June 10, 2005

Sen. Kennedy helps celebrate 10 years of the MGH Community Benefit Program

Saidali Abiyow was proud to be at the MGH June 6 with his wife and three children. A recent Somali-Bantu refugee and grateful patient of the MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center, Abiyow spoke to a standing-room-only crowd that had gathered under the Bulfinch Tent to celebrate the many accomplishments of the MGH Community Benefit Program in its 10 years of existence. "We came to the United States after living in a refugee camp for 10 years with the hope that our children would have the chance that we did not have," he said. "The MGH has helped our children grow and stay healthy. Thank you for giving us hope and taking such good care of us." Above, Sen. Kennedy with Headmaster Rubin, far left, and the Kennedy scholarship recipients

The Abiyow family (shown below) is one example of how the MGH Community Benefit Program helps people who need it the most. The program has helped many people in many ways — whether it is through the comprehensive health care services delivered at one of the MGH health centers or through one of the program's many partnerships with schools, parents, local government, police, and other organizations that address issues such as substance abuse; domestic violence; access to health care for immigrants and refugees; the homeless; and offering education and career opportunities for Boston youth.

"We want to thank our community partners for their dedication and continued involvement with helping to improve the health of the communities we serve," said Joan Quinlan, director of the MGH Community Benefit Program. "It truly is a privilege to be a part of this program and to channel the work of the MGH into positive results for the communities around us. Today is your celebration."

Delivering the keynote address was Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who thanked the MGH for setting a national precedent for excellent community-based care. "This kind of collaboration between an academic medical center and the community is a model for the nation, and Chelsea, Revere, Charlestown and the West End are fortunate to have a partner and advocate like the MGH," he said. "The MGH understands the health needs of the people, and you're willing to roll up your sleeves and work on the front lines to solve old problems in new and creative ways."

Kennedy also was joined by Robert Travaglini, president of the Massachusetts Senate, and Thomas Reilly, attorney general for the Commonwealth, who commended the program for its extraordinary work to help the neediest communities in Massachusetts.
MGH and Partners leaders also spoke at the event, sharing their gratitude for the many successes of the program, including Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH; James J. Mongan, MD, president and CEO of Partners; Edward Lawrence, chairman of the MGH Board of Trustees; and Brit Nicholson, MD, MGH chief medical officer.

The celebration concluded with a special presentation to Sen. Kennedy for his commitment to improving health care and economic opportunity for Massachusetts' residents. The MGH has named its annual scholarship for East Boston High School students the Edward M. Kennedy Health Career Scholarship. Sen. Kennedy's father was originally from East Boston. East Boston High School Headmaster Mike Rubin introduced this year's student recipients.