**Mascoma Community Healthcare to Resume Medical Services at Canaan Clinic**
CANAAN — The nonprofit Mascoma Community Healthcare (MCH) planned to take over medical services at the clinic located at the corner of Route 4 and Roberts Road starting Saturday, following the departure of the previous provider. The first medical appointments under MCH are scheduled for Tuesday, according to Sandra Hayden, the chairwoman of the nonprofit’s board.
Since its inception in 2017, Mascoma Community Healthcare has managed dental services at the clinic. This summer, after HealthFirst Family Care Center, the clinic’s medical provider, announced their planned exit in November, MCH expressed its intention to resume medical operations.
HealthFirst, a federally qualified health center with additional locations in Franklin and Laconia, New Hampshire, initially took over primary care services in Canaan from MCH beginning November 2023. However, the partnership did not go as planned. In July, HealthFirst cited the clinic’s low patient volumes and high operating costs as reasons for their departure.
Before resuming medical services, MCH needed to raise $200,000 to cover initial operational costs. Hayden shared with the Valley News last month that the nonprofit successfully met its fundraising goal through generous donations from board members, private donors, local businesses, and foundations. Notably, two individuals each contributed $50,000, with at least another $36,000 raised 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, will continue to serve as medical director. The medical team will also include a new advanced practice registered nurse and two front desk employees. Gardner is conducting interviews for additional positions to strengthen the staff.
To facilitate a smooth transition, MCH is actively working on securing essential services and equipment, including utilities, internet and phone services, computers, software, and medical supplies. The nonprofit is also in the process of building a new website.
“We ask for understanding as we move through this transition period,” Hayden said.
The MCH board of directors has scheduled an open house at the health center on Saturday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community members are invited to meet the medical and dental staff, tour the facility, and register to become new patients.
For more information, please contact Mascoma Community Healthcare or visit their upcoming website.
https://vnews.com/2025/11/02/clinic-transition-canaan-health/