate, evidence-based care.
Who We Are
Our eight-person Behavioral Health Team is made up of therapists and psychiatric providers. Together, they bring a wide range of expertise in:
- Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
- Stress management and coping skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Substance use support
- Family and relationship counseling
Pediatric Behavioral Health
Children and adolescents face unique challenges in today’s world, and their mental health needs deserve specialized care. Our Pediatric Behavioral Health program offers support for children and teens experiencing anxiety, ADHD, behavioral challenges, or difficulties at school and home.
Our pediatric providers work closely with families and pediatricians to create care plans that help children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. By offering this support right here at HealthFirst, we make it easier for families to access the help their children need in a safe, familiar setting.
Where to Find Us
The Behavioral Health Team is located at HealthFirst Family Care Center, 387 Quarry Street, Fall River, MA. Our behavioral health services are open to everyone; you do not need to be a HealthFirst patient to receive services. Appointments can be scheduled by calling our main office.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Taking care of your emotional well-being can improve your relationships, strengthen your ability to cope with life’s challenges, and even enhance your overall physical health. At HealthFirst, we want every patient—from the youngest to the oldest—to feel supported in their journey toward wellness.
If you or a loved one are in need of support, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can help you take the next step toward feeling your best—mind and body.
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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
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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!
| | Learn about the ways you can give and make a difference in the lives of our patients. | | |
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HealthFirst Family Care Center
387 Quarry St.
Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 679-8111
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