Fast, free, and confidential HIV testing open to the community

Harbor Health offers a monthly HIV Rapid Testing clinic at our Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center and Geiger Gibson Community Health Center.

Please click the button below for information about dates and times of upcoming clinics.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/programs-and-services/prevention-programs/#rhivtesting”] HIV Rapid Testing Clinics[/button]

A Free Service Open to the Community!

This fast, free, and confidential walk-in service is open to anyone in the community.

All are welcome! No insurance is required and you do not need to be a patient of Harbor Health to come to the walk-in hours.

You do not have to check in at the front desk.

What Does the Test Involve?

The test is just a finger stick. There are no blood draws or waiting for lab results.

You receive your results in 20 minutes or less.

Where Can I Find the Rapid Testing Clinic?

Daniel Driscoll-Neponset Health Center is located at 398 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester. The closest T stop is Fields Corner on the Red Line and you can take the 210, 202, or 201 bus to right in front of the health center. There is also parking lot behind the health center and parking is free.

Geiger Gibson Community Health Center is located at 250 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester.  The closest T stop is JKF/UMASS Boston on the Red Line.  The health center is walking distance from the T stop.

Members of our prevention services team will be at the clinic and available to talk about sexual health. You can also pick up free condoms and other safer sex supplies!

Questions?

Call (617) 533-2228 with any questions.

Something’s Cooking at Harbor’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center – Free Cooking Classes

Attention parents of 3rd and 4th graders! Registration is now open for Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll-Neponset Health Center​’s FREE healthy cooking classes for kids!

The 4-week series will take place Mondays, 3:30PM-5:00PM, March 18-April 8, at Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center, 398 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester. 

Kids will have fun while learning how to make healthy foods with recipes provided by Harbor Health’s Nutritionist, Colleen Forrest.

The classes are free and open to all 3rd and 4th graders in the community thanks to the generous support of Kohl’s Healthy Family Fun.  All ingredients and class supplies are included.

Space is limited to 8 and participation in every class is strongly encouraged.

Register today at http://bit.ly/March19KidsCooking

What Will Kids Learn?

Every class will offer hands-on, age-appropriate fun while showing kids how to make healthier eating choices.

Each week, the cooking class will cover a new nutrition topic, prepare a healthy recipe using our mobile kitchen, and practice kitchen safety.

Kids will get to taste their food and take home the recipe, too.

Register Today!

Classes start soon so register today at http://bit.ly/March19KidsCooking

Questions about the classes?

Contact Amanda Mastrangelo at (617) 533-2228 or [email protected].

Exercise of the Month: Calf Raises

Spring is just around the corner so March is the perfect month to put a little spring in your step with calf raises!

Exercise is good for you.  It helps keep your heart healthy, lower your blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight. It can help you sleep better and improve your mood, too.

The challenge for many of us is finding the time and a safe place to get physical activity.  Simple exercises you can do anywhere, anytime, a little at a time, without equipment make it easier and more convenient.

Following a calendar and adding more repetitions each day also makes it fun!

Put Some Spring In Your Step!

In 2019, the Harbor Health team is participating in monthly fitness challenges to add more physical activity into our days.

We’re inviting our patients and our community to follow along!

The exercise of the month in March is calf raises.

Calf raises target the muscles on the back of your lower legs.

Here are some basic instructions for calf raises:

1. Stand up and put your feet hip-width apart.  Point your toes forward.
2. Raise your heels off the floor and squeeze your calves.
3. Slowly lower your heels to the starting position and repeat.

Follow Along!

Click or tap the button below to download the Harbor Health March Fitness Challenge.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Harbor-Mar-2019-fitness-challenge.pdf”]Download the March Fitness Challenge Calendar [/button]

REMEMBER – If you don’t already exercise or you’re unsure of your health status, talk with your provider before starting a new program!

Looking for a new a primary care provider?

Find a Harbor Community Health Center near you now!

Exercise of the Month: Arm Circles

February is National Heart Health Month and there’s no better time to focus on what you can do to keep your heart healthy!

Did you know heart disease is the #1 killer of women and men in the U.S.?

Here are some of the startling statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
• An estimated 80 million Americans have one or more types of heart disease.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most racial/ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics, and whites.
• For Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders and American Indians or Alaska Natives, heart disease is second only to cancer.
• A heart attack strikes someone every 34 seconds.

The good news is heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.  Speaking with your provider at Harbor Health about how you can keep your heart healthy is an important first step!

Help Your Heart With Exercise!

