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Thundermist Celebrates Five Decades of Service

By Jeanne LaChance

50 years! The celebration of our golden anniversary is remarkable. It is incredible to think one out of every 20 Rhode Islanders counts on Thundermist for their care. Patients have placed their trust in us over the past five decades. The community turns to Thundermist Health Center when they need care, and we will never take this confidence for granted.

Thundermist is a mission-driven organization with a remarkable history. We often reflect on our roots and the vision of a few dedicated health care professionals who wanted to improve the access to and quality of care in northern Rhode Island. The passion and commitment that drove the establishment of a one-room clinic in Woonsocket is still evident today.

Thundermist on Arnold St. in Woonsocket, RI, 1974

More than 550 employees work at Thundermist, and we all come to work each day with our patients top of mind. We work at Thundermist because we want to have an impact in our community. We want to help those who need care and assist them in improving their health and well being. I am often in awe of the impact we make and am so grateful to be part of a team that consistently goes above and beyond to fulfill an important mission.

Thundermist on Arnold St. in Woonsocket, RI, 1987

People often stop me at a restaurant or store when they realize I work at Thundermist. The stories they share are inspiring. They tell of incredible employees who have made a real difference in their lives. They relate examples of getting needed health care for their children; tales of new dentures so they can obtain employment; celebrations after gaining control of their diabetes; stories of counseling after trauma; gratefulness after entering recovery from a substance use disorder, and success in finding housing, clothing, and food.

Jeanne LaChance, Thundermist President/CEO

Thundermist has evolved from a one-room clinic to a health center providing integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care to patients throughout the state. Though we have grown substantially, the passion to deliver high-quality care to those who need it most remains.

Thundermist Health Center has locations in Woonsocket, West Warwick and Wakefield, Rhode Island. Call 401-767-4100 for an appointment.

Thundermist Health Center is featured on the YurView television program Your Health through April 20, 2019. Your Health can be viewed in Rhode Island on Cox Channels 4 and 1004 Sundays at 7pm, Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 12:30pm and here on YurView.com.