Find the Right New Bedford Community Health Service, Hours & Entrance
New Bedford Community Health (NBCH) is a nonprofit community health center in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, providing primary care, urgent care, pediatrics, women’s health, dental treatment, behavioral health, addiction care, diagnostic services and assistance with health insurance.
Most clinical services are located in a group of buildings along Purchase Street. The correct address depends on whether you are visiting for medical care, dental treatment, WIC, pharmacy services, or administrative records.
Main medical address: 874 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Main phone: 508-992-6553
General email: info@gnbchc.org
Information reviewed October 20, 2026. Department hours, staffing, appointments and holiday schedules can change. Verify time-sensitive visits before leaving home.
Quick Contact Directory: Which Department Do You Need?
| Service | Contact | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care and appointments | 508-992-6553 | 874 Purchase Street |
| Urgent Care | 508-992-6553 | 874 Purchase Street |
| Dental Care | 508-984-7031 | 848 Purchase Street |
| WIC Program | 508-997-1500 | 848 Purchase Street |
| Walgreens Pharmacy | 508-992-3209 | 854 Purchase Street |
| Radiology / imaging | 508-992-6553 | 872 Purchase Street |
| Health benefits / insurance help | 508-992-6553 | 874 Purchase Street |
| Medical records and referrals | Main switchboard for department routing | 384 Acushnet Avenue |
| After-hours clinical advice | 508-992-6553, answering service | Telephone access |
New Bedford Community Health Center Hours
The current official department directory lists different hours for primary care, urgent care, dental, WIC and pharmacy services.
Primary Care
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | Listed closed on current primary-care directory |
| Sunday | Closed |
Telehealth appointments may begin at 7:40 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursday telehealth availability is listed from 7:40 AM to 7 PM.
Urgent Care
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Urgent Care is also listed as open from 8 AM–4:30 PM on selected holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Veterans Day.
Dental, WIC, Pharmacy & Diagnostic Hours
| Department | Published hours |
|---|---|
| Dental Care | Monday–Thursday 8 AM–6 PM; Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM; second Saturday of the month 8:30 AM–2 PM. |
| WIC | Monday–Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM; Thursday 9:30 AM–6 PM; Friday 8:30 AM–5 PM; first and third Saturdays 8 AM–noon. |
| Benefits Department | Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. |
| Walgreens Pharmacy | Monday–Thursday 8 AM–6 PM; Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM; Saturday 8 AM–1:30 PM and 2 PM–4:30 PM. |
| Southcoast Imaging | Monday–Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM; Saturday 8 AM–4:30 PM. |
These are the department-specific hours listed on the health center’s official directory. Diagnostic appointments, pharmacy services and holiday schedules can differ from the posted general time window.
Medical & Community Health Services
NBCH offers coordinated services for individuals and families. Some departments can refer patients internally, while specialty care or diagnostic procedures may require advance scheduling.
Adult Medicine
Wellness visits, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, evaluation of common illnesses and follow-up care.
Pediatric Care
Care for infants, children and adolescents, including well-child visits, immunizations, physical examinations and illness assessment.
Women’s Health
Gynecological services, reproductive health, pregnancy-related care and preventive screening.
Urgent Care
Same-day evaluation of appropriate non-life-threatening concerns. Walk-in access is advertised, subject to capacity and clinical triage.
Dental Health
Preventive dentistry, pediatric dental care, restorative services, minor extractions, dentures and gum-health treatment.
Behavioral Health
Mental health services integrated with medical care, including counseling and appropriate psychiatric consultation.
Addiction Treatment
Office-based addiction treatment, counseling and coordinated clinical support.
HIV & Ryan White Services
HIV-related healthcare, infectious disease support, testing, treatment coordination and case management for eligible patients.
Nutrition & WIC
Nutrition assistance, health education, eligibility-based food benefits and family support.
