Why I Give: Access to Health Care Bridges Gaps in Allison Caulfield’s Community

Through her volunteer service in Somerset County, Allison Caulfield discovered how crucial access to medical services is for her neighbors in need to build stable, healthy lives.

“For decades, I have been deeply involved with food and clothing distribution and literacy instruction. Through my relationships with those I helped, I learned that many people were forgoing essential medical care,” Caulfield explains.

In response, Caulfield began referring and accompanying many of the people she helped to what is today Zufall Health’s Somerville facility. She was impressed by the excellent care that her neighbors received.

“I saw how the medical providers and staff gave them everything they needed—exactly where they could access it in downtown Somerville,” Caulfield recalls. “And so, I wanted to honor that incredible care and value they provide to the community by financially supporting the organization.”

Since her introduction to community health care, Caulfield has remained a committed donor and advocate for Zufall Health and its vulnerable patients. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she delivered food and grocery store gift cards to Zufall patients.  She is especially proud of Zufall’s innovative programs in her community, such as its collaboration with the Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center in Bridgewater, which makes medical and dental services available to people receiving mental health and substance use recovery services.

“People think of Somerset County as very wealthy, but there is actually a lot of hidden hardship here. I can see how integral Zufall Health has become to our community,” Caulfield adds.

Looking ahead, Caulfield is excited about Zufall’s continued growth in Somerset County, particularly the upcoming school-based health center in Franklin Township—an initiative she knows will be vital to children and families like those she serves through her own volunteer efforts.

Caulfield and her husband, Patrick, live in Bridgewater.