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​The New Bedford, Massachusetts, Success Story

A Work in Progress

Ms. Pam Kavanagh worked at the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center for 38 years in a variety of administrative capacities. She was the Chief Compliance and Quality Officer who understood all the regulations regarding the delivery of primary health care.

She retired from the Community Health Center three years ago. In August 2024 she received a phone call from the CEO of the Community Health Center who asked if she would be interested in a part-time job. She told her that she would be interested. Michael Fine, MD called her to explore her interest in supporting the work of Primary Care for All Americans in creating a local Work Group in New Bedford. Her part-time commitment to Primary Care for All Americans (PC4AA) was for a maximum of 5 hours per week.

She began forming the New Bedford Work Group in September 2024, starting with a list of 10 contacts. The individuals on her list were people she knew from working at the Community Health Center. She was well established and known among many who worked in the New Bedford community.

A schedule was established for the Work Group to meet every week for 30-45 minutes. Thesemeetings were done through Zoom. At each of the meetings, she asked the members of the group, “Who is not at this table for discussion about primary care in New Bedford?” She asked each of the original ten to send her an email contact, and she would reach out to them. Every week, she received several names and contacts and sent each of them an invitation letter to join the local Work Group. Over time, the New Bedford Work Group grew to 45 members. The Work Group meetings were well attended. They were scheduled at 7:30 am allowing many physicians to attend prior to seeing their patients. Being flexible with their schedules was important because we wanted them to participate in the meetings.

In October, a 5-year Work Plan was developed with tasks and timelines for completion. That Work Plan was the guide to keep the group focused. One of the first things we
accomplished was having a meeting with the City Mayor. We wanted to make him aware of the mission of PC4AA and that there was a Work Group working on bringing primary care to all residents of New Bedford. The mayor was very supportive.

The next task we needed to complete was to assess primary care in New Bedford. A set of 32 questions was created and sent out to the three primary care organizations that serve the residents of New Bedford. They included the Community Health Center, Southcoast Health and Hawthorn Medical Associates. The three organizations sent responses to the 32 questions. That data was collected, analyzed, and formed the foundation of the New Bedford Primary Care Report, a Report on Primary Care Access in New Bedford, Massachusetts 2025.  The beauty of the New Bedford Work Group is that the members came together to work on this Report.

In order to work on other areas within the 5-year Plan, Task Forces were formed. They included:
• Government and Public Affairs Task Force
• Primary Care Education Task Force
• Fundraising Task Force
• City Council Resolution Task Force
• Pathways and Pipeline Task Force

The members of the Work Group selected the Task Force they were interested in working on.  Each Task Force meets every other week. With the formation of the Task Forces, the full Work Group now meets once monthly and hears reports on each of the Task Forces and activities they are involved in. The Fundraising Task Force preferred to meet in person instead of by Zoom.  Their activities involve working on events that will raise money for scholarship programs for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.

The City Council Resolution Task Force will probably disband after they make a presentation before the City Council on June 17, 2025, for their support of bringing primary care to all residents of the City of New Bedford. Members of this Task Force can then select another Task Force they are interested in working with.

Pam’s role with the New Bedford Work Group has grown over the past 9 months and with the formation of the Task Force, her hours have been increased from 5 hours to a maximum of 12 per week, if needed.

Michael Fine, MD has been actively working with the New Bedford Work Group and the various Task Forces since September 2024. They have been developing their Work Plans and the New Bedford Primary Care Report and will be prepared to share it broadly.  Members of the PC4AA Administrative Team have also been very helpful with the efforts at the local level.

Pam is willing to share her experience with anyone/any group that is interested in talking with her. She can be reached by email at pakjpk@comcast.net.