June 1, 2007

The MGH makes $18.6 million commitment to community health

In conjunction with the approval process for the Building for the Third Century (B3C), the MGH is making an $18.6 million commitment to improving the health of underserved communities in Massachusetts. The funding particularly will benefit populations in MGH service delivery areas such as Charlestown, Chelsea and Revere and will begin immediately. The pledge will be fulfilled over the next five to seven years.

The hospital outlined this community commitment at the May 24 Massachusetts Public Health Council Determination of Need hearing, during which MGH President Peter L. Slavin, MD, and Alasdair Conn, MD, chief of Emergency Services, described how the MGH's proposed new patient care facility, the B3C, would promote the accessibility of quality health care services to Massachusetts residents. Joseph Betancourt, MD, MPH, director of the MGH Disparities Solutions Center, also spoke to the council about how the community commitments would help to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care. The council gave unanimous approval for the MGH to move forward with construction of the new building, which is slated for completion in 2011.

The $18.6 million pledge will fund a broad range of vital community initiatives, including efforts aimed at preventing substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and youth violence. Other priorities include increasing opportunities for Boston and Chelsea public school students and improving access to care for elders and mental health care for homeless individuals. Initiatives to receive funding were identified in collaboration with the communities the hospital serves.