MGH: Working to Ensure Access to High-Quality Care

Since its founding in 1811, the Massachusetts General Hospital has maintained a steadfast commitment to care for all regardless of ability to pay. Today, the MGH is the commonwealth's largest private provider of free care to people without means to pay for health care. The MGH is also a major provider of health care for patients on Medicaid. In FY 2000, the MGH provided nearly $70 million of unreimbursed care and services to patients.

The MGH operates five health centers in communities in and around Boston. These centers are:

• MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center
• MGH Revere HealthCare Center
• MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center
• MGH Back Bay
• North End Community Health Center

In addition, the MGH has important affiliations with:

• East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
• South Boston Community Health Center

The number of patients seen at MGH licensed and affiliated health centers has more than doubled since 1996.

Chelsea: In 1996, with a $10 million capital investment, the center moved from the former Chelsea Memorial Hospital building to a modern, spacious facility. In FY 2000, the center reported 140,000 visits, an increase of more than 50 percent since 1996. Efforts that help meet the needs of high-risk individuals include: the Police Action Counseling Team (PACT), which provides crisis intervention to children who have witnessed domestic violence; Chelsea Asthma Management Program (CHAMP); Immigrant and Refugee Health Initiative; Teen Clinic for Reaching Out to Chelsea Adolescents (ROCA, Inc.); and the Avon Breast Health Program.

Revere: In 1995, the MGH provided nearly $12 million in capital for a new health center that opened on Revere Beach. The new facility has enhanced the center's ability to serve the community and offer a more comprehensive range of services. In FY 2000, the center recorded more than 84,000 visits, an increase of more than 70 percent since 1996. Specific efforts that help meet the needs of the community include Revere CARES (Community Awareness, Resources, and Education to Prevent Substance Abuse); and Healthy Steps for Young Children.

Charlestown: Founded in 1968, MGH Charlestown is undergoing a $2.5 million renovation beginning this year. The center's YouthCare Community Services offers help to children with social, emotional and behavioral needs through a summer camp, an after-school program, a parenting program and a middle school girls program.

The MGH offers many other programs in and around Boston aimed at high-risk individuals. These include:

HAVEN - This program is part of a broader effort to end intimate partner abuse by enhancing the institutional response and care to patients and employees whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. Created in 1997, the program supported nearly 1,500 clients through FY 2000 and offered consultations to nearly 2,000 clinicians.

Child Protection Team - In 2000, the MassGeneral Hospital for Children enhanced its Child Protection Team to ensure the highest standard of care to children and families who may have experienced or are suspected of experiencing abuse and neglect. The program also provides clinicians with basic skills and knowledge necessary to provide appropriate support and service to children and families.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless at MGH - The MGH operates a medical program for homeless individuals and families as part of a coordinated citywide initiative. The MGH program, which operates in the MGH Medical Walk-in Unit, records approximately 2,000 visits a year.

MGH Senior Healthwise - This program assists elderly residents in the hospital's immediate neighborhood by helping to coordinate care and offering additional clinical and support services.

Return to Press Release