Throughout Fiscal Year 2025, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center’s Community Benefits Leadership and Advisory Committee led impactful efforts focused on the priorities of mental health, access and food insecurity.

Enhancing Our Membership and Partnerships

In FY25, Milford Regional grew its Community Benefits Advisory Team by adding new members Rob Hayes from Central Mass. Housing Alliance and Sharon Thompson from Tri-Valley, Inc. Additionally, Priscilla Sharpe, MSW, LICSW joined the Leadership Team, replacing Director of Care Management Ann Wilkins, who retired in June.

The Committee was presented with a number of opportunities to expand its collaborative partnerships with the following:

– Cornerstone of Milford
– Impact Melanoma
– MyFM Radio
– Milford School District
– Food pantries representing the communities of Milford, Medway, Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham, Upton and Mendon
– Milford Regional’s Patient Family Advisory Council

New Strategic Implementation Plan

Milford Regional finalized its latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) at the end of FY24, and identified the following priorities for 2024-2027: increase access to mental health and substance use providers; reduce food insecurity/access to healthy foods; increase provider availability; increase availability of mental health inpatient, outpatient and emergency room services for youth and elderly; and increase access with regard to wait times, appointments or insurance. Utilizing these five priorities, a new Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) was developed at the beginning of FY25, focusing on various strategies to help address the needs of our service region and assist with health equity.

Community Benefits Committee’s FY25 Accomplishments

The Dementia Experience – On May 8, Milford Regional’s Community Benefits Committee partnered with Cornerstone of Milford to present, “The Dementia Experience.” This free continuing education class provided caregivers a glimpse into the lives of patients living with dementia. The class begins with a presentation on understanding dementia, followed by participants completing a series of tasks that affects their walking, hearing and other common issues associated with the disease, helping caregivers understand the challenges of living with dementia.

Expanding the Free Sunscreen Program – The Community Benefits Committee recently expanded its free sunscreen program by partnering with Impact Melanoma and the Whitin Community Center (WCC) to provide the WCC’s summer camp with a touch-free sunscreen dispenser and SPF 30 sunscreen. The initiative is meant to make sun safety accessible to everyone. Last year, the Committee began a partnership with Impact Melanoma and the Milford Parks Commission to provide free sunscreen to patrons of the town’s newly renovated Fino pool.

Free Childbirth Education for Milford Teens – Milford Regional Childbirth Education Instructor Laura Laird continued to provide free childbirth education to teens in the Milford School District on an as-needed basis. These classes provide expectant teens with critical education on labor and delivery and newborn care that they may otherwise not have access to. When needed, the Milford school provided a translator.

Community Forum with Food Pantry Leaders – In August, the Community Benefits Committee brought together a group of local food pantry leaders in order to form a better understanding of their operations and to discuss challenges they are currently facing including impending federal cuts to programs that will place a larger burden on food pantries, the lack of donations during certain times of the year and their struggle to keep up with the surge in demand for food assistance. The forum was a first step toward understanding how the Committee can assist food pantries through thoughtful, impactful initiatives to help with food insecurity in our service region.

Baby Steps – On April 15, the Attorney General’s Office held a virtual Maternal Health Equity Symposium. The purpose of the event was to share best practices in maternal health programming and provide distinct examples of community-based and hospital-based programs to Community Benefits representatives. Milford Regional’s Baby Steps program was one of five organizations chosen to present at the symposium.  Baby Steps is designed to help prepare families to care for newborns exposed to medications, drugs or alcohol.  Baby Steps Lead Amy Madden, RN, spoke to how the program came to fruition, the steps taken to prepare new parents before and after birth, support services that are offered to the family, and providing follow up.

Other FY25 Community Benefits Accomplishments

Commit to Quit in The New Year Webinar – Pulmonologist Ryan Shipe, MD, and thoracic and general surgery physician assistant Christopher LeSiege presented the smoking cessation webinar, “Commit to Quit: The Positive Impact of Quitting Smoking Cigarettes and the Latest Methods to Help You.” The free community webinar, held in December, focused on the latest methods and resources available to help individuals achieve their goals of living a smoke-free life beginning in the New Year. Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions.

Stroke Prevention Lecture at Milford Senior Center – During May’s Stroke Awareness Month, Stroke Program Manager Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ryan, CNP, spoke to a group of residents at the Milford Senior Center on the causes of a stroke, the importance of recognizing the first signs of a stroke through the B.E.F.A.S.T acronym and the significance of seeking immediate medical attention. She also answered multiple questions from the group and took attendees’ blood pressure.

