Berlin, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with leadership from Coos County Family Health Services (CCFHS) to hear updates on their operations and tour their newly expanded Pleasant Street health center, which was made possible through federal funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission, American Rescue Plan, and Health Resources and Services Administration. During the visit, the group discussed their Response Program, a confidential, community-based domestic and sexual violence support program to provide free trauma-informed services to those impacted by sexual and domestic violence.

“Community Health Centers like Coos County Family Health Services play a vital role in our health care system, especially for our rural communities,” said Congresswoman Kuster, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. “It was wonderful to tour the newly expanded Pleasant Street health center and hear updates about the important work CCFHS is doing. From family planning services to infant care and domestic violence support, this new facility will help expand health care access and lift up families across Coos County.”

"We are grateful for the support of Rep. Kuster and the other members of our Congressional delegation who have worked so hard on our behalf,” said Ken Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Coos County Family Health Services. “Their help has made it possible for us to renovate and expand our community health center clinic in Berlin. These enhancements will help improve the care we provide to our patients, and make our community a healthier place to live, work and play."   

"Our work would not be possible without the strong support of Rep. Kuster and her efforts as a member of the Congressional Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence,” said Deborah Haynes-Kenney, Response Program Director. “Federal funding makes it possible for our staff and volunteers to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the North Country, and to do outreach work focused on preventing these forms of violence from occurring in the first place."

Named Harbor Care’s Health Champion earlier this month, Congresswoman Kuster is a leading advocate for New Hampshire’s Community Health Centers. Kuster introduced legislation to increase access to mental and behavioral health services provided through community health centers by expanding weekend and evening hours, creating new service sites, and investing in the primary care workforce.

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