Imaging & Laboratory
Laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging services, including appropriate mammography, ultrasound and X-ray services.
Insurance Counseling
Guidance on MassHealth, available insurance programs, financial assistance and payment options.
Language Assistance
Interpreter and language-access services to help patients communicate with healthcare staff.
Urgent Care: When & How to Visit
New Bedford Community Health offers urgent care at 874 Purchase Street. The service handles appropriate non-emergency medical problems when patients need timely evaluation.
Typical Reasons to Ask About Urgent Care
- New or worsening non-severe illness symptoms.
- Minor injuries requiring medical evaluation.
- Possible infections and other short-term health concerns.
- Conditions for which waiting for a routine appointment may not be suitable.
Clinical staff determine whether the urgent care department can manage the issue or whether another level of care is needed.
Before a Walk-In Visit
- Confirm you are going to 874 Purchase Street.
- Check the urgent care schedule rather than primary care hours.
- Call 508-992-6553 when possible to ask whether walk-in check-in is still available.
- Bring medications, allergies, insurance information and identification if available.
- Explain the main symptoms and when they started at check-in.
- Ask for written follow-up instructions before leaving.
How to Schedule a Medical Appointment
Decide whether you need primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, dental services, behavioral health or another department.
Use 508-992-6553 for medical appointments or 508-984-7031 for dental appointments.
Explain the reason for the visit and ask whether a routine, same-day or telehealth appointment is appropriate.
Medical appointments generally use 874 Purchase Street; dental and WIC are at 848 Purchase Street. Ask for the exact check-in point.
Tell the scheduler about MassHealth, Medicare, another insurance plan or a need for sliding-fee assistance.
Arrive approximately 15 minutes early, bring relevant records and medications, and complete eCheck-in through MyChart if enabled.
Write down the date, time, department, provider, entrance, preparation requirements and any instructions for follow-up.
New Patient Checklist: What to Bring
The health center’s 2025 Patient Handbook provides practical instructions that can make check-in faster.
- Photo identification, if available.
- Insurance, MassHealth or Medicare card, if applicable.
- Existing medical records, including vaccination records.
- A complete list of prescriptions and dosages.
- Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
- Known allergies and important past medical information.
- Any referrals, prior test results or paperwork the clinic requested.
- A short written list of symptoms, concerns and questions.
- Payment or copay information, or a request for financial assistance.
Arrival: The handbook recommends arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Eligible patients may use MyChart eCheck-in.
Patient Rights & Language Support
New Bedford Community Health emphasizes confidential care, respect, access to language services, and participation in treatment decisions. Tell the scheduler or reception team your preferred language and request an interpreter if needed.
Dental Care at 848 Purchase Street
The dental clinic serves adults and children, with services designed to support preventive and restorative oral health.
Available Dental Services
- Dental examinations and preventive care.
- Children’s dentistry and oral health education.
- Fillings and appropriate restorative procedures.
- Dentures and related dental appliances.
- Periodontal and gum-health treatments.
- Minor oral surgery and extractions.
- Fluoride varnish and sealants when appropriate.
- Evaluation of urgent dental problems.
If a patient needs a procedure not available at the center, the dental team may provide a referral to another dental professional.
Dental address: 848 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Dental appointments: 508-984-7031
The center accepts eligible MassHealth, Children’s Medical Security, Health Safety Net, Senior Care Options and commercial dental plans. Coverage must be verified for the specific treatment.
Walgreens Pharmacy at New Bedford Community Health
A Walgreens pharmacy is located at 854 Purchase Street, convenient to the medical and dental buildings.
Phone: 508-992-3209
Pharmacy Services
- Prescription dispensing and refill assistance.
- Confidential medication counseling.
- Medication pickup and transfers, subject to pharmacy rules.
- Insurance processing.
- Immunizations and other available pharmacy services.
- Eligible automatic, telephone and online refill options.
How to Refill a Prescription
- Find the prescription number and medication name.