Support Groups – Milford Regional continued to offer the community free support groups to provide individuals a way to cope with stress and anxiety and an outlet to share experiences with others facing similar challenges. Support groups focus on parenting, postpartum, breastfeeding, breast cancer and those facing a cancer diagnosis.

Senior Wellness Fair – Nearly 130 seniors and caregivers attended the Patient Family Advisory Council’s (PFAC) Senior Wellness and Resources Fair held on May 14 at the hospital. More than 20 vendors, including senior agencies and healthcare professionals, were on hand for attendees to interact with and focus on enhancing well-being and fostering connections. Prizes, giveaways and refreshments were also part of the event.

UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional obtained a series of accreditations and certifications in FY25.

In May, The Joint Commission informed UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional of its full accreditation until the next triennial survey in 2028. Milford Regional met the requirements under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) standard operating procedures and The Joint Commission standards.

In addition to the overall accreditation from TJC, Milford Regional was awarded TJC’s Excellent Health Outcomes for All certification.

According to Chief Operations Officer Burt Thurlo-Walsh, MM, RN, CPHQ, this advanced certification follows comprehensive preparation to ensure Milford Regional had the measures in place to effectively capture and assess data to determine outcomes with all patient populations.

The Excellent Health Outcomes for All certification recognizes hospitals that are committed to delivering equitable, high-quality care to all patients, regardless of background, identity or circumstance.

To earn this certification, Milford Regional demonstrated:

– A strategic commitment to health equity;
– Inclusive structures and processes to address disparities;
– Data-driven improvements in care delivery;
– Strong community partnerships; and
– Tailored, standardized care for diverse populations.

Following HealthAlliance-Clinton, Milford Regional was the second UMass Memorial Health entity to achieve this certification. All UMass Memorial entities have now obtained this certification, that reflects UMass Memorial Health’s dedication to health equity and the system’s mission to ensure that every patient receives safe, compassionate and effective care.

Aside from the hospital-wide TJC accreditation and certification, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional also received several program-specific accreditations.

Cancer Program Receives Accreditation

Milford Regional Medical Center’s cancer program was accredited with suggested areas of improvement by the American College of Surgeons in July. The site reviewer noted Medical Center’s impressive commitment to the program and the investment in the facilities and personnel at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Lab Receives Reaccreditation

The Laboratory Department was awarded accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The CAP accreditation program is a collaborative process that promotes continuous improvements through peer-to-peer inspections. The CAP program is recognized for its rigorous criteria that is designed to ensure the highest standards of care for all laboratory patients. During the accreditation process, CAP inspectors examined the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures. Additionally, inspections of laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and overall management were completed.

EEG Lab Receives Accreditation

UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center’s Electroencephalogram (EEG) Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET), the major national accrediting body for such labs.

ABRET’s LAB-EEG program evaluates technical standards, lab policies and procedures, technologist credentialing and continued education and the overall quality of the laboratory’s EEG test output.

The successful five-year accreditation affirms Milford Regional’s EEG Laboratory has met strict national standards and is recognized as a hospital where patients can have confidence in receiving high quality EEG testing.

Community support for the preferred hospital of choice in the greater Milford area continued to be on full display over the last year, as the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation’s cornerstone fundraising events were met with our community’s generous response.

Mélange Gala and Live Auction, Held Under the Lights at Gillette Stadium, Raises $740,000

This year’s Mélange 2025 Gala and Live Auction —”Under the Lights”— raised $740,000 that will be used for the most immediate needs of the hospital. The November 1 benefit took place at Gillette Stadium with 250 in attendance. The sports arena was the perfect setting for the Gala to celebrate the joining of Milford Regional and UMass Memorial as one team working together to advance patients’ care. A live auction featured multiple high-ticket luxury items for bid, including stays in Aruba, Mykonos and Napa Valley. Season tickets for the New England Patriots were also auctioned off. Additionally, the “Fund-a-Need” portion of the auction raised $157,000 to support new, upgraded mammography equipment for the hospital. “The annual Mélange Gala and Live Auction is an unforgettable evening of great fun and entertainment with family, friends and colleagues, said Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation Senior Director of Philanthropy Elizabeth Fleming. “Our generous sponsors and eventgoers understand our Gala has far- reaching effects that benefit our patients for years to come.” Below are some photos from the event.

Annual Golf Classic Raises $125,000

Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation held the 36th Annual Milford Regional Golf Classic on Monday, August 18 at Franklin Country Club. Under the leadership of the Golf Committee and chair Joyce Gilmore, more than 50 sponsors, 90 golfers and 30 volunteers helped to raise an estimated $125,000 in support of the Milford Regional’s highest priority and most pressing needs. This year’s Gold Sponsors included: Milton CAT, Oliva’s Market, and UMass Memorial Health. A special thanks goes to the Foundation team, including Senior Director of Philanthropy Liz Fleming, for its leadership and collaboration with the Committee to bring about another successful fundraising event to benefit Milford Regional patients.

