On Friday, March 20, 2026, Wood River Health kicked off its 50th Anniversary by hosting an Anniversary Founders Day & Awards Ceremony at the Ocean House. The event brought together an inspiring assembly of community leaders and advocates to mark a major milestone: providing high‑quality, compassionate and affordable health care in the community for 50 years.
President and CEO Alison L. Croke opened the program by reflecting on the significance of the day and providing an overview of the origin of federally qualified health centers. With roots in the civil rights movement and the War on Poverty, there are now about 1,400 community health centers delivering care to more than 33 million people throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Wood River Health is one of eight federally qualified health centers in the state, which serve one out of every five Rhode Islanders.
Croke shared that since its founding in 1976, Wood River Health has grown from a modest clinic on Mechanic Street into a multi-site health center providing primary care, dental care, behavioral health and vital support services to 12,000 patients. She recognized the health center’s ongoing commitment to addressing health care access barriers including transportation, food insecurity and housing instability. Croke expressed gratitude to the dedicated board members, staff, providers and community partners who have worked diligently to forward the organization’s mission.
Wood River Health’s 50th Anniversary Honorary Committee were recognized and thanked for their support. Chaired by Jane Hayward, Health and Human Services Consultant, members include Francis X. Hopkins, RN, MBA, CMPE, former Board Chair of Wood River Health; Michael Lichtenstein, President of Lichtenstein Associates; Sheila Litty, President & CEO of Ocean Community YMCA; Peter Marino, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island; Lisa Menard-Manlove, MD, FAAFP, MHM, a family medicine provider at Wood River Health; Elena Nicolella, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Health Center Association; Chuck Royce, Founder of Royce Investment Partners; Nicholas Stahl and Mojie Friel, friends of Wood River Health; Patrick Vivier, MD, PhD, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island; Karl Wadensten, President & CEO of VIBCO; and Stephen White, former President & CEO of the Westerly Credit Union.
Board Chair B. Joseph Reddish III shared the impact Wood River Health has had on its community and encouraged attendees to do their part to improve the quality of life of their neighbors. He recognized the legislators in the room, which included House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi; Senator Victoria Gu; Senator Emeritus Dennis Algiere; Rhode Island State Representatives Samuel Azzinaro, Tina Spears and Megan Cotter; and several members of local Town Councils. Senator Gu, who was included in the event speaking program, recognized the positive impact Wood River Health has made on the residents of Washington County.
Peter Marino, President and CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, congratulated Wood River Health on its 50th Anniversary. He expressed Neighborhood’s continued commitment to working with the health center to ensure Washington County residents have access to great quality, affordable health care.
A moving patient testimony was given by David Maher, who has been a patient since 2011. David expressed how participating in the Medication Assisted Treatment program helped him to make positive changes. He credits his compassionate Wood River Health care team for saving his life.
Attendees viewed the premiere of Wood River Health’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Video, which highlights the health center’s past, present and future. The video showcases critical milestones in the organization’s growth including the expansion of its facilities, staffing levels and patient counts. It celebrates the individuals who have championed Wood River Health’s vision for all members of its community to experience physical, emotional and social well-being.
The event culminated in an Awards Ceremony honoring individuals whose dedication reflects Wood River Health’s mission, vision and values. Three awards were presented: the Health Center Champion Award, the Community Service Award and the John Bergeron Legacy Award.
Recipients of the Health Center Champion Award have exemplified leadership in promoting policies and initiatives that strengthen the health center movement. It celebrates people whose passion, dedication and advocacy have made an enduring impact on the health and well-being of community residents. The award was presented to Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi for his leadership in advancing Medicaid rate increases for community health centers and protecting the 340B pharmacy rebate program. Representative Samuel Azzinaro introduced the award, highlighting the Speaker’s commitment to strengthening Rhode Island’s health care safety net.
The Community Service Award honors a person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving Wood River Health’s community. It recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to provide support, resources and programs that improve health, wellness and quality of life for patients and their families. This award was presented by Helen Bell, Wood River Health’s Director of Dental Operations, to Marie Jones‑Bridges, a Senior Community Outreach Coordinator for UnitedHealthcare’s Rlte Smiles Dental Program.
Jones-Bridges has been a steadfast partner to Wood River Health, advancing community health through meaningful outreach and hands‑on collaboration. She has supported its integration efforts by offering free fluoride varnish application training to medical staff and is a supportive friend to the Women Infants and Children program. Her support has made an indelible impact on the lives of Wood River Health’s patients.
The John Bergeron Legacy Award honors the life and impact of Dr. John Bergeron. A committed community doctor, Dr. Bergeron cared for the underserved at Wood River Health for 37 years, where colleagues described him as an astute physician, tremendous diagnostician and dedicated to the service of others. This award recognizes individuals whose lifelong dedication and leadership have made an enduring impact on the health center movement, celebrating those who embody the values of vision, advocacy and service that Dr. Bergeron championed.
This award honored Christopher Campagnari, MD, a family medicine physician who has served at Wood River Health for over 30 years. Since 1991, Dr. Campagnari has led the staff through many changes including the implementation of the Electronic Health Record and our recognition as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home. Additionally, he traveled with his church’s medical mission group working with the Haiti Health Ministries to provide care to underserved residents of Haiti. Dr. Campagnari recently joined the staff of Yale New Haven Health where he will help to shape its new family medicine residency program.
The Founders Breakfast & Awards Ceremony was supported through generous annual sponsorships made by local businesses and community partners. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is serving as a Legacy Sponsor. Professional Planning Group committed at the Jubilee level. Platinum sponsors include the Rotary Club of Chariho, UnitedHealthcare and Yale New Haven Health/Westerly Hospital.
Wood River Health developed an annual sponsorship benefit package to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, with a goal of raising $100,000. To date it has raised $96,500 in sponsorships, which range from $1,000 to $20,000. Sponsorship opportunities remain and the Gold Sponsor level at the $5,000 level has not yet been filled.
The event would not have been possible without the help and dedication of its 50th Anniversary Planning Committee. Chaired by Board Member Ruth Morgan, its members include Amy Babcock, Principal of St. Michael School; Sarah Channing, Development & Communications Director of Wood River Health; Amy Clark, Director of Training at the Westerly Community Credit Union; Alison Croke, Wood River Health’s President and CEO; Dan Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Wellbeing Collaborative; and Dayna Mendolia, Wood River Health’s Marketing & Events Coordinator.
The Founders Day celebration concluded with an invitation to upcoming anniversary events, including a Comedy Night at the Granite Theatre on Thursday, June 18, 2026 and an Ocean Community Chamber Business After Hours on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Wood River Health’s 50th Anniversary Gala will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at The Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI. Take it to the Bridge has been secured for the event.
