CANAAN — The nonprofit Mascoma Community Healthcare planned to take over medical services at the clinic on the corner of Route 4 and Roberts Road on Saturday, as the previous provider departed.
The first appointments are scheduled for Tuesday, Sandra Hayden, the chairwoman of the nonprofit’s board, said last week.
Mascoma Community Healthcare has overseen dental services at the clinic since its inception in 2017. The group has intended to take over the medical practice since the clinic’s medical provider, HealthFirst Family Care Center, announced this summer that it would be leaving come November.
HealthFirst, a federally qualified health center with other locations in Franklin, N.H., and Laconia, N.H., took over primary care services in Canaan from the Mascoma group beginning in November 2023.
But the arrangement didn’t work out as planned. In announcing its departure in July, HealthFirst cited the clinic’s low volumes and high operating costs.
Before taking over again, the Mascoma group first had to raise $200,000 to cover initial costs, Hayden told the Valley News last month.
The nonprofit successfully met its goal through a combination of donations from board members, private donors, businesses and foundations, including $50,000 each from two individuals and at least another $36,000 from MCH board members.
“Our Board of Directors is extremely grateful for the community’s overwhelming support and positive encouragement,” Hayden said. “MCH has never lost sight of its mission to care for all persons who come to us, regardless of their ability to pay. First and foremost, we will never let our extraordinary community down.”
Dr. Ben Gardner, who has been practicing at the clinic for the past nine years, is set to stay on as medical director. The medical staff also includes a new advanced practice registered nurse and two front desk workers. Gardner is interviewing candidates for additional positions.
To help with the transition, MCH is working on “securing” utility, internet and phone services, computers, software and medical supplies, as well as building a new website.
“We ask for understanding as we move through this transition period,” Hayden said.
The board of directors have scheduled an open house at the health center for Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At the open house, community members will be invited to meet medical and dental staff, tour the health center and register to become new patients.