Annual Tree of Life Raises Record Breaking $23,000

Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation’s Tree of Life ceremony raised an unprecedented $23,000 to support the Oliva Fund for Cancer Care. The December 8 ceremony was held in the Atrium Café and drew approximately 75 attendees. The annual event recognizes the life and care of patients and families affected by cancer. Monies were raised by purchasing an angel, luminary or light to help fund resources for patients receiving treatment at Milford Regional and the Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, as well as their families. The ceremony kicked off with entertainment provided by the Very Merry Dickens Carolers, followed by remarks from President Ed Kelly and Dr. Michael Constantine. The evening culminated with a tree lighting ceremony. This year’s Tree of Life honored the late Louis “Lou” Bertonazzi, a retired senator and lifelong Milford resident who passed away in May. Many members of the Bertonazzi family were in attendance.

Recognized Expertise in Orthopedics

Milford Regional was named as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center+ for knee and hip replacement. The designation honors Milford Regional for delivering high-quality surgical care with lower complication rates, fewer readmissions and a strong focus on affordability.

5th Floor Achieves Stroke Focus Designation

One of Milford Regional’s inpatient floors now has a dedicated stroke focus. Over the past year, the 5th floor has made significant strides in managing short-stay patients, a focus that will continue. According to Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Erasquin, most of stroke patients were admitted to the 5th floor, with an average length of stay within two days. She explained that the nursing team for that floor has extensive experience caring for stroke patients, making this designation a natural progression.

UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Achieves the Highest Grade for Patient Safety from Leapfrog

For the 15th consecutive time, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center received a grade “A” from the Leapfrog Group. The most recent, Fall 2025 top mark recognizes Milford Regional’s accomplishment in protecting patients from preventable harm and error while in the hospital. In Fall 2025, Milford Regional was one of only 17 hospitals in Massachusetts to achieve the top grade.

Since 2018, Milford Regional has consistently received the highest grade from the Leapfrog Group. The bi-annual patient safety grades are presented to hospitals across the country in spring and fall. A hospital’s grade is meant to provide transparency to the public and assist consumers when making decisions regarding their health care.

“This accolade underscores Milford Regional caregivers’ collective diligence in prioritizing patient safety in our care delivery. A grade ‘A’ is not something we take for granted, as we continually assess improvements on this front to ensure a continued culture of safety at Milford Regional,” said UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Peter B. Smulowitz, MD, MPH. The Leapfrog expert panel uses multiple evidence-based measures of patient safety. Leapfrog then calculates a specific numerical score for all eligible hospitals in the country, which is then converted into one of five letter grades, with “A” representing the best grade.

Our Stroke Management Team is “Gold”

Milford Regional’s stroke management team was recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for excellence in stroke care. Milford Regional received the AHA’s 2025 Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. The two awards acknowledged the hospital for providing the most up-to-date, evidenced based care to stroke patients and stroke patients with Type 2 Diabetes. These national accolades are based on Get with The Guidelines® data from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024, which was submitted by Milford Regional. Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines.

Becker’s Recognizes Milford Regional for Patient Recommendations

Milford Regional is among one of the top hospitals in the state most likely to be recommended by patients, according to a list from Becker’s Hospital Review. The list, which compiles Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, includes seven hospitals in the state which received five stars for patient recommendations. Ratings are gathered based on patients’ responses to randomly distributed HCAHPS surveys. Hospitals must have at least 100 completed HCAHPS surveys in a fourth-quarter period to be eligible for a star rating. The rating is based on patients’ responses to the question, “Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?” Figures are based on survey data collected in 2023.

Milford Regional Takes Home the Gold as Part of MyFM’s “Quest for the Best”

Milford Regional was the recipient of two gold awards from long-time community partner MyFM 101.3. As part of the local radio station’s “Quest for the Best” contest, Milford Regional won gold in two categories including Best Hospital and Best Charity Event. Milford Regional Physician Group won silver in the category of Medical Practice. A ceremony honoring the winners was held on September 18 at the Double Tree Hotel in Milford. The annual “Quest for the Best” contest asks listeners, followers and other area community members to cast votes for their favorite local businesses among different categories including medical, entertainment, education, food and beverage, home and garden, law, lifestyle and beauty, real estate, services, shopping and vehicle services.

