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Dear HealthFirst Community,
Partnership is one of the quiet superpowers of community health. This month, as HealthFirst and SSTAR renewed our longstanding subrecipient agreement, I was reminded just how much stronger we are when we work together.
For more than two decades, our shared commitment has helped thousands of families receive primary care, behavioral health support, dental care, and treatment for substance use disorders, without barriers and without judgment. The agreement we signed is more than a formality; it’s a promise to this community that we will keep showing up, together, to deliver the care our neighbors deserve.
That commitment shows up in other ways, too. Every day, we hear from parents struggling to find help for a child wrestling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. These “little voices with big feelings” are why our pediatric behavioral health fundraising campaign matters so deeply. When a child needs support, waiting is not an option. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we’re moving steadily toward our $25,000 goal — but we still have work to do. Every gift moves us closer to saying “yes” to a family in need.
And in this month’s Heartbeat of Healthcare, Dr. Uma Jaladi helps shine a light on diabetes, a condition that touches nearly every family in our region. Her message is one I hope resonates far beyond the clinic walls: with knowledge, support, and consistent care, diabetes is manageable, and no one has to navigate it alone. This is the heart of what community health is meant to be — practical help, steady guidance, and compassion woven into every interaction.
As we enter the holiday season, I find myself grateful for our partners, our staff, our supporters, and the families who trust us with their care. Together, we are building something stronger than any single initiative or program. We are building a healthier, more hopeful future for our community.
Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving.
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HealthFirst and SSTAR Continue Longstanding Partnership in Support of the Greater Fall River Community
HealthFirst is proud to announce the continued partnership with SSTAR in our shared mission to support the Greater Fall River Community.
For more than 20 years, SSTAR has served as a subrecipient of HealthFirst’s HRSA grant — a vital funding source that enables both organizations to operate as community health centers and expand access to comprehensive care.
Pictured are the CEOs of both health centers signing an agreement reaffirming our commitment to work together in providing the highest-quality healthcare to everyone in our community.
Through this partnership, HealthFirst and SSTAR continue to deliver a full spectrum of services, including primary care, dental care, behavioral health support, and treatment for substance use disorders. Together, we remain dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to the compassionate, patient-centered care they deserve.
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Little Voices…Big Feelings: Why Your Gift Matters
When a child is hurting, the whole family feels it. Sleepless nights. Endless worry. A constant search for answers. At HealthFirst, we hear these stories every day from parents desperate to help their children cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
The good news?
With the right support, children are incredibly resilient. A listening ear, a safe space, and timely care can change the course of a young life. That’s where you come in.
Because of friends like you, we are closer to reaching our $25,000 goal to expand pediatric behavioral health services. But we aren’t there yet— and every dollar brings us one step closer to saying “yes” to a child who needs help today.
Your gift ensures that:
- No child is left waiting for care.
- Families find hope when they feel most alone.
- Our community builds a brighter, healthier future together.
Please consider making your gift today at HealthFirstFR.org. Together, we can bring healing to little voices with big feelings—and give children the future they deserve.
From our HealthFirst family to yours, thank you for helping us care for the youngest hearts in our community.
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Diabetes Awareness
November is a time to increase understanding about diabetes, its impact, and ways to prevent or manage it.
HealthFirst CEO Dr. Lisa Jones recently sat down with Dr. Uma Jaladi, Chief Medical Officer at HealthFirst, to discuss the different types of diabetes and how individuals can live long, healthy lives with proper care and management.
“Diabetes is a chronic condition, but with the right lifestyle, regular monitoring, and medical support, it’s absolutely manageable,” said Dr. Jaladi. “It’s important for patients to know they’re not alone — HealthFirst is here to help them every step of the way.”
Dr. Jaladi explained that through proper diet, physical activity, medication, and regular checkups, individuals with diabetes can maintain good health and prevent complications.
HealthFirst offers comprehensive diabetes care, including routine screenings, education, and nutrition counseling to help patients take control of their health.
If you or a loved one are living with diabetes or are at risk, talk with your HealthFirst provider about available support and resources.
Together, we can take steps toward a healthier community — one patient at a time.
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Did you know?
Each November is designated National Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s a time to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans.
To learn if you or someone you know is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, take a simple 60-second, 7-question risk test on the American Diabetes Association website.
November 14 is International World Diabetes Day. It’s the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.
Blue is the official color to bring awareness around the world on this day.
Visit HealthFirstFR.org to learn more.
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Remembering Our Colleague and Friend, Charlie Diogenes
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Charlie Diogenes, HealthFirst’s IT Director, who died on November 10, 2025, after a short illness. Charlie was 62 years old.
Charlie joined HealthFirst with decades of experience in information technology and telecommunications. At HealthFirst, he was more than an IT Director — he was a steady presence, a problem-solver, and a trusted teammate who supported every department with patience, good humor, and unwavering dedication.
Outside of work, Charlie poured his energy into the things he loved most. He proudly served as President of the Bristol County Car Club and cherished time spent on his boat fishing with friends. He was known for cruising in his 1981 Pontiac Trans Am, attending car shows, and taking photos that captured the spirit of the community he loved. And if the Patriots were playing, you didn’t need to ask Charlie for the score — you could hear his excitement from blocks away.
Charlie was a devoted son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend. To know Charlie was to appreciate his warmth, loyalty, and easy smile. He was the kind of friend you were grateful to have, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s family and friends. His impact on HealthFirst — and on each of us — will not be forgotten.
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We’ve all been there — you go to log into MyChart and can’t quite remember your password.
Don’t worry, resetting it is quick and easy!
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Join us for a FREE festive event perfect for children ages 0–12! Bring your own phone/camera and snap a free photo with Santa, then enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including our Cupcake Decorating Station, Hot Chocolate Bar, and make your own Holiday Ornament!
Learn more...
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HealthFirst Family Care Center
387 Quarry St.
Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 679-8111
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