The Strongest Link: Allison van der Velden and the Health Care System

Health care in western Massachusetts is facing significant challenges. The system is broken, leaving many people struggling to access the services they need in a timely manner. Even those who are insured, healthy, and wealthy may have difficulty finding care near them. Amidst the corporate profits and private-equity dominating the industry, there is a little-known oasis – the Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC). This nonprofit primary care office is a federally qualified health center located in downtown Greenfield and on the main street in Orange.

Community health centers like CHCFC are the best-kept secret in health care. Without spending money on advertisements, these centers prioritize patient care. While they may not have fixed the entire U.S. health care system, community health centers are the least broken part of it. CHCFC is accepting new patients and welcomes everyone. They uphold high standards for accessibility, quality, and safety while emphasizing health care as a fundamental right for all.

Allison van der Velden champions community health through her work at the CHCFC in Greenfield. She understands the challenges within the health care system and strives to provide accessible and integrated care to improve the length and quality of life for her patients. The mission of CHCFC is clear – collaboration with patients and the community to ensure everyone has access to high-quality health care.