GREAT BARRINGRTON, Mass. — In 2025, Community Health Programs (CHP) celebrates its 50th anniversary.

 

"Our beginnings were modest and centered on our mission," reflects CMO Dr. Andrew Beckwith. "We're very proud that we've grown into this size, expanded our services, and made them accessible to all of the Berkshires while maintaining our focus on our mission."

 

According to a press release:

 

Founded in 1975 by pediatrician Dr. Thomas Whitfield, CHP was born out of an urgent need. After seeing an alarming number of rural children who had never seen a doctor, Dr. Whitfield launched the Children's Health Program with a mission to bring care directly to families, searching for signs of need, such as diapers on clotheslines and toys in the yard.

 

With the support of its first executive director, Linda Small, CHP  grew to include parent education, nutrition assistance, and early intervention services. Over time, the organization expanded to serve people of all ages, becoming a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in 2000, which resulted in a nearly threefold increase in the number of people they could serve.

 

"By the time the FQHC idea was presented, we had children we'd cared for since birth now entering adulthood," recalls Small. "It was a natural next step to continue caring for them."

 

Today, CHP provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, and family services to over 35,000 patients annually, regardless of their income, insurance status, or background.

 

"This milestone isn't just about our history—it's about the people and partnerships that shaped us," said CHP CEO Bethany Kieley. "And it's about building the next 50 years of inclusive, community-driven care. It's the perfect opportunity to remind our community that we're here to care for all who need us."

 

To mark this, CHP has launched a year-long anniversary campaign, sharing powerful stories and hosting events across the region. 

 

Highlights include:

Learn more and watch a mini-documentary at chpberkshires.org/fifty