Lamprey Healthcare CEO Gregory White urges funding support for New Hampshire family planning services

The House Finance Division of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues affecting Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the state. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by these centers, particularly in providing essential health services to underserved populations.

Gregory White, CEO of Lamprey Healthcare, emphasized the importance of continued funding for family planning services, which currently support over 1,000 patients this year alone. He noted that the funding sustains 22 positions within his organization, which plays a vital role in serving communities that lack adequate healthcare access. White warned that any reduction in funding could severely impact their ability to provide care, leading to increased uncompensated care burdens and potential service reductions.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of funding cuts, particularly in Coas County, where the local health center addresses high poverty rates and domestic violence issues. White pointed out that without adequate funding, critical programs that support survivors of domestic violence could close, further limiting healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Committee members expressed their understanding of the importance of these services but also acknowledged the difficult budgetary constraints they face. Some members raised concerns about prioritizing direct care services, citing significant personnel shortfalls in other areas of healthcare. The debate underscored the tension between the need for comprehensive health services and the reality of limited state resources.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the future of funding for FQHCs remains uncertain, with potential long-lasting impacts on the health and well-being of New Hampshire's most vulnerable residents. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the sustainability of these essential health services.