Later this spring, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) will host its 16^th Annual Making a Difference Gala. The event, which is being hosted virtually this year, will honor Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Health and Human Services, for her tireless work to protect the residents of the Commonwealth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sudders is head of the state’s COVID-19 Response Command Center. She oversees 12 agencies and MassHealth, with a combined budget of $24 billion and 22,000 public employees who deliver essential services that touch the lives of one in four state residents.

“As health centers across the Commonwealth have been called upon to navigate the unchartered waters of COVID-19, Marylou Sudders has continued to be one of our strongest supporters as she has been for so many years. GLFHC is grateful for the secretary’s leadership and the difference she has made in the lives of so many of our patients and individuals throughout the Commonwealth,” said John Silva, President and CEO.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan has graciously agreed to give the keynote address at the Gala. The event serves as a fundraiser for GLFHC and is June 17 at 6:30 pm. The theme is “Meeting the Challenge & Making a Difference,” which recognizes the role the health center has played during the COVID-19 pandemic in providing continuous care to patients throughout the Merrimack Valley and administering the COVID vaccine. Congresswoman Trahan has been a fierce advocate and staunch supporter for community health centers.

Silva also added, “Having Congresswoman Trahan join us as our featured speaker at this year’s Gala is a great honor. Since being elected, she has put the health and well-being of her constituents above all else and continues to advocate for the patients we serve and for the improvement in health disparities across her district and our Commonwealth.”

Sponsorships are still available and those interested should contact Mary Lyman, Director of Community Relations, at (978) 722-2871 or mary.lyman@glfhc.org.