- Call Walgreens at 508-992-3209 or use the authorized Walgreens refill option.
- Check whether refills remain or a new prescription is required.
- Verify insurance coverage and expected cost.
- Confirm the medication is ready before leaving.
- Use 854 Purchase Street for pickup unless the pharmacy directs you elsewhere.
Insurance, Sliding Fee Discount & Payment Help
New Bedford Community Health accepts Medicare, Medicaid/MassHealth and many private insurance plans. The exact plan, network and covered service should be confirmed before treatment.
The health center also offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program for eligible patients. Discounts are based on household income and family size.
If You Have Insurance
- Ask whether the center accepts your plan.
- Confirm whether your preferred provider participates.
- Check referral and authorization requirements.
- Ask about copays, deductibles and covered services.
If You Are Uninsured
- Ask for the Benefits Department.
- Explain your household size and approximate income.
- Request sliding-fee eligibility screening.
- Ask about MassHealth or other coverage enrollment help.
Documents That May Help
- Identification if available.
- Income documentation or benefit statements.
- Household and dependent information.
- Existing insurance information, if any.
- Contact and address information.
Benefits office: 874 Purchase Street, Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Phone: 508-992-6553
The discount amount cannot be accurately estimated without the center’s current eligibility assessment. Ask what charges apply to your specific visit rather than assuming every service is free.
MyChart Patient Portal: Records, Results & Appointments
New Bedford Community Health identifies MyChart as its patient portal for eligible account holders.
Common Portal Tasks
- Review available health information.
- Access released test results.
- Manage eligible appointment functions.
- Use electronic check-in where offered.
- Communicate with care teams through enabled portal features.
How to Access Your Portal
- Visit the official New Bedford Community Health website.
- Select the Patient Portal link.
- Follow the linked MyChart sign-in page.
- Sign in or use the official activation/recovery process.
- Complete security verification when prompted.
- Choose the available appointment, record or message feature.
WIC: Women, Infants & Children
NBCH operates a WIC program for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants and young children. WIC provides nutrition education, referrals, breastfeeding assistance and eligible food benefits.
WIC address: 848 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
WIC phone: 508-997-1500
Email: wic@gnbchc.org
How to Start a WIC Application
- Call the NBCH WIC office.
- Explain whether you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or applying for a child.
- Ask about current income and residency requirements.
- Prepare identity, residency and income information as requested.
- Schedule the enrollment or eligibility appointment.
- Follow the WIC team’s instructions regarding nutrition assessment and benefits.
Behavioral Health, Addiction Care & Ryan White Services
The health center offers clinical and supportive programs for patients whose needs extend beyond routine primary care.
Behavioral Health
Integrated behavioral health support, counseling and psychiatric consultation or referral where appropriate.
Addiction Treatment
Office-based addiction treatment and counseling to support people dealing with substance use concerns.
Ryan White Program
HIV care, case management and support services for eligible patients, together with related infectious disease resources.
How to Request These Services
- Call 508-992-6553.
- Ask for Behavioral Health, Addiction Treatment or Ryan White services.
- Explain whether you are an existing or new patient.
- Ask whether an intake assessment, referral or separate appointment is needed.
- Discuss language assistance, confidentiality concerns and insurance or financial assistance.
Directions, Parking & Public Transportation
New Bedford Community Health — Main Building
874 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
The health center is in downtown New Bedford, about one block from the New Bedford Bus Terminal.
Elm Street Parking Garage
The health center identifies Elm Street Parking Garage, 51 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 as a parking option near the rear of the main building.
- Parking is listed as free for health center patients from 7 AM–5 PM with a validated ticket.
- Ask the clinic how to obtain or use validation before leaving the garage.
- Street parking is available but limited and subject to local restrictions.
- For accessibility needs, check designated parking arrangements and entrances with the center.
Public Bus Access
The center is a short walk from the New Bedford Bus Terminal, served by Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) routes.
