Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, announced $2,769,246 in federal funding for the Lowell Community Health Center’s coordinated care and services to eligible Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat located in their Metta Health Center.

“Lowell Community Health Center is a bedrock in our community, and I’m proud to be a longtime supporter of their work. They provide quality, culturally competent care to folks from all backgrounds in our diverse district, and there’s no better example of that than the Metta Health Center,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I’m excited to see this federal funding go toward expanding the holistic work the Metta Health Center already does for families from all walks of life in the Third District. And I’m particularly glad to see our community come together to support Afghan refugees, just as we have in the past for refugees from all over the world.”

Prior to the announcement, Trahan toured the Metta Health Center to see firsthand their service to the Greater Lowell region’s Southeast Asian, Afghan, and other refugee populations. One of the first health centers of its kind in the U.S., Metta will deploy the funding to deliver culturally tailored, integrated, trauma-informed, and evidence-based primary care and behavioral health care services to 125 patients over three years.

“This funding will allow us to help Afghan survivors address and overcome severe, pervasive, and long-lasting combat-related trauma and facilitate their achievement of sustained physical, social, emotional, and economic goals and well-being. Lowell is a diverse and welcoming community, and this collaborative program allows us to support some of our city’s newest arrivals while continuing to build a just and healthy community,” said Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center. “We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Health and Human Services, and to Congresswoman Trahan and MA Representative Howard for their strong support of Lowell Community Health Center.”

“The individuals and families who will directly benefit from this dedicated funding have complex medical, mental health, legal, and social needs that require a comprehensive and holistic response,” said Dr. Robert P. Marlin, Chief of Metta Health Center. “Without the support and collaboration of the International Institute of New England, the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation Project, and Dr. Diya Kallivayalil, this work would not be possible.”

Of the 24 organizations across the country to be awarded Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC) funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Metta Health Center at Lowell Community Health Center was the only New England site selected. 

Trahan was joined by State Representative Vanna Howard, Lowell CHC CEO Sue Levine, Lowell CHC Board Chair Bruce Robinson, Metta Health Center Chief Dr. Robert Marlin, Harvard School of Medical Assistant Professor Dr. Diya Kallivayalil, International Institute of New England Lowell Managing Director Caroline Rowe, and PAIR Project Executive Director Anita Sharma for the announcement.

Congresswoman Trahan has consistently supported funding for Lowell CHC and other health centers throughout the Third District, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Trahan most recently announced $4,875,000 in federal funding for their “Passage to Healing” and “Partners in Prevention” programs in November 2022.

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