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Dear HealthFirst Community,
At HealthFirst, we believe that health starts with compassion. Every child, every family, and every individual deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life.
This month on Heartbeat of Healthcare, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Katie Collins, one of our exceptional pediatric providers, to talk about a topic that affects far too many families — pediatric obesity. We’ve all seen the alarming statistics about the increasing burden of obesity, but behind every statistic is a child. Children who deserve to feel confident, supported, and understood. At HealthFirst, we’re working to rewrite those stories by helping families create healthier habits together through our farmers’ market, nutrition counseling, wellness programs, and ongoing support.
As we also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m reminded of the power of early detection, education, and community outreach. The same spirit of prevention and empowerment that drives our attention to pediatric obesity can save lives. All women can and should have regular screenings for breast cancer, regardless of their ability to pay. Did you know that HealthFirst has resources to help women without insurance pay for mammography? We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life and early identification of breast cancer can be lifesaving
This month’s newsletter is filled with opportunities to engage, from our Trunk or Treat family event to the local Farmers’ Market and HIP program that helps families access fresh produce. Each of these moments reflects who we are as a community health center: a place where care, compassion, and community come together.
Thank you for being part of our mission and please consider a small donation to help us continue. Together, we are building a healthier tomorrow — one story, one family, one heartbeat at a time.
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At HealthFirst, we believe every child deserves a healthy smile!
Our Healthy Smiles Program brings compassionate dental care directly to elementary schools and early education centers throughout the Greater Fall River area.
Our experienced team — including Massachusetts-licensed dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and an outreach coordinator — provides convenient, high-quality preventive dental services right where children learn and play.
Through partnerships with Fall River Public Schools, local preschools, and other community programs, we’re making it easier for families to access essential oral health care. Parents and caregivers receive advance notification from their child’s school once or twice yearly, along with details about the upcoming visit.
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After each appointment, a letter is sent home outlining the services provided. If additional treatment is needed, families receive a follow-up note with recommendations to support their child’s ongoing dental health.
Regular dental care is key to lifelong wellness — and we recommend every child visit a dentist twice a year for a routine exam and cleaning.
Together, we’re helping more children smile brighter and healthier — one visit at a time.
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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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Pediatric Obesity Awareness
This month, on Heartbeat of Healthcare, we heard from Dr. Katie Collins, a pediatric nurse practitioner at HealthFirst Family Care Center. Affectionately known by her patients as “Dr. Katie,” she joins HealthFirst CEO Dr. Lisa Jones to discuss pediatric obesity and share practical ways we can support the children in our lives on their journey toward healthier futures.
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Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
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Did you know?
Each October, we come together to raise awareness, promote hope, and remind one another that we are in this together!
Breast cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44% since 1989!
That's not a coincidence.
For 40 years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped raise awareness of breast cancer across the nation. It has encouraged millions to take action, resulting in increased early detection and advancements in treatment that have saved more than half a million lives!
Visit HealthFirstFR.org to learn more.
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Meet Daniel Simoneau, DNP, ANP-BC
For more than 11 years, Daniel has been a cornerstone of compassionate care and innovation at HealthFirst Family Care Center. Currently serving as a Nurse Practitioner and Epic Lead, Dr. Dan helps bridge technology and patient care by optimizing the medical charting system and training staff to use it efficiently — all while continuing to provide hands-on care to patients. On occasion, he even brings care directly to patients’ homes when they’re unable to come to the health center.
Throughout his HealthFirst journey, Dan has worn many hats — from Staff Nurse Practitioner to Lead Advanced Practice Clinician and Care Management Supervisor, Clinical Director, and even Interim Chief Medical Officer. His dedication and adaptability reflect HealthFirst’s mission to serve with both heart and innovation.
When asked what drew him to HealthFirst, Dan shared:
“I was a new graduate eager to serve in community health. I was impressed by HealthFirst’s mission and the services it provided even then.”
Proud of his Portuguese and French heritage, Dan embraces cultural connections in his work and personal life — even learning Portuguese with the help of HealthFirst’s interpreter team. He admits he can often be found enjoying local Portuguese cuisine around Fall River (and occasionally a slice from Domino’s!). Outside of work, Dan treasures time with his family, especially his daughter Olivia, who keeps him young at heart.
“I love showing Olivia all the things I experienced as a child — though she likes to remind me I’m ‘old,’” he laughs.
A fun fact? HealthFirst played a major role in helping Dan achieve one of his proudest milestones — earning his Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP).
“I’ll always be grateful for the support and flexibility HealthFirst gave me to complete my doctorate while continuing to work. That kind of encouragement is what makes this place so special.”
From leading teams and mentoring staff to caring for patients, Dan truly embodies HealthFirst’s mission: delivering compassionate, community-focused care that changes lives every day.
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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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HealthFirst
Trunk or Treat
Join us for a fun and safe Trunk or Treat at HealthFirst!
Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy an evening filled with decorated car trunks, sweet treats, and festive activities. Bring your friends and family for a spooktacular celebration!
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: HealthFirst Family Care Center
Who’s Invited: All children ages 0–12 years
What to Expect:
- Candy, fun, and activities
- Creative, themed trunks decorated by HealthFirst staff
- A safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration
Don’t forget your costume and treat bucket! We can’t wait to see you there!
🎃
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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)
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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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