Special to the Times-Free Press

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced $2.1 million in grant awards to implement, sustain or expand Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) residency programs at eight Community Health Centers (CHCs) across the state, including NeighborHealth in East Boston. The FNP residency grant program aims to support community-based workforce recruitment and retention and increase availability of primary care professionals serving Massachusetts residents.  This investment is part of Governor Maura Healey’s commitment to shifting more resources to primary care and supporting workforce development of primary care providers. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has identified primary care as a priority so that Massachusetts  residents can get appointments when they need them. The NeighborHealth CHC in East Boston will receive funding for two FNP residency slots. “This investment in primary care at Community Health Centers comes at a critical time,” said Healey. “Community Health Centers are facing serious challenges because of actions of President Trump and Congressional Republicans, but Massachusetts remains committed to supporting their important work across the state and strengthening our primary care workforce.”  Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said that the more the state can ensure that people have access to services through programs created by funding like this grant, communities will be better off. “This funding is a major win for East Boston and for the families who depend on NeighborHealth as their primary source of care,” said State Senator Lydia Edwards. “Community Health Centers are the backbone of primary care in our neighborhoods, and investing in Family Nurse Practitioner residencies means more providers, better access to care, and a stronger, more stable workforce rooted in the community. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassHealth and EOHHS for recognizing the vital role NeighborHealth plays and for making a meaningful investment in the health and wellbeing of our residents.” Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said that having more primary care professionals at CHCs across the state means better access to care for residents, less strain on emergency rooms, and healthier lives for people in Massachusetts. “Accessible primary care is the foundation of good health outcomes, services that Community Health Centers excel in providing to the communities that need it most,” said state Representative Adrian Madaro. “Here in East Boston, NeighborHealth is an essential primary care provider for our neighbors and surrounding communities. This funding for Family Nurse Practitioner residencies will bolster NeighborHealth’s ability to provide competent family-centered primary care to populations that will most benefit from it. Thank you to Governor Healey, Lieutenant  Governor Driscoll and the Administration for making this funding possible.” State Representative John Moran said Community Health Centers are essential to ensuring local access to affordable, equitable care. “Investing in primary care at centers like NeighborHealth in the 9th Suffolk District strengthens our health care system and helps address its ongoing challenges,” Moran said. The FNP residency grant program is part of the Workforce Initiatives portfolio authorized and funded under the Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver.  “Increasing the availability of primary care professionals is an ongoing goal for MassHealth,” said Undersecretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. “This funding allows Community Health Centers to train primary care providers who are committed and well-prepared to care for patients in community settings. It is crucial in supporting workforce development,  while addressing the challenges of primary care recruitment and retention.”  The FNP residency grant program is part of the Workforce Initiatives portfolio authorized and funded under the Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver.   “Developing Family Nurse Practitioner residency programs within community health centers is an investment in the future of equitable, community-based care,” said Michael A. Curry, Esq., President & Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. “By building a strong and sustainable pipeline of Family Nurse Practitioners, we are expanding access to primary care, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening the foundation of care for underserved communities across the Commonwealth, and providing another training ground for diverse providers. This work reflects our enduring commitment to a simple truth: every person deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care.”