LCHC Celebrates 44 Years of Caring

The Lynn Community Health Center celebrated its 44th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 28, allowing the organization to reflect on its many achievements over the past year and to recognize community members and employees who have made special contributions.

The Andrea Gaulzetti Award for Excellence in Community Health was presented to Emily Johnson, LSW.  This award is given in memory of Andrea Gaulzetti, who was the Chief Nursing Officer at the health center for 17 years. She was a passionate believer in the mission of the health center, a fierce advocate for patients, and a friend and mentor to many staff who flourished professionally under her leadership. The award is given to an LCHC employee who embodies Andrea’s commitment to care. Emily Johnson first came to the health center as an intern and then as a medical social worker. Now the Director of Community Outreach, she is sought out by patients and staff alike for her broad knowledge of community services in Lynn.

The John S. Moran Award for Community Service was established 25 years ago by the Board of Directors in memory of Moran, who was the longtime Executive Editor of the Lynn Item as well as a health center board member.  This award is given to someone who is a strong advocate for a healthier Lynn. This year’s recipient was Lewis Pollack, who is retiring this year after serving as an LCHC board member for 25 years.  Born in Lynn, Pollack was important in the early days of the community health movement, working to establish community health centers in Boston neighborhoods and communities throughout Massachusetts, including the Lynn Community Health Center in 1971.

Dr. Scott Early, who was the Chief Medical Officer of the Health Center until last month, was presented with the Community Health Award, which is presented someone who has helped improve the health of our community.  Dr. Early helped the health center fully implement a model of integrated primary and behavioral health at the health center, transforming patient care and the patient experience.

Executive Director Lori Abrams Berry shared achievements and special memories of the many staff members honored for milestone years of service.  Mary Hellstrom, Office Manager for the OB/GYN Department, was celebrated for 35 years.   She was hired in 1980 when the health center was located in a house on Goldfish Pond, and the Women’s Health Department was in a trailer behind the property.  She has seen many changes in her time but her commitment to the health center has never wavered.

Pictured above (left to right) Dr. Scott Early, Emily Johnson, Lori Abrams Berry, and Lewis Pollack.