LAWRENCE — Chief medical officer and longtime employee at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Zandra Kelley will take over for interim president and CEO Steven Paris to lead the local health center which has locations in Methuen, Haverhill and Lawrence.
The GLFHC Board conducted a nationwide search to replace their CEO, who stepped out of retirement to take on the role when it remained open. Kelley is a native of Illinois and earned her bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Chicago. She completed her residence in Lawrence.
“Dr. Kelley brings to this role a deep and longstanding commitment to the mission and values of GLFHC,” GLFHC Board Chair Rosa Piña said. “She is a distinguished alumna of our Family Medicine Residency Program, a cornerstone of our organization that has trained hundreds of primary care physicians dedicated to serving underserved communities. After completing her residency, Dr. Kelley continued to serve GLFHC as a dedicated primary care physician, building strong relationships with patients and earning the respect of colleagues across all levels of the organization.”
Kelley has worked at the health center since 2003, serving in a variety of roles and for a variety of organizations during her career. She has worked as the medical director and vice president of clinical affairs at the former Merrimack Valley Accountable Care Organization and held the position of chief of family medicine at Lawrence General Hospital. As chief medical officer, she continued to practice full-spectrum primary care family medicine and continued inpatient work as well at Lawrence General Hospital while working as a faculty member and administrator.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of chief executive officer at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center,” Kelley said. “GLFHC has long been a cornerstone of a vibrant and engaged community, with strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all who live here. I am inspired by the passion and dedication of the staff, Board of Directors, and community partners and look forward to working together as we continue advancing our mission. In the face of current challenges and those ahead, we remain focused, united, and unwavering in our service to the community.”
Nearly $12M in grants earmarked for city
LAWRENCE – Officials in Lawrence gathered this week to recognize nearly $12 million in federal grants awarded to the city through competitive programs.
The grants include the following, according to a press release:
$6,625,455.92 to maximize the number of children under the age of 6 protected from lead poisoning by undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible homes.$740,000 to protect residents from multiple health and safety hazards such as asthma triggers, carbon monoxide, radon, and safety and injury risks in homes.$3,174,052 to support the creation of affordable housing, rental assistance for working families, or homelessness response efforts.$1,298,760 to develop, implement, or expand comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those in the community impacted by opioids, stimulants, and other drugs.
“Every family deserves to feel safe in their community and have access to affordable housing they can rely on. That’s why I fought hard to secure these federal investments for working families in Lawrence and across the Third District,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan, D-Westford.
“This significant federal investment will make a meaningful difference by helping more families find stable homes and ensuring local law enforcement and first responders have the resources they need to keep Lawrence safe,” she said.
Exeter Hospital recognized high-quality stroke care
EXETER — Exeter Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Gold Plus” quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
“We are proud to be recognized for the high-quality stroke care we provide to patients every day,” said hospital President Debra Cresta. “By following the highest standards of care, we can ensure patients receive the best outcomes possible.”
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Exeter Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s “Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll” award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.
In addition, Exeter Hospital received the American Heart Association’s “Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll” award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Exeter Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in ‘Get With The Guidelines’ is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Americus Restaurant receives DiRõ
NA Award of Excellence
DERRY — LaBelle Winery announced that Americus Restaurant at the winery’s Derry location has been awarded the DiRõNA Award of Excellence from Distinguished Restaurants of North America, recognizing the restaurant as one of North America’s finest dining destinations.
The DiRõNA Award recognizes restaurants that are destinations for creating memorable moments, whether guests are celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a luxurious meal.
Since 1990, DiRõNA has been honoring North America’s most exceptional dining establishments using extensive criteria and an impartial inspection process that assesses all aspects of a dining experience. The organization’s rigorous evaluation process ensures that only restaurants meeting the highest standards receive the award.
“Receiving the DiRõNA Award of Excellence is an honor that reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to providing our guests with extraordinary dining experiences,” said Amy LaBelle, co-owner and winemaker at LaBelle Winery. “This recognition validates our commitment to treating all of our guests like family as well as our dedication to culinary excellence.”
The restaurant features contemporary New England cuisine with an international flair in a comfortable setting. It’s also known for its house-made pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Americus offers brunch, lunch and dinner, along with a full-service bar featuring spirits, mocktails, LaBelle’s wines and craft beers.
Medical center expands surgical capabilities
NASHUA — Southern New Hampshire Health announced the addition of Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical system, bringing the latest robotic-assisted surgical technology to the facility.
Beginning this month, surgeons at the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center will utilize the high-definition 3D imaging and force feedback technology for greater accuracy and safety during complex procedures, including general, bariatric, urologic, gynecologic and emergency surgeries.
“Adding the Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical system to our services at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center expands what we’re capable of in the operating room,” said Executive Director Leanne Berube. “With this technology, we’re able to deliver minimally invasive care that enables individuals to get back to their daily lives more quickly. It’s another step forward in our commitment to serving our patients with advanced surgical care right here in Nashua.”
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