Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center has been selected as one of three Massachusetts community health centers to receive an Expanded Hours grant from the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The $1 million two-year grant will provide $500,000 per year for staffing and support to increase access and alleviate barriers by expanding the health center’s operating hours to meet community needs.

In recent years, Harvard Street has seen a growing need for services in the low-income neighborhoods it serves, due in part to an influx of new immigrant families along with the positive fact that many are now fully re-engaged in their healthcare following the pandemic. The addition of evening and weekend hours for services — including Primary Care, Pediatrics, Nutrition, Behavioral Health and Dental — will enable the health center to serve more patients with greater efficiency and flexibility. Telemedicine options and Pharmacy services will also be available.

“Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging for anyone. But for those who face language or cultural barriers, or who struggle with transportation challenges or childcare needs, accessing healthcare can become a hardship,” said Harvard Street CEO Charley Murphy. 

“The HRSA Expanded Hours grant will truly help us overcome these barriers for those we serve. It will increase our capacity overall, while making it easier for patients to schedule appointments at times that work for their lives.”

With some 600 applicants nationally, Harvard Street was one of 126 HRSA awards totaling $60 million for FY2025.  Other Massachusetts awardees include HealthFirst Family Care of Fall River and Caring Health Center of Springfield.

–REPORTER STAFF