CANAAN, N.H. (WCAX) - A rural health center in the Upper Valley that was nearly forced to close is relying on community donations to keep its doors open while working to build a sustainable patient base.

The Mascoma Community Health Center in Canaan, New Hampshire, opened in 2017 to fill a health care gap in the community. The facility provides both dental and primary care services without turning anyone away, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

“I am a single father, self-employed, you can only make up what you can make up,” said Luc Pinon of Warren, New Hampshire, who traveled more than half an hour with his son Will for a dental visit.

The center draws patients from hours away because they cannot get services elsewhere, according to Dental Director Rick Vega.

“There is not fi

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