December 2023 - Issue #9

As we near the end of 2023, we reflect on all that we have accomplished this year in collaboration with our partners in Central Massachusetts and beyond, and we look ahead to an exciting year that will include The Health Foundation’s 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, The Health Foundation has held fast to its mission to improve the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts. We have awarded over $54 million in grants to more than 220 unique organizations, and the impact of these investments is still felt today, as our grants aim to build capacity in sustainable ways and to achieve policy and systems change that endure far into the future.



This year specifically, highlights include:

• Awarding over $1 million in 2023 Activation Fund grants to 10 organizations, five of which are first-time recipients;
• Raising awareness and advocating for oft-overlooked issues that are particularly important to Central Massachusetts, including private wells and safe drinking water, rural transportation, and foster parent supports, which are the focus of our Round 5 Synergy Initiative projects;
• Partnering with the Reliant Foundation and RIZE Massachusetts to fund UMass Memorial Health in providing free prescriber training to expand access to opioid use disorder treatment throughout Central Massachusetts;
• Supporting Health Law Advocates in aiding residents who incorrectly lose MassHealth coverage during the widespread redetermination effort and in advocating for systems changes to address structural barriers. 

For those able to consider year-end charitable giving, we humbly ask that you consider The Health Foundation. Your donations, memorial contributions, and gifts of life insurance to The Health Foundation Fund, our 501(c)(3) affiliate, can help us expand our grantmaking resources in the years to come. 

For more information, click here. Thank you for your consideration!



Recognizing the 2023 and 2022 Activation Fund Grantees

Dr. Shei (right) welcomes recipients of the 2023 and 2022 Activation Fund grants. (photo credit: Foundation staff)

On November 9, The Health Foundation hosted a reception to honor the 2023 and 2022 Activation Fund grantees. The Activation Fund provides support for discrete, one-year projects designed to help community organizations move to the next level of capacity and effectiveness. Over 20 representatives from 13 projects gathered to meet other grantees and network with one another.

Family Clinic at MOC Patient Exam Room. (photo credit: Foundation staff)

RRC has partnered with MOC for referrals for mental health counseling and recovery coaching. This past June, RRC was awarded a multi-year grant from the Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services as a Tier 2 Peer Recovery Support Center. As a result of this sustained funding, RRC has significantly expanded its capacity to provide recovery support services in the Fitchburg community, hiring two additional recovery coaches. RRC has also become certified through the Massachusetts Health Connector to assist individuals in attaining insurance coverage.

  

NECO Vision Health Equity Summit

New England College of Optometry (NECO) will host a Vision Health Equity Summit on December 7 to explore the pressing issues of vision as it relates to healthcare disparities and pathways to a more equitable future. The panel will feature:

Michael Curry, Esq. (moderator)

President & CEO, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

Christine Barber

Massachusetts State Representative, 34th Middlesex 

Julie Le, OD

Chief of Eye Care Services, Lowell Community Health Center Eye Clinic

Amie Shei, PhD

President and CEO, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts

Monica Vohra, MD

Chief Medical Officer, Dot House Health

The Health Foundation recognizes the importance of vision health to overall health and well-being and has previously awarded grants to the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Family Health Center of Worcester, New England Ophthalmological Society, and MAB Community Services to expand access to vision services.

December 7th, 2023

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

424 Beacon Street, Boston

Panel topics include challenges in healthcare delivery, workforce development, and healthcare equity and access.  

Worcester Business Journal's Central MA Health Care Forum

On December 13, the Worcester Business Journal will host its annual Healthcare Forum and Champions Awards, which will include a panel discussion on navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and transforming healthcare. Moderated by Worcester Business Journal Editor Brad Kane, the panel will feature: 

Louis Brady, MBA

President and CEO, Family Health Center of Worcester

Eric Dickson, MD

President and CEO, UMass Memorial Health

Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD

Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Amie Shei, PhD

President and CEO, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts



Dr. Shei was also interviewed in this Worcester T&G article about the high cost of hospital stays. She commented, "It's important to consider the disproportionate impact on certain populations, the health equity implication of high health care costs,” and called for shifting attention upstream to addressing social determinants of health.



Given the importance of MassHealth redetermination to health and health care in Massachusetts, The Health Foundation continues to raise awareness and share information about the MassHealth redetermination process, which began on April 1. Over the past year, The Health Foundation has awarded grants and hosted a health equity breakfast aimed at supporting partnering organizations like Health Law Advocates and Health Care For All with their critical direct service and advocacy work.

Many resources are available for individuals and organizations that may be affected by MassHealth redetermination. Please visit these websites for more information:

© 2023 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts