METROWEST FREE MEDICAL PROGRAM MOVES LOCATIONS; EXPANDS PARTNERSHIPS

OCTOBER 21, 2022

MARLBOROUGH - MetroWest Free Medical Program, which offers free medical care to patients through its adult medicine, women’s health, and vision clinics, has announced that it will be changing locations to 246 Maple Street Suite 1 in Marlborough. The new location, with 2000 square feet of medical space, will accommodate the free evening adult medicine and women’s health clinics in this new era of healthcare.

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center at 354 Waverly Street in Framingham served as a temporary site for MetroWest Free Medical Program’s Adult Medicine and Women’s Health clinics from March 2022 through October 2022. “With similar missions to provide health care to anyone in need no matter their ability to pay, we were pleased to provide the program with temporary space for up to a year while they searched for a permanent location,” said Stephen J. Kerrigan, President and CEO. 

Prior, MetroWest Free Medical Program hosted free evening clinics at Congregation Beth El, 105 Hudson Road in Sudbury and at 110 Edgell Road in Framingham, a building owned by the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist.  With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, MetroWest Free Medical Program’s walk-in clinic at Congregation Beth El was suspended. Additionally, First Parish Framingham-Unitarian Universalist sold the 110 Edgell Road property earlier this year. “We are grateful for the continued relationship with Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, as well as Congregation Beth El and First Parish and the members who volunteer with us,” said Danielle Kehoe, Executive Director.

“We actively and exhaustively sought a donated permanent site for our Adult Medicine, Women’s Health, and specialty services as we continue to provide in-person care,” said Kehoe. “As our services are free, we rely on volunteers and the commitment of individuals, foundations, and corporate supporters. When we had trouble finding a partner that could accommodate our evening hours and our clinical requirements, the community rallied together to raise funds toward a lease. Then, Josh Seadia, Principal of JMJ Commercial Realty, worked with Dr. Vinay Kumar and Dr. Jose Flores-Cardillo of Charles River Medical Associates, who have provided us flexibility in our agreement to support subleasing to specialists. This will afford the opportunity to generate revenue to offset rent and, ultimately, fulfill our commitment to our patients.”

Also contributing is Modular Concepts, LLC, owned by MetroWest Free Medical Program Board Member Luiz Thomaz. “I am honored to serve on the Board of the MetroWest Free Medical Program. As part of my commitment, I am committed to providing commercial cleaning services in-kind at the new location.” 

Lexington Eye Associates at 534 Boston Post Road in Sudbury, MA,continues to serve as the permanent site for its vision program, under the leadership of volunteer Vision Clinic Director James Umlas, MD. “I have had the opportunity to volunteer for more than a decade with MetroWest Free Medical Program. My colleagues at Lexington Eye Associates have agreed to host the eye program at no charge at our Sudbury office, and I am excited to contribute to ensuring individuals in our community have access to eye care.” The vision clinic has additionally received donations of glasses from Essilor Vision Foundation and surgical supplies from Bausch + Lomb, and receives donations of medical equipment and supplies from numerous local businesses.

“We are grateful for the sustained commitment of our volunteers, staff, and community partners to our mission,” said Fran Green, Board Co-Chair.

About the MetroWest Free Medical Program.  MetroWest Free Medical Program (MWFMP), founded in 2004, serves as an entry point to the health care system for those who are uninsured or insufficiently insured by providing immediate health related care and connections to other health resources. In over 18 years of operation, the Clinic’s volunteer providers, staff, and interpreters, have provided over 25,000 patient visits. Funding for the program’s free care is made possible through the generosity of many individuals and foundations, including athenaGives, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, CVS Health Foundation, Cummings Foundation, MetroWest Health Foundation, MutualOne Charitable Foundation, Sanofi Genzyme Charitable Foundation, and The Sudbury Foundation. MWFMP also received funding through the House’s FY22 state budget. MetroWest Free Medical Program is proud to have attained the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics 2022 Standards Gold Rating and the 2022 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

For more information, visit www.metrowestfreemedicalprogram.org

Media Contact:
Danielle Kehoe
Executive Director
danielle@metrowestfreemedicalprogram.org
(716) 480-5119