CANAAN — Mascoma Community Healthcare will host 80 meetings in 16 Upper Valley towns to talk to residents about why they struggle to get health care.

The meetings will take place between April 15 and July 15, according to a news release from the Canaan-based health center and dental practice, which serves patients throughout the region. The goal is to talk to 500 residents “who have difficulty getting care.”

Gatherings will start with a group discussion before moving into confidential, one-on-one conversations to discuss solutions to overcoming barriers to accessing health care.

Attendees will not be pushed or required to become patients at the Canaan clinic, which is part of HealthFirst Family Care Center, a federally qualified health care center with additional locations in Laconia, N.H., and Franklin, N.H. 

The upcoming meeting schedule is as follows:

■Thursday, April 17: Noon, Mascoma Senior Center, 1166 Route 4, Canaan; and 6 p.m., Canaan United Methodist Church, 1150 Route 4.

■Monday, April 21: 10 a.m., Orange Town Hall, 8 Townhouse Road.

■Wednesday, April 23: 3 p.m., Enfield Village School Media Center, 271 Route 4; and 6:30 p.m., Canaan Emergency Operations Center (police and fire station), 52 Route 118.

■Thursday, April 24: 6:30 p.m. Canaan Assembly of God, 1162 Route 4.

■Friday, April 25: 3 p.m., Kilton Public Library, 80 Main St., West Lebanon.

■Monday, April 28: 3 p.m., Canaan Elemenetary School Media Center, 31 School St.; and 6:30 p.m., Orange Town Hall, 8 Townhouse Road.

■Wednesday, April 30: Noon, Springfield (N.H.) Town Office, 2748 Main St.

■Thursday, May 1: 5 p.m., Canaan Town Library, 1173 Route 4.

For more information or to be informed of upcoming meetings, call 603-707-9349.