About Lamprey Health Care

Lamprey Health Care (LHC) is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest non-profit community health center, formed in 1971. It operates three centers in Newmarket, Raymond, and Nashua and served 15,599 patients with over 64,000 visits in 2006. Lamprey Health Care is governed by a community based board - encompassing representatives from all three centers.

The Newmarket and Raymond Centers encompass a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) and a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Over 80% of the Newmarket and Raymond patients come from 11 rural towns in Rockingham County surrounding the two centers. LHC physicians serve a high risk, indigent prenatal population and deliver case management services to women in these rural towns. The Newmarket Center has a significant Laotian minority population. Both centers are located at a distance of 20-30 minutes from Exeter Hospital.

In 2000, LHC expanded services to include a third site located in Nashua, New Hampshire, the states second largest city of 79,662 residents. LHC’s Nashua Area Health Center was an acquisition of the financially troubled Neighborhood Health Center for Greater Nashua. The Nashua Center serves a Medically Underserved Population (MUP) and a HPSA that includes patients from Nashua and the surrounding towns. Special teen services are provided onsite in Milford.

In 2002, the Nashua Center expanded its pediatric services by providing pediatric consultation and referrals for the city of Nashua Health Department following the loss of their pediatrician. In the fall of 2002, LHC assumed full responsibility and now provides a medical home for the low-income children previously seen by the Health Department’s well child clinic. In addition, LHC has added critical outreach and bilingual staff to accommodate the needs of the Hispanic and Portuguese population.

In 2001, LHC fully implemented the electronic medical record (Logician) in its Raymond and Newmarket office. Logician scheduling software is in place in all three centers and is marked by improved excellence in clinical standards, medication error reduction, improved record keeping, and population focused disease management and case management.

LHC has a commitment to excellence in clinical care and service. In 2006, LHC received re-accreditation from the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). LHC also participates in Community Health Access Network’s best practice program for diabetes and asthma.