Heywood Healthcare’s Rozanna Penney named to the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association Board of Trustees

GARDNER — Rozanna Penney, MBA, CRNA, MSNA, CEO of Heywood Healthcare, was voted onto the board of trustees of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) on Jan. 25. The MHA serves as the united voice for the commonwealth’s hospitals and health systems.

“This is a time of change for healthcare in Massachusetts, and we are excited for how Rozanna will help inform its future.” said Steve Walsh, president and CEO of MHA. “Her perspective as a community hospital leader and her advocacy for north-central Massachusetts will be critical as we look to build a better system for patients everywhere.”

As a member of the MHA Board, Penney will help MHA support the healthcare system’s efforts to deliver high-quality, equitable and affordable care for everyone who calls Massachusetts home.

The MHA Board of Trustees steers the direction of the association’s advocacy efforts on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill, while carrying forth the state’s longstanding legacy in healthcare innovation. In the coming year, the MHA board will remain especially focused on supporting and growing the healthcare workforce, easing the capacity pressures being felt in every healthcare facility, and setting a national standard in the march toward health equity.

Penney stated, “I am honored to represent North Central Massachusetts on the MHA Board of Trustees, and to work closely with my colleagues to address the systemic challenges facing the healthcare industry, to ensure accessible healthcare for all.”

MWCC Dental hygiene students offer free cleanings at Burbank Clinic

GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College dental hygiene students are providing free dental care to individuals and families at the clinic located at the Community Health Connections Family Health Center in Fitchburg (Burbank Hill).

Patients treated in the newly renovated clinic can receive comprehensive oral assessment, dental cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, deep cleaning and dental x-rays. Services are free for those without dental insurance, individuals with insurance are billed for hygiene procedures, and any costs not covered by the insurance are free.

“Dental health services are a basic need that too many people cannot afford,” states Jenna Guzman, president of the Dental Hygiene Club. “Access to dental services not only benefits physical health, but it also gives patients an increased sense of self-esteem.”

Appointments are available during the spring semester Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., excluding holidays and semester breaks. Interested individuals and families can contact the clinic at 978-630-9413 or visit mwcc.edu/dentalvisit to make an appointment.

Students named to President’s List at Fitchburg State

FITCHBURG—Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus has announced the names of students included on the President’s List for the fall 2023 semester.

The President’s List honors students for consistently high academic achievement. A student is named to the list after achieving a 3.75 average in each of three successive semesters. Fitchburg State University enrolls day and evening students in more than 50 programs of undergraduate and graduate study. The university was established in 1894.

Below is a list of area students who were named to the President’s List:

Athol—Keely D. Leeman and Tyler J. Sargent

Petersham—Peter W. Elliott and Nia R. Manderson-Matheson

Winchendon—Melissa F. Guillaume and Cameron J. Monette

Phillipston annual Town Meeting

PHILLIPSTON—The annual Town Meeting will take place on May 8, 7 p.m., at Phillipston Memorial School Gym. The last day to register to vote will be April 29. To participate at the Town Meeting, you must be registered to vote.