Building Strong Primary Care in Underserved Communities
As a result of passage and implementation of the Massachusetts health reform law, more than 97% of the state’s residents now have health insurance. Like many states, Massachusetts has a shortage of primary care providers, especially in underserved communities. Partners Healthcare is committed to increasing the number of primary care providers so that Massachusetts residents have access not only to insurance but also to the care they need.
In 2007, a $5M grant from Bank of America launched a loan repayment program for primary care physicians and nurse practitioners who commit to working at a community health center. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provided $2.55M to support the program. Neighborhood Health Plan and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts have also provided key support. Partners Healthcare committed more than $1.25M to this effort.
Through the end of 2010, 113 providers had participated in the program, providing care to an estimated 200,000 people.
In early 2011, the Kraft Family announced a $20M gift to support Partners in its goal of ensuring that underserved patients have access to high quality care in their communities. The Kraft Family National Center for Leadership and Training in Community Health will improve access to the neediest people in our communities – not only in Massachusetts but throughout New England and across the United States.
The Kraft Center will have three components:
- A new fellowship training program in community health,
- Support for additional providers through loan repayment and additional training in community health; and
- A program office and National Advisory Council that will ensure that the Center becomes a nationally recognized resource to transform the health care landscape and ensure excellent care for those with the greatest need.
The goal is to create a sustainable model for training physician leaders in underserved communities that can be replicated nationally.
We anticipate that over the next five years the Center’s programs will yield more than 100 physicians, nurse practitioners, and other providers who will have the capacity to care for more than 200,000 patients.
Contact:
Kristen Barnicