Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Fitchburg leaders for the official ribbon-cutting of Community Health Connections’ new Children’s Behavioral Health Center. The center’s creation was made possible in part by a $2.5 million federal investment that Trahan secured during negotiations over the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package. The new 3,800 sq. ft. center will be staffed by 21 employees serving patients in twelve behavioral health counseling rooms, three therapeutic counseling rooms, and a dedicated children’s waiting and reception area.  

“As a mom, I know how important access to high quality health and mental health care is for both children and their parents. That’s why I went to work to secure this federal funding that will be used to offer much-needed behavioral health services to children in Fitchburg and across North Central Massachusetts,.” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I look forward to seeing the tremendous benefits that the high-quality behavioral and menal health treatments offered by Community Health Connections will deliver for Massachusetts families.”

We're incredibly grateful to have the support of our local legislators and grant funders,” said John A. DeMalia, President & CEO of Community Health Connections. “This new space and our expanded Children’s Mental Health Services would not be possible without the support of Congresswoman Trahan, who secured a federal earmark of $2.5 million dollars for CHC.”

Community Health Connections’ Children’s Behavioral Health Center, which officially opened its doors this March, offers a number of behavioral health services, including individual therapy, family counseling, psychiatry, art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, therapeutic outreach, and case management. Since its opening, the center has received 420 unique patient visits and 2,690 appointments.

The funding that Trahan secured is supporting the salaries and benefits of 21 employees at the center. Community Health Connections currently employs 470 staff members between 5 locations, including two in Fitchburg, two in Gardener, and one in Leominster, and has over 21 years of experience serving as a Federally Qualified Health Center for over 36 communities in Massachusetts. Last year, Community Health Connections served 32,375 patients through 129,194 in-person and telehealth visits, with 9,027 patients being Fitchburg residents.

"Today marks a significant milestone for our community as we cut the ribbon on the new Community Health Connections ACTION Community Health Center at the Water St. Market Basket Plaza.” said Mayor of Fitchburg Sam Squailia. “This much needed facility will be a source of hope and healing for our children and families, providing vital services such as individual and group therapy, psychiatry, play therapy, expressive therapy, and therapeutic monitoring for patients aged 5 to 20. The expanded Children's Behavioral Health Program and Clinic, along with the availability of telehealth services, ensures that our young residents receive the care they need, no matter the circumstances. This expansion shows our area commitment to the well-being of our community's future generations. Thank you to Community Health Connections for your dedication and hard work in making this vision a reality."

"To combat the mental health crisis, we need to ensure that people, especially children, are able to access high-quality services in their community," said Senator John J. Cronin (D - Fitchburg). “This center is an indispensable resource for countless families and will make Fitchburg and North Central more resilient. I'm grateful for our Congresswoman's efforts to make this center a reality and deliver federal funds.”

"I am thankful to have such a strong partner on Capitol Hill in Congresswoman Trahan who is committed to bringing funding to Fitchburg to address the ongoing mental health crisis," said Representative Michael Kushmerek. "As the caregiver of two parents who directly interfaced with the behavioral healthcare system, I have seen and experienced the accessibility and affordability challenges firsthand. The new Children’s Behavioral Health Center will serve an essential function in addressing the mental health needs that many youths in the North Central region are facing.”

Trahan has consistently advocated for increases in federal funding for community health centers, including helping to shepherd legislation through the House of Representatives last year to immediately increase mandatory funding for community health centers by 10 percent. Trahan has previously secured funding for Community Health Connections, and earlier this year, she celebrated funding to expand mental and physical health care access in Fitchburg, including $5.6 million for LUK Inc. to improve mental and behavioral health services, and $450,000 for UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital to purchase a new 3D mammogram system.

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