In the News

LYNN — The city is offering COVID-19 booster shots in the City Hall foyer this week and next during its COVID-19 vaccination hours. 

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Kiame Mahaniah, chief executive officer at the Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC), is also encouraging people to get vaccinated and get the booster shot.  

“There is a natural waning of immunity that is expected over time, especially with a virus that mutates so quickly,” Mahaniah said. “A booster essentially provides your immune system with the information it needs to fight the next COVID exposure.”

In addition to the vaccine clinics at City Hall, Mass General Brigham and LCHC are offering vaccines, but LCHC is only offering them for its patients. 

LYNN — To help address food insecurity, volunteers from the Lynn Community Health Center and Commonwealth Care Alliance distributed free, fresh produce at the monthly mobile market on Buffum Street on Saturday morning.

“Food insecurity is a pervasive problem that we see with our patients and people in the community,” said Mark Josephson, director of decision support at Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC), who has been volunteering at the mobile produce market for more than a year and a half.

In Lynn, one in five residents is food insecure, according to LCHC, and 76 percent of Lynn Public School students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Food insecurity subsequently affects people’s health. Members of food-insecure households are at higher risk of developing such chronic diseases as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

LYNN ― The city’s mobile vaccination program will end on Thursday, Nov. 4, but medical professionals are still urging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at brick-and-mortar locations.

Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) decided to shift its vaccination efforts and formally end its mobile vaccination program on Nov. 4.

“We are just restructuring our resources for vaccination efforts,” said Rosie Conway, program manager for mobile operations for COVID response at the LCHC. “We felt most comfortable to conclude the service because access [to vaccines] has increased tremendously throughout, not only within the city of Lynn, but within the state and the country.”

LYNN — The Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) passed a Joint Commission survey last week, which declared the center and its work as “impressive.” The commission — which is an independent, accreditation organization that upholds rigorous quality-assurance and patient-safety standards — visits all health care organizations, including major hospitals, every three years. LCHC had three surveyors visit last week; the surveyors did not announce their visit until the morning of. LCHC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kiame Mahaniah said LCHC passed the survey with flying colors, and the surveyors were most impressed with the dedicated and engaged folks who work there. 

Amy Kingman of Essex, Dr. Kiame Mahaniah of Andover and Jonathan Payson of Manchester were recently elected to Essex County Community Foundation’s board of trustees.

LYNN ― Lynn Community Health Center (LHCH) has received a grant for more than $500,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).