Nearly every time a community seeks to resolve a public health problem – whether it’s a spike in opioid use, household hunger, inequities in maternal care, and beyond – hospitals serve as a major partner in the coordinated response. They offer resources and expertise that extend to
every community and individual striving to create a healthier, more vibrant future.

It’s all made possible through hospitals’ community benefit programs. These programs, provided at no cost to those being served, are not reimbursed by state or federal government and totaled more than $797 million in fiscal year 2021.

Massachusetts hospitals are renowned for the lifesaving, compassionate care they deliver each day for patients and families. What receives less attention, but is of vital importance to public health, are these community benefit activities they support outside their walls.

Each day hospitals reach out to their communities at schools, senior centers, mobile health vans, job fairs, and countless other venues to make healthcare happen before people ever enter one of their facilities.

Collaboration is key when it comes to community benefits. Massachusetts hospitals work directly with community members, other care providers, and local stakeholders to identify the health-related needs of the communities they serve on a daily basis.