Following the inaugural DAISY award being bestowed to Maternity Nurse Victoria Brien-Berks, RN in September 2024, the award was presented to four other outstanding nurses in FY25.

Milford Regional’s second DAISY Award was bestowed to Alex Annantuonio for her incredible compassion and composure when caring for a toddler in the Emergency Room. Erin Russell, mom to Natalie, nominated Annantuonio for the award. Russel wrote, “My daughter Natalie was hospitalized when her oxygen had dropped very low. She had transported from urgent care to the hospital by ambulance. Alex was our nurse for majority of the stay. She took a scary and sad situation and turned it into something manageable…Her level of patience with a feisty toddler was remarkable…Not once did she seem frustrated, annoyed or stressed. As a parent, there is a feeling of futility when your child is so sick. Having a nurse like Alex who proved phenomenal care coupled with compassion makes it easier to see the light on the horizon. Alex you are a gem!” Annantuonio was joined by the Russell family, President Ed Kelly, Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Judy Kelly, Emergency Services administrators, as well as her fellow caregivers in the ED and other patient units, to celebrate this high honor. Milford Regional bestowed its first Daisy Award in September.

John Beaton, RN, and Leah Lyden, RN, received the DAISY Award in May. John, who works in the ED, was nominated by a patient who came seeking care for his girlfriend, and became a patient himself. “I came into the hospital in the worst state of mind. I was lost and heartbroken. There was a lot of trauma that triggered me that day and because of that I made some really bad decisions,” the patient shared in his nomination form. “I was in so much pain both physically and mentally, but when I woke up, Johnny was there…He took the time to listen and help, and for that I am forever grateful for him, especially after everything I went through. He didn’t judge me. So, thank you, Johnny.” Leah, a nurse on the 5th floor, had cared for a 16-year-old patient who was hospitalized for several days with pneumonia in both lungs, requiring oxygen and IV antibiotics. Leah was nominated by the teen’s mother (who is also a colleague), praising Leah’s support, assistance and teamwork in helping to plan her child’s treatment and in her recovery. “Whether Leah was her nurse or not, she would always make time to check on her,” wrote the mom, noting Leah was always there with a calming voice and extra attention to make the patient and family more comfortable. “I also have the pleasure of working alongside Leah and see how genuine she is treating every patient as if they were her own family. She had even postponed going on vacation a bit to follow up with my daughter.” Congratulations to John and Leah for being recognized for the extraordinary care they provide every day.

Kailey Cote, RN, Consigli, received the DAISY Award in September. Kailey started at Milford Regional in May 2024. She was nominated by her patient. “I found that Kailey was for a ‘new nurse’ to Milford, to be extremely competent. She was friendly but not in a pandering, ‘Oh honey, how are you today?’ way. Quietly competent and efficient. She did a great job of answering questions clinically or otherwise in a factual way. She went out of her way to find answers she did not know at first. She seemed to balance her patients’ needs but always had time for me. I have been around hospitals and nurses for many years (my husband was a frequent patient) and I worked as a Senior Vice President in a large hospital in New Jersey. Kailey is exactly the type of nurse one would want to hire. It was my first time as a patient and Kailey showed calm, competent problem-solving nursing at its best.” Milford Regional is grateful to have such wonderful caregivers like Kailey who take great pride in the work they do, ensuring our patients receive the best care.

To learn more about the DAISY award, or to nominate a Milford Regional nurse for the honor, click here.

From September 2024 to June 2025, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Volunteer Services worked with four Milford High Schools student interns as part of Project SEARCH – a one-year high school transition program that provides job internship experience and education for young adults with disabilities. The cornerstone of the program is the students’ immersion in a large business.

In June, a culminating celebration was held at Milford Regional Medical Center for students, at which two of the students received their diplomas from Milford High School. All four students gave presentations on their internships. In addition to the students and their families, Milford High School teachers and leaders were on hand, including Principal Josh Odem (photographed), as well as Milford Regional senior leadership and department managers who worked with the students this year. According to Elaine Carter, director of Volunteer Services, “The success of Project SEARCH is due to the involvement of many—leaders at the high school and hospital, instructors Michele Santangelo and Rachel Otlin, the department managers and caregivers who incorporate the students into their teams, and most importantly, the students, who channel their desire to gain work skills with hard work and follow through.” Interns were place in Milford Regional’s Stock Room, Food Services and Environmental Services in FY25.

UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional and the widely-recognized imaging vendor Shields Health entered a joint venture to deliver MRI and PET/CT imaging at Milford Regional. Launched in December 2025, the venture’s design ensures that patients and caregivers have access to the highest quality imaging services delivered in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

UMass Memorial Health and Shields have enjoyed a positive and longstanding relationship to deliver services at other UMass Memorial entities.

In May, Coastal Medical Transportation Systems (CMTS) became the exclusive provider of non-emergency ambulance and wheelchair transportation to Milford Regional Medical Center. “We are pleased to enlist the highly reputable CMTS as our partner for nonemergency medical transportation,” said UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Bert Thurlo-Walsh. “Coastal Medical’s reliability and quality align well with our high standards of service to our community.” Thurlo-Walsh also acknowledged Milford Regional’s appreciation for the years of collaboration and service from our colleagues at Brewster/Eascare and Community Ambulance companies.

A complete renovation of Milford Regional’s eight operating rooms translates to cutting edge surgical technology enhancements for our surgical patients. Work began in late October 2025 to complete upgrades in Milford Regional’s eight operating rooms. Rooms are now equipped with new booms, lights and video integration. As part of this upgrade, industry-leading surgical visualization is now available for our surgical teams. Renovations on the remaining four rooms—operating rooms five through eight—will be complete this spring. “This level of technology, combined with our surgical robotic capabilities, really distinguish us from other medical centers,” said Jennifer Larrabee, director of Surgical Services, who explains that in addition to the obvious benefit of improved surgical precision, such technology brings about improved patient safety, outcomes and recovery. The current renovations follow the purchase of two additional surgical robots in 2022.

Critical fundraising has been underway to make these upgrades possible. Fund-a-Need bids made at Milford Regional’s 2024 Melange Gala and Live Auction complemented a major gift made by the Kevin and Leslie Lobisser Family Foundation. Such funding ensured that the Kevin and Leslie Lobisser Foundation Surgical Suite was comprehensively outfitted to significantly enhance Milford Regional’s surgical capabilities.

Milford Regional Physician Group was named to the Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare Physician Group Honor Roll for the 14^th consecutive year. The 2025 Honor Roll highlighted 53 physician groups throughout New England that achieved exceptional results in their approach to disease prevention and the treatment of acute and chronic illness for both adult and pediatric patients.

In addition, two Milford Regional Physician Group practices—Franklin-Wrentham Family Medicine and Family Medicine Associates—were named among the top primary care practices in the state, based on the Massachusetts Quality Health Partners (MHQP) survey.

The “MHQP Patient Experience Awards” is an annual program first introduced in 2018 by MHQP, a non-profit measurement and reporting organization that works to improve the quality of patient care experiences in Massachusetts. MHQP conducts the only statewide survey of patient experience in primary care in Massachusetts. 

Both practices were recognized for excellence in patient-provider communications.

“I am incredibly proud of our providers and staff for this recognition. It is a direct reflection of our team’s dedication, compassion, and relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care, and reaffirms our commitment to putting our patients first in everything we do,” said Patrick McSweeney, MD, executive director of Milford Regional Physician Group and senior vice president of UMass Memorial Medical Group. In January 2026, Milford Regional Physician Group integrated with UMass Memorial Medical Group.

A memorial ceremony was held at Milford Regional in the spring to celebrate the life of former President and CEO Frank Saba, who passed away in January. Saba worked in several administrator roles at UMass Hospital and UMass Medical School before beginning at Milford Regional in 1990, where many would agree defined his career in healthcare.

During his 25 years at Milford Regional, Saba oversaw fundamental projects such as the Meehan Family Pavilion and the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, which helped transform and expand the hospital’s patient care services. He retired in 2015. Several friends and colleagues spoke about Saba’s professional accomplishments during his tenure and also what he meant to them personally.

Dr. William Muller spoke about the “unparalleled growth the hospital experienced” under Saba’s leadership, while Vascen J. Bogigian noted he was a great leader, “but more importantly, a friend.” “When I walk into Milford Regional, I think of Frank,” said Medical Staff President Dr. Al Crimaldi. President Ed Kelly said when he asked staff who worked with Saba to describe him, many recalled him as humble, generous, approachable and funny.

At the end of the ceremony, Saba’s wife, Wendy, may have best summed up her late husband’s feelings about his time at Milford Regional: “He didn’t consider it a workplace, but rather a family.” In addition to the memorial event, a tree was planted in Frank’s honor and a commemorative plaque was added this area of the lawn in front of the hospital.

Albert Crimaldi, MD, is a well-respected practitioner, division chief of gastroenterology, immediate past president of our medical staff, and earned one more distinguished title – one of the most interesting people in MetroWest and Greater Milford. Dr. Crimaldi was among a list of 25 local newsmakers selected by the MetroWest and Milford Daily News, as having made an impact.