HRSA Awards Community Health Quality Recognition Badges to 27 MA Federally Qualified Health Centers 

The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (the Mass League) is proud to announce that the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Community Health Recognition Badges to 27 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Massachusetts. CHQR Badges are awarded annually to health centers that have achieved quality improvements in health care access, clinical quality, health outcomes, and health information technology.  

Boston-based FQHCs NeighborHealth and North End Waterfront Health Center led the way with five badges each, followed closely by Greater New Bedford Community Health Center and Mattapan Community Health Center, who both received four. Four FQHCs (Harbor Health Services, Island Health Care, NeighborHealth, and North End Waterfront Health Center) received the highly distinguished gold badge for Health Center Quality, placing them in the top 10% nationally for performance in clinical quality measures.  

“I’m incredibly proud of the work our health centers are doing across the state to provide high quality care and services,” said Michael Curry, Esq., President and CEO of the Mass League. “These awards are further proof that health centers are an indispensable part of the state’s health care system. As we navigate a new federal policy landscape, we must ensure that our health centers have the resources necessary to continue delivering the high-quality care that our patients and communities deserve.” 

These health centers’ commitment to improving care and patient experience is a major boost to the state’s nation-leading health care system – more than one million patients receive health care at a community health center. For many, health centers are the front door to the health care system, a door that is open to all regardless of their ability to pay. As Massachusetts grapples with primary care access and increasing health care costs, the innovations made by these FQHCs will benefit the entire healthcare system.  

“It is deeply rewarding to have HRSA recognize the high quality of care we provide. These national recognitions reflect our team’s dedication, skill, and creativity in delivering comprehensive care to our community,” said Jamie Hazard, Interim President & CEO of NeighborHealth. “By working in true partnership with our patients, we help break down barriers so that even the most vulnerable members of our community can access exceptional healthcare.” 

“This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff, whose hard work and collaborative spirit drive our commitment to delivering exceptional care, along with the incredible trust and support our community places in us every day. It’s a true team effort, and we remain deeply focused on providing high-quality patient-centered health services to our community,” said Vincenzo Scibelli, LICSW, MPH, CEO of North End Waterfront Health Center.  

The following health centers received badges: 

• Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program 

• Brockton Neighborhood Health Center 

• Caring Health Center 

• Community Health Center of Cape Cod 

• Community Health Connections 

• DotHouse Health 

• Duffy Health Center 

• Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center 

• Fenway Health 

• Greater Lawrence Family Health Center 

• Greater New Bedford Community Health Center 

• Harbor Health Services 

• Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center 

• HealthFirst Family Care 

• Hilltown Community Health Center 

• Holyoke Health Center 

• Island Health Care 

• Lowell Community Health Center 

• Lynn Community Health Center 

• Manet Community Health Center 

• Mattapan Community Health Center 

• NeighborHealth 

• North End Waterfront Health Center 

• North Shore Community Health Center 

• South Boston Community Health Center 

• Springfield Health Services for the Homeless 

• Upham’s Corner Health Center 

The Mass League is committed to supporting the state’s network of 50 community health centers’ work to advance health care access, health outcomes, clinical quality, and health information technology through leadership, training, and technical assistance.  

For more information on the badges received by Massachusetts’s FQHCs, visit HRSA’s Community Health Quality Recognition Dashboard.