BayCoast Bank gives $100,000 to New Bedford Community Health expansion

By AI, Created 7:56 PM UTC, June 04, 2026, /AGP/ – BayCoast Bank is committing $100,000 to New Bedford Community Health’s campaign to expand primary care access in Greater New Bedford. The project will convert a vacant retail property into a modern care center and is expected to add capacity for about 3,000 more patients a year.

Why it matters: - New Bedford Community Health’s expansion is designed to reduce barriers to primary care in Greater New Bedford, where demand for services continues to grow. - The project is expected to improve access, care coordination and patient experience for local residents. - Once completed, the expanded site is projected to serve about 3,000 additional patients each year.

What happened: - BayCoast Bank committed $100,000 to New Bedford Community Health’s More Access, Better Care – Building for a Healthier Future capital campaign. - The announcement supports NBCH’s plan to expand primary care access across Greater New Bedford. - NBCH plans to turn a long-vacant former retail property into a modern primary care center.

The details: - The capital campaign has raised more than $4.8 million toward a $6.95 million goal. - Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026. - The new facility is expected to open in 2027. - NBCH said the expanded site will help increase access to essential healthcare services for thousands of patients. - Cheryl Bartlett, NBCH’s CEO, said the gift helps ensure more individuals and families can receive timely, high-quality care close to home. - John McMahon, BayCoast Bank senior vice president for community engagement, said the bank is proud to support the expansion as NBCH meets the region’s growing needs. - NBCH said BayCoast Bank’s support aligns with the bank’s focus on health, wellbeing and local infrastructure.

Between the lines: - The donation gives NBCH more momentum as it tries to close a funding gap on a project tied to community health access. - The shift from a vacant retail space to a medical facility reflects a broader push to repurpose underused property for public benefit. - The investment also signals continued private-sector interest in health access projects that target underserved populations.

What’s next: - NBCH will continue fundraising toward the remaining portion of the campaign goal. - The organization expects to start construction in fall 2026. - NBCH plans to open the new primary care facility in 2027. - More information is available on the campaign website.