This year commemorates Wood River Health's 50th year supporting the members of our community! To honor this critical milestone in our history, we have developed several exciting events, which are listed below.

To spotlight our community partners at each of these events and throughout the year, we have developed a 2026 Sponsor Benefits Package filled with impactful ways to promote our sponsors. Your support will make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of the patients. Please contact Sarah Channing at 401.207.6845 or SChanning@WoodRiverHealth.org if you would like to learn more about sponsorships.

Wood River Health’s mission has always been to provide high‑quality, affordable health care services to the members of our community. This year marks an extraordinary milestone: our 50th Anniversary of supporting the residents of Washington County, Rhode Island, and southeastern Connecticut.

To honor five decades of service, growth, and community partnership, we are launching a series of special events throughout 2026 to celebrate this important moment in our history.

We’re excited to kick off the anniversary year with a Founder’s Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on March 20 at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. The event will highlight Wood River Health’s Past, Present, and Future, honoring the people and milestones that have shaped our journey. During the ceremony, we will present three awards:

The Health Center Champion will be awarded to the Honorable K. Joseph Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. This award recognizes individuals whose leadership has strengthened the health center movement and advanced policies that support equitable, community‑based care.

The John Bergeron Legacy Award honors an individual whose lifelong dedication and leadership have made an enduring impact on the health center movement and the communities it serves. It celebrates a legacy of commitment to advancing access to high-quality, compassionate, and equitable health care for all. This award will be given to Christopher Campagnari, MD for embodying the values of vision, advocacy, and service that Dr. John Bergeron championed throughout his career at Wood River Health.

The Community Service Award honors an individual, organization or partner who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving the Wood River Health community. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to provide support, resources and programs that improve health, wellness and quality of life for our patients and families. This year's recipient is Marie Jones-Bridges, Senior Community Outreach Coordinator for the RI Rlte Smiles Dental Program.

To learn more about the awards, visit this page.

We look forward to celebrating this achievement with our partners, supporters and community members as we begin a year filled with reflection, gratitude, and excitement for what’s ahead. Tickets include a delicious buffet breakfast and valet service. Purchase yours today at EventBrite.

Next, we are partnering with a local nonprofit to host a Comedy Night in June. Details coming soon! In August, our annual Health Center Week celebrates our dedicated providers and staff and publicly promotes our efforts to improve the well-bring of our patients. Later in the year, Wood River Health will participate in a Community Fall Festival.

Our final event is our 50th Anniversary Gala, which will be held at The Dunes Club in Narragansett on September 18, featuring the tunes of Take it to the Bridge. Our signature galas include dinner, dancing, a wine raffle, a silent auction and lots of fun! Read about our 2025 Harvest for Health Gala here.

We look forward to celebrating Wood River Health's 50th Anniversary with you all year long!