WORCESTER, Mass. - Running low on cash and losing staff, 2022 was a challenging year for the Family Health Center of Worcester.

"We operated on a shoe string budget with a historical reimbursement rate that didn't cover our costs, with a need that was expansive," said Louis Brady, president and CEO of the center.

What You Need To Know

  • After a challenging 2022, The Family Health Center created a 120 day plan to help "right the ship"

  • The 120 day period came to an end in March of this year

  • In that time, they said they've hired nearly 40 new employees, improved their financial status and are looking to address their infrastructure as well

  • The center treats tens of thousands of patients every year

After closing three branches in central Massachusetts, the community health center, which serves a diverse population and treats tens of thousands of people a year, decided they needed a plan. They called it "Better Together."

"Better together was a 120 day plan to help right the ship, to put us back on our feet to allow us to rebuild for the future," said Brady.

A number of priorities were highlighted. Some included improving pay parity, technology and staffing levels.

"On March 1st, we were able to give all of our staff a cost of living increase," said Susan Sleigh, the center's chief operating officer. "In doing that, we improved our retention."

They're working on more than just retention though. Family Health Center has added nearly 40 new employees since November.

"They are our biggest asset," said Sleigh. "They are the ones that are providing the care for our community."

Staff said poverty is still a big issue in Worcester for a lot of their patients, so their mission of providing affordable, high quality care is as important as ever.

"More and more, people have trouble making ends meet as unfortunately, the middle class shrinks, more and more people are going to rely upon us," said Robert Zavoski, chief clinical officer. "And we're here to do it."

On top of staffing and patient satisfaction, Family Health Center said infrastructure is also an issue they're looking into, and they're hoping to address it in the near future.