Collaborative initiative on October 22 will provide free health screenings, physical exams and immunizations while helping remove barriers to care for Nashua families
NASHUA, N.H. — St. Joseph Hospital, in partnership with the Nashua School District and Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services (DPHCS), will help make essential healthcare more accessible to local students and families through a collaborative initiative taking place Thursday, October 22.
Recognizing that access to routine healthcare can be challenging for some families, St. Joseph Hospital's Mobile Health Clinic will participate in a district-wide initiative to provide free health screenings and physical examinations for eligible students. The effort is designed to remove barriers to care and help ensure students have the healthcare services they need to stay healthy and succeed in school.
The event will take place Thursday, October 22, at St. Joseph Hospital Primary & Specialty Care Services, located at 460 Amherst Street in Nashua. With parental consent obtained in advance, the Nashua School District will provide transportation for participating students from various schools to the healthcare facility. By coordinating transportation and medical services, the partnership is helping remove common barriers that can prevent families from accessing routine healthcare.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to be healthy and ready to learn," said Dr. Jennifer Scarpati, Assistant Superintendent of the Nashua School District. "For many families, accessing routine healthcare can be difficult. By working with St. Joseph Hospital and Nashua DPHCS, and providing transportation for our students, we're helping remove those barriers. This partnership is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when organizations come together to support our children."
As part of the initiative, Nashua DPHCS’s Community Health Department will provide free immunizations to students in need, with parental consent. These services will complement the health screenings and physical examinations offered through St. Joseph Hospital's Mobile Health Clinic. “We recognize that not every child has the ability to visit their primary care physician for annual immunizations, and we do not want that to be a barrier to accessing care. Our mission is to promote, protect, and preserve the health and well-being of those in our community. When we meet people where they are at, regardless of their age, we are able to care for the whole person and work to support their health. We are thankful to have partners like St. Joseph Hospital and the Nashua School District who recognize the importance of getting healthcare to children throughout Nashua, NH,” said Patricia Glastetter, Public Health Nurse and Immunization Coordinator at Nashua DPHCS’s Community Health Department. Together, these services will help families access important preventive care in a convenient, welcoming and supportive environment.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to health equity and the importance of community partnerships in addressing healthcare needs beyond traditional clinical settings. By working together, the three organizations are helping connect students with essential services while supporting their overall health, well-being, and readiness to learn.
"At St. Joseph Hospital, caring for our community extends far beyond the walls of our hospital," said Rosemary Ford, System Director of Interpreter Services and Director of the Mobile Health Clinic at St. Joseph Hospital. "Our mission calls us to care for our neighbors, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing healthcare. We're grateful for our partnership with the Nashua School District and Nashua DPHCS and proud to be part of an effort that helps children get a healthy start and gives families one less thing to worry about."
Through its Mobile Health Clinic, St. Joseph Hospital continues to work with community partners to expand access to healthcare services and address the needs of underserved populations throughout Greater Nashua.
Together, these organizations are helping build a healthier, stronger Nashua, one student at a time.
About St. Joseph Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital, a member of Covenant Health, is a 208-bed acute care community hospital located in Nashua, New Hampshire. The main campus features the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies and is supported by a network of primary care providers and specialists focused on delivering personalized medicine. Our hospital is DNV-GL accredited, and its extensive services include 24-hour emergency care and a certified stroke program, as well as a Cardiovascular Center, Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, and Maternal Child Health Center. To learn more about us, please visit www.stjosephhospital.com.
