Our Underserved Community
As a community-based residency, our mission extends beyond the clinic walls. We are deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations and supporting organizations that promote health, stability, and dignity for every member of our community.
Serving North Central Massachusetts
Our patient population reflects the diversity and complexity of the North Central Massachusetts region, which includes urban centers like Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster, as well as the surrounding rural towns of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Devens, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lunenburg, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Winchendon, and Westminster. This catchment area has a combined population of approximately 200,000 residents.
We care for a large and growing Portuguese-speaking population from Brazil—currently the most common country of origin among foreign-born residents in Fitchburg and Leominster (representing 9.3% of all foreign-born individuals in the area). This multicultural environment enriches the clinical experience and prepares residents to provide culturally and linguistically responsive care.
Understanding the Need
Fitchburg, home to one of our primary clinics, has a population just over 40,000. According to recent census data:
- About 75% of residents have completed high school
- Only 15% have earned a college degree
- The unemployment rate in the Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner area has been as high as 10%, well above the state average
- Average household income is $54,000 in Fitchburg and $60,000 in Leominster
These statistics reflect broader socioeconomic challenges that directly impact health outcomes. Our role as primary care physicians includes not only delivering high-quality medical care but also addressing the social determinants of health and advocating for health equity across our community.
Our Community Partners
We are proud to collaborate with a network of dedicated local organizations that provide essential services—from housing and food assistance to mental health support and community health outreach. These partnerships help us care for the whole patient and connect them to vital resources.
Some of our trusted partners include:
Community Health Connections
Fitchburg & Leominster Housing Authorities
Care Central Visiting Nursing Association
Ginny's Helping Hand
Joint Coalition on Health
Montachusett Opportunity Council
Opportunities for Hope
Fitchburg Minority Coalition
United Way of Central Massachusetts
Winchendon Community Action Committee