The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has awarded approximately $200,000 in grants to support 12 community health projects that will expand access to care and strengthen behavioral health services across the Nashoba Valley region. 

In addition to these awards, the Foundation granted more than $10,500 to Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College to fund scholarships for Nashoba Valley residents pursuing education in direct-care provider programs—helping to grow the region’s future healthcare workforce. 

The Nashoba Valley Community Health grant program supports residents in twelve communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend. This year’s grantees address pressing community needs by improving access to medical services, expanding mental and behavioral health supports, and reducing barriers to care. 

Among the funded projects, UMass Memorial Health Care received $22,000 to purchase two EKG machines for a new satellite emergency facility currently under construction in Groton. The investment will equip the facility with modern diagnostic technology, enabling timely and accurate care for patients in the area. 

The North Middlesex Regional School District was awarded $20,000 to support the opening of a mental health center at the high school. The center will allow students to meet with mental health clinicians either in person or virtually, helping to reduce transportation and scheduling barriers. Funding will also support staff training to better identify and respond to student mental health needs, as well as a community health fair focused on mental health, healthy eating, substance abuse, healthcare access, and disease prevention. These priorities were identified through a recent community health assessment conducted in partnership with students from Boston University's School of Public Health, incorporating input from families and district staff. 

“We’re proud to partner with organizations that are addressing critical gaps in healthcare and behavioral health across the Nashoba Valley region,” said Steve Adams, President of the Community Foundation. “These grants will help strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable residents while building a healthier future for the entire Nashoba Valley community.” 

Additional grant recipients include Advocates, Inc.; Clear Path for Veterans New England; Conversations to Remember; Joe Andruzzi Foundation; LUK Crisis Center; Rise Above Foundation; Seven Hills ASPIRE!; Spanish American Center; The CASA Project; and Virginia Thurston Healing Garden. 

Through these investments, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts continues its commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring that residents across the Nashoba Valley have access to the care and support they need.