(Boston– 5/13/2025) On Monday, Senator Feeney received the “Community Health Center Champion” Award at the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers’ annual Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House. The Senator was honored with this award in recognition of his strong support of Manet Community Health in Attleboro and his support for legislation that would support Massachusetts’ network of 50 community health centers to care for their patients. 

“I am incredibly humbled to accept the "Community Health Center Champion Award" from the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers at their annual Advocacy Day at the State House. I firmly believe that community health centers form the backbone of our healthcare system and serve THE most critical need in ensuring reliable and affordable healthcare, especially primary care, for a wide-range of community members and needs. I am proud to serve as a champion of the great work done by Community Health Centers in the Senate, including Manet Community Health Center in Attleboro and CEO Cynthia Sierra who go above and beyond to fill critical gaps in primary healthcare access in our region,” said State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough).  

“Senator Feeney is a dedicated supporter of the health center movement and works closely with the team at Manet to make sure they have the resources needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive health care,” said Michael Curry, Esq., President and CEO of the Mass League of Community Health Centers. “The Mass League is proud to honor Senator Feeney as a Community Health Center Champion, and we’re excited to continue our work with him on Beacon Hill.” 

Yesterday’s award came during the Mass League’s annual State House Day where legislators, as well as community health center leaders, providers, and staff from across Massachusetts, advocated for the Mass League’s 2025-2026 legislative agenda. Senator Feeney is a cosponsor and vocal proponent of S. 711, An Act relative to rate equity for community health centers, a key piece of the Mass League’s legislative agenda for this session. If passed, the bill would require private insurers to reimburse community health centers for care at the same rate as Medicaid. Currently, private insurers pay health centers less than the Medicaid rate, meaning health centers often lose money when they care for privately insured patients. 

This legislation will shore up a vital revenue stream that will help sustain community health centers and provide greater financial stability amid looming federal cuts to Medicaid, which accounts for about one third of their annual revenue. Should these cuts go through, many community health centers will face even greater financial pressures and may be forced to make difficult decisions to curtail the care and services that patients need or lay off staff. 

As Massachusetts navigates both federal and state health care challenges, the Mass League and Senator Feeney remain committed to working together to advance health equity, improve access to care, and health centers can continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve. 

The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Mass League) provides a framework of support for the Commonwealth’s 50 community health centers and its other members. Among many initiatives, the Mass League’s training, technical assistance, and advocacy help health centers best serve their patients and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of health care. 

Manet Community Health Center, Inc. (Manet) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing preventive, primary care and integrated behavioral health services to all, regardless of financial circumstance or health insurance coverage status. Manet has been serving the community since 1979 and has four primary care locations in Quincy, one in Hull, two in Taunton (including a school-based health center within Taunton Public Schools), and one in Attleboro. Manet also has a Community Outreach and Prevention Services office in Quincy to provide easy access to harm reduction materials, education and testing. Manet has a primary affiliation with Boston Medical Center Health System. 

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