Rockland Trust Invests $150,000 in New Bedford Community Health’s Primary Care Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — NEW BEDFORD, MA – January 2026 –

New Bedford Community Health (NBCH) is grateful to announce a $150,000 commitment from the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation in support of its More Access, Better Care – Building for a Healthier Future campaign, a key initiative to expand access to primary care services for individuals and families throughout Greater New Bedford.

This investment advances NBCH’s primary care expansion, enabling the health center to increase the number of patients served, improve patient access, and deliver high-quality, coordinated care in modern, welcoming spaces. The project responds directly to growing demand for primary care and represents an important step toward improving health equity across the region.

Rockland Trust’s gift reflects a long-standing relationship with NBCH as a trusted banking partner and a shared commitment to strengthening the communities they serve. Through its community giving, Rockland Trust supports initiatives that expand access

“Rockland Trust has been a steadfast partner for NBCH for many years,” said Cheryl Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer of New Bedford Community Health. “Their support of this primary care expansion underscores their deep understanding of the critical role access to care plays in community health and wellbeing. We are truly grateful for their ongoing partnership and leadership.”

“For more than four decades, New Bedford Community Health has been a pillar of the southeast Massachusetts community, delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare,” said Andrea Borowiecki, Vice President of Community Giving and Engagement at Rockland Trust and Executive Director of the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation. “Families across the region have long depended on the essential services they provide, and we are pleased to support them in broadening access, increasing capacity, and implementing community health improvements.”

The primary care expansion project is expected to create over 50 construction jobs and will allow NBCH to hire two additional primary care providers along with essential support staff to meet the needs of more than 3,000 new patients, while revitalizing a key section of Purchase Street in downtown New Bedford. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026.

How to Support the Campaign

To learn more about the More Access, Better Care – Building for a Healthier Future campaign or to make a gift, visit https://gnbchc.org/NBCH-Capital-Campaign or contact Rhonda Veugen at rhondaveugen@gnbchc.org.

About New Bedford Community Health

New Bedford Community Health (NBCH) is a nonprofit, multicultural community health center in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. NBCH provides comprehensive health care for the whole family, including primary care, urgent care, dental services, behavioral health care, and medical specialties. In addition to clinical services, NBCH offers financial wellness and community support programs.

For more than four decades, NBCH has remained committed to equitable, patient-centered, community-focused care for all residents of Southeastern Massachusetts, regardless of their ability to pay. More information

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