Free and Income-Based Community Clinics in Worcester County MA - Dental and Medical Care Option
Low-income, uninsured, and underinsured residents in Worcester County Massachusetts can access medical care through a network of federally funded health centers and free volunteer clinics. These programs, with the main one being the Worcester Free Care Collaborative, provide primary care, dental services, behavioral health, and basic medical treatment either on a sliding fee scale or completely free of charge. This page provides details on the main centers in the county, including contact information and a summary of services.
Healthcare access in the county is primarily delivered through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and the Worcester Free Care Collaborative (WFCC). Each program serves a different role, and understanding how they work can help residents find the right option. These centers all try to offer ongoing care, including treatment for chronic conditions, prescriptions, dental care, and behavioral health services. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.
While Federally Qualified Health Centers provide comprehensive medical services regardless of a patient’s ability to, the Worcester Free Care Collaborative consists of volunteer-based programs providing non-emergency medical care at no cost. These clinics typically operate on specific weekday evenings and do not require insurance or proof of income. They are intended for acute, non-chronic health issues, physical examinations, and basic laboratory screenings for individuals who do not qualify for MassHealth or private insurance.
Worcester City Clinics (Central County)
The city of Worcester has the largest number of community clinics and free care programs in the county.
The Family Health Center of Worcester
The locations is a Federally Qualified Health Center located at 26 Queen Street, Worcester, MA 01610. Patients can call 508-860-7700 or visit https://fhcw.org/
for more information.
It provides primary care, dental services, behavioral health, and access to medications through an on-site pharmacy. The center also offers programs for maternal and child health and HIV care.
The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
The non-profit operates multiple sites in Worcester. The location at 19 Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA 01605. Call 508-852-1805 or visit https://www.kennedychc.org
The centers provide primary care, dental services, and optometry. Additional services may include access to lab work and pharmacy programs.
- Another Kennedy Community Health Center site is located at 605 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605. This location provides primary care and behavioral health services, and patients may be able to access same-day appointments depending on availability. Call 508-595-1115 for current services and hours.
The Hart-Wood Free Medical Program
The address is 64 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609. Website: https://www.worcesterfreecare.org/medical-programs/hart-wood
This is a volunteer-run clinic that provides basic medical care such as physical exams and treatment for minor illnesses. It typically operates on Monday evenings.
St. Peter’s Free Medical Program
Located at 929 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603. Visit https://www.worcesterfreecare.org/medical-programs/st-peters
This free clinic provides basic medical visits, including care for minor illnesses and physical exams. It generally operates on Thursday evenings.
The Akwaaba Free Health Program
Address is 61 Vernon Street, Worcester, MA 01610. More information is available at https://www.worcesterfreecare.org/medical-programs/akwaaba
The organization offers health screenings and basic medical consultations through volunteer providers. It is typically open on Thursday evenings.
Public Health Clinics and Services
Worcester County does not operate a traditional county-run primary care clinic system. Instead, public health services are provided through city agencies and state-supported programs that focus on prevention, screenings, and limited clinical services.
The City of Worcester Division of Public Health
It is located at 25 Meade Street, Worcester, MA 01610. Patients can call 508-799-8531 or visit https://www.worcesterma.gov/public-health for more information.
This office provides immunizations, STI and HIV testing, tuberculosis screening, lead poisoning prevention, and maternal and child health services. These programs are focused on prevention and community health rather than ongoing primary care.
The Massachusetts Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program operates multiple locations in Worcester, including a site at 337 Mill Street, Worcester, MA. WIC provides nutrition assistance, health screenings, and support services for pregnant women, infants, and young children. Services are income-based and available to eligible families. More information is available at https://www.mass.gov/wic.
North Worcester County Clinics (Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner)
Community Health Connections is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves several communities in northern Worcester County. The locations are listed below, however the contact for each site is the same. Patients can call 978-878-8100 or visit https://chcfhc.org/
- The Fitchburg location at 326 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 provides primary care and dental services. Additional services may include behavioral health and diagnostic services depending on availability.
- The Leominster location at 165 Mill Street, Leominster, MA 01453 provides primary care and dental services. Patients should contact the clinic directly at 978-878-8100 to confirm available services and hours.
- The Gardner location at 175 Connors Street, Gardner, MA 01440 offers primary care services for individuals and families in the surrounding area.
- The South Gardner Community Health and Urgent Care Center, located at 529 Timpany Boulevard, Gardner, MA 01440, provides care for acute medical needs.
South and East Worcester County Clinics (Southbridge, Milford, Shrewsbury)
Additional community health services are available in the southern and eastern parts of Worcester County.
The Family Health Center of Worcester
The regional center operates a location at 32 Orchard Street, Southbridge, MA 01550. Patients can call 508-860-7700 or visit https://fhcw.org/ for details.
This site provides primary care services and may offer additional services depending on availability.
The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
The nonprofit also operates a site at 41 Cape Road, Milford, MA 01757. Call 508-473-3535 or visit https://www.kennedychc.org/
This location provides primary care and behavioral health services.
St. Anne’s Free Medical Program
The program is located at 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. More information is available at https://www.worcesterfreecare.org/medical-programs/st-annes
This volunteer clinic provides limited medical services such as basic screenings and follow-up care for ongoing conditions. It typically operates on Tuesday evenings.
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