Speaking of steps, another way to keep your heart healthy is with exercise!  The key to increasing your level of physical activity is keeping it simple so it fits the time you have and doesn’t require equipment.

In 2019, the Harbor Health team across all of our locations is participating in monthly fitness challenges to help build strength, flexibility, and add more activity into our days.

We’re inviting our patients and our community to follow along!

Exercise of the Month: Arm Circles

You can do them sitting or standing, and alternate between forwards and backwards.  Our CEO and Patriots fan Chuck Jones and family medicine provider Dr. Tom Fantes demonstrate in the video!

Follow Along!

Click or tap the button below to download the Harbor Health February Fitness Challenge.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Harbor-Feb-2019-fitness-challenge.pdf”]Download the February Fitness Challenge Calendar [/button]

REMEMBER – If you don’t already exercise or you’re unsure of your health status, talk with your provider before starting a new program!

Looking for a new a primary care provider?  Find a Harbor Community Health Center near you now!

Collection Drive Running Now Through February 13

Harbor Community Health Center – Hyannis has launched a Winter Wellness Sock Drive in an effort to provide some basic comfort to community members struggling to make ends meet this season.

“Winter is one of the hardest times of year on Cape Cod,“ explains Jacquie Tarbell, the practice manager at Harbor Health’s community health center in Hyannis.

“For many of our patients, the homeless, and members of our community who are struggling in many ways at this time of year, getting help with even the most basic essentials like a new pair of socks can make a big difference to a person’s health and well-being.”

Individuals and local businesses are encouraged to drop off new socks of all sizes.  Donations of unused travel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, hand sanitizer, and lip balm are also appreciated.

DONATION DROP OFF LOCATION & HOURS

735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM -8:30 PM
Saturday, 8:00 AM -4:30 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Look for the donation box located in the check in area of the health center!

Help Us Reach Our 250 Pair Goal!

Our goal is to collect 250 pairs of socks between now and February 13!

Patients and community members in need to pick up socks and toiletries at the Center on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14 while supplies last.  Any additional items not picked up will be delivered to St. Joseph’s House (formerly the Noah Shelter) and Angel House Shelter, both in Hyannis.

Questions?  Call Jacquie Tarbell, practice manager, at (508) 778-5428.

Thank you for your support!

Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center hosting community baby shower!

Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center is hosting a community baby shower!  This event will be hosted by members of the caring and experienced pediatrics, women’s health, and family medicine teams at Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center.

At the community baby shower, you can get to know local healthcare providers and learn about community resources for expectant moms and new parents.

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, January 24
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center
398 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester, MA  02122
RSVP to Jen Ryan, (617) 533-2227

We will have light refreshments, special treats, and lots of information!

Infant Care Questions Answered

Whether you are a first-time parent or have other children, you probably have questions about caring for your baby and yourself during and after pregnancy – that’s OK!  Please bring your questions to the community baby shower!

Our providers will offer information about:

• Baby safe sleep
• Breastfeeding
• Infant feeding
• Staying healthy during and after pregnancy
• Helping your baby stay healthy
• How to access resources like Women, Infants, and Children

At Harbor Health, we believe in providing exceptional care for everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.  We also treat the WHOLE PATIENT by connecting our patients to the resources they need to live a healthy, independent life.

We’re happy to answer questions you might have to make sure you and your baby have access to the care and services you need!

Let Us Know You Are Coming

Please RSVP for the January 24 community baby shower event by calling Jen Ryan at (617) 533-2227.  Jen can also answer questions for you about the baby shower!

You can also download our informational flyer: Download Flyer

We hope to see you there!

The Harbor Health Elder Service Plan, a Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly welcomes Dr. Susan Hardy.

Dr. Hardy, a native of Illinois graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School with Honors. In addition, she was an internal medicine resident at Duke University and has a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine from Yale University, where she also received a Ph.D. in Investigative Medicine.

Medical Practice and Education 

• Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with a Certificate of added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine (ABIM)
• Summit Eldercare Associate Medical Director
• Medical Director for the Jewish Association on Aging Skilled Nursing and Outpatient Rehab Facilities in Pittsburgh, PA
• Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School
• Instructor at Yale University Medical School

Dr. Susan Hary is excited to bring comprehensive geriatric care to the Greater Brockton area. Call 774-470-6700 to arrange a tour or meeting with Dr. Hardy.

Harbor Health Elder Service Plan 

479 Torrey Street | Brockton, MA 02301

Looking for a new Adult Day Health Center for your loved one? Come to our Open House! 