From the terminal, travel toward Pleasant Street and turn onto Purchase Street to reach the main medical building.
Choose the Right Visit Type
| What you need | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Routine adult or child appointment | Call 508-992-6553 and request primary care or pediatrics. |
| Same-day non-emergency illness | Ask about urgent care at 874 Purchase Street and current check-in availability. |
| Tooth pain, examination or treatment | Call dental at 508-984-7031; visit 848 Purchase Street. |
| Prescription pickup | Call Walgreens at 508-992-3209; pickup at 854 Purchase Street. |
| Lab or imaging | Ask whether an order is required and confirm the appointment at 872 Purchase Street. |
| WIC | Call 508-997-1500 and verify your eligibility appointment at 848 Purchase Street. |
| Insurance or sliding-fee help | Ask for the Benefits Department at 874 Purchase Street. |
| Health records or referrals | Use the main phone line and ask for the office associated with 384 Acushnet Avenue. |
| Urgent issue after hours | Call 508-992-6553 and follow the on-call provider instructions. |
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 911. |
Related Massachusetts Health Center Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is New Bedford Community Health Center located?
The main health center is at 874 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Dental and WIC services are at 848 Purchase Street, Walgreens Pharmacy is at 854 Purchase Street, and imaging services are listed at 872 Purchase Street.
What is the New Bedford Community Health Center phone number?
The main medical and appointment number is 508-992-6553. Dental appointments use 508-984-7031, WIC uses 508-997-1500, and the on-site Walgreens Pharmacy uses 508-992-3209.
What are New Bedford Community Health Center hours?
The current official directory lists regular primary care Monday through Thursday 8 AM–6 PM and Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM. Urgent care has separate Monday–Saturday hours, and other departments follow their own schedules.
Is New Bedford Community Health Center open on Saturday?
Saturday urgent care is listed from 8 AM–4:30 PM. Dental is listed on the second Saturday from 8:30 AM–2 PM, and WIC on the first and third Saturdays from 8 AM–noon. The primary care directory lists Saturday closed, so verify your department before visiting.
Does New Bedford Community Health Center offer urgent care?
Yes. Urgent care is available at 874 Purchase Street for appropriate non-life-threatening problems, with Monday–Saturday operating hours. Call 508-992-6553 to confirm current walk-in availability.
Does the health center offer dental care?
Yes. The dental clinic is at 848 Purchase Street and offers preventive, pediatric, restorative and other general dental services. Call 508-984-7031 for appointments.
Can I get care without health insurance?
Yes. New Bedford Community Health offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program based on household income and family size, and states that patients are not denied services because of inability to pay. Call 508-992-6553 for benefits assistance.
Is there a pharmacy at New Bedford Community Health?
Yes. Walgreens Pharmacy is at 854 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Its phone number is 508-992-3209.
How do I access my New Bedford Community Health patient portal?
The health center uses MyChart for eligible patient-portal functions. Visit gnbchc.org, follow the official Patient Portal link, and sign in or use the authorized account activation process.
Where can I park when visiting the health center?
The center identifies Elm Street Parking Garage at 51 Elm Street as a nearby option. Free patient parking is listed from 7 AM–5 PM with validation. Ask the clinic about the current validation procedure.
Official Sources & Patient Resources
- New Bedford Community Health — Official Website
- Official Department Hours & Locations
- Directions, Transportation & Parking
- Official Patient Handbook — English PDF
- Patient Handbook — Portuguese PDF
- Patient Handbook — Haitian Creole PDF
- Massachusetts Government — Health Center Listing
Medical appointments: 508-992-6553
Dental appointments: 508-984-7031
Address: 874 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
This is an independent patient-information guide and not the official New Bedford Community Health website. Medical decisions, appointment scheduling, urgent clinical questions, health records and payment eligibility must be handled through qualified healthcare staff and authorized systems.