Dear Friend,
Welcome to the new Web site for Community Health Programs (CHP)! Formerly the Children’s Health Program, CHP (as it is fondly known) has been serving the southern Berkshires for over 30 years, and will continue to be a pillar of our community for many years to come.
CHP was founded in 1975 by Dr. Thomas Whitfield, who drove the back roads to find children in need of health care and social supports. From these grass-roots beginnings, CHP has expanded to encompass nine programs that together meet the health and wellness needs of residents in 23 towns in Berkshire County — from Pittsfield to Ashley Falls, from West Stockbridge to Becket, and beyond.
CHP has remained a constant, positive presence during good and bad economic times. We have grown to be a full-service health agency, meeting the health and wellness needs of infants, children, adults and elders. In the past year, we have served over 7,500 individuals – many who would otherwise be unable to gain access to services due to financial, insurance, and cultural barriers. Yet need for accessible, affordable services continues to grow.
There still exists in Berkshire County a substantial population of isolated individuals in need of medical attention. CHP works to connect them with a medical ‘home’.
CHP has always served as a lifesaver for South County residents. When an elder cannot afford medication, when a child has a delay in speech development, or when a medical crisis burdens a family beyond its ability to cope – a diverse array of CHP programs is in place to help people keep their heads above water.
Many of the services that CHP provides – such as help accessing medications, emergency funds, and assistance with transportation – are supported exclusively through the generosity of private donors. We look to all stakeholders – not only local year-round residents but all those who care about this community – to help ensure that the high-quality and broad-reaching services
CHP offers can continue to provide comprehensive care for vulnerable residents of all ages, as well as for those of us fortunate enough to have sufficient support and resources. Please give to CHP, and please give generously.
Yours truly,
Susan Santora, President
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