• When Wednesday, May 2nd: 9 am – 12 pm
• Where 479 Torrey Street, Brockton
• What We will provide a tour of our facilities and light refreshments!

RSVP by calling 774-470-6737 or emailing [email protected]

Learn more about how we help seniors and disabled adults maintain their health and quality of life while continuing to live in their homes. By being active and receiving care in a supervised environment, our clients have fewer accidents and hospital stays, thus improving dramatically their quality of life.

Learn more about the Elder Service Plan (PACE) here.

Mattapan, MA- Susan B. Lit, of Randolph and Todd Murphy of Marshfield were recently named as Chief Performance and Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Harbor Health Service Inc., a health services agency which owns and operates four community health centers, two in Boston, one in Plymouth and one in Hyannis as well as a community Dental Center in Harwich and two elder, PACE programs in Boston and Brockton.  

Ms. Lit joins the agency from her most recent position as Chief Operating Officer for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, where she oversaw the health centers and education and research programs.  She was previously CEO and Publisher of Cambridge-based, Sky Publishing, publisher of Sky & Telescope magazine, serving amateur astronomers.  Ms. Lit has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University and a Masters of Business Administration from Northeastern University.

Mr. Murphy joins the agency from his most recent position as CFO of WordStream, Inc., a Boston based online marketing technology company.  He has also held financial leadership positions with Predilytics, a healthcare data analytics company and Health Dialog, a population health management company.  Mr. Murphy has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College and a Masters Degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Business.

CEO, Chuck Jones in making the announcement said, “Susan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the new position of Chief Performance and Strategy Officer (CPSO).  The CPSO position is critical to our growth as a health care agency in today’s rapidly changing health care environment.  She will be a valuable member of the senior leadership team focusing on optimizing performance and developing strategies to better serve our patients and communities.”

Mr. Jones added, “Todd brings a degree of sophistication and professional experience to the role of CFO that is difficult to find in the marketplace today. Over his 27 year career in finance and administration, Todd has been able to grow operational and managerial practices that have benefitted each organization he has worked with.  We welcome both Susan and Todd to our senior leadership team and look forward to benefiting from their combined years of experience in managing large and complex institutions.”

About Harbor Health Services, Inc.

Harbor Health Services, Inc. is a nonprofit, public health agency committed to providing quality, comprehensive health care in Boston, Brockton, South Shore and Cape Cod communities. It provides a wide network of healthcare services to meet the needs of patients including, Elder Services Plans for elders who want to age at home, a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program for mothers in need of nutritional support for their children and an array of health care services including dental, eye care, mental health counseling, pediatric care and primary care for more than 30,000 patients annually.

Phone Menu Changes – December 2017

What’s new?

• Only 4 menu options/prompts.
• The phone menu options are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Portuguese for all our locations.
• You will hear your estimated wait time if there are calls waiting.
• You will have the option to leave a voicemail If you can’t wait the estimated hold time on the line to speak to a live agent.
• If you press ”0” or “#” the call will be transferred to the queue to speak to a live agent.
• If an agent is available the call will skip the menu and will be transferred directly to a live agent.
• All calls will be recorded for quality and training purposes.

What else should I know?

• WE made it simple for you! We’ve reduced our current menu from 9 to 4 options including (2) self-service options (2& 4).
• WE are available 24/7 days of the week! Call us at any time! We have after-hours coverage.
• WE shortened the amount of time it takes to reach the phone menu/prompts from 9 seconds to 3 seconds.
• WE have in-house Vietnamese, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers! Your call will be routed appropriately now!
• WE are now 16! We are here to serve you! We stand at 87% of our total staff required.

What are the options?

• Option 1 –For Health Care provider communication (provider to provider).
• Option 2– For hours of operations, address, fax and phone number to each location.
• Option 3– For appointments and all other calls. To speak to a live patient access representative.
• Option 4– For callers who know their parties extension.

While on hold…

Patient Portal– Did you know you can schedule an appointment through our secure online patient portal? You can also see your upcoming appointments, check the status of your test results and send messages to your provider anytime day or night. Ask about your patient portal at the front desk on your next visit for more information.

Pharmacy– Calling for a prescription refill? If you use an outside pharmacy, please call your pharmacy directly to request a refill. It will help us to complete your refill request faster and more accurately. If you currently use a Harbor Health pharmacy or are interested in changing to a Harbor Health pharmacy so you can benefit from our convenient locations, mail-to-home options and a pharmacist who is an active member of your health care team, please press 2 now.

Any questions or suggestions? Please call 617-533-2245 or email at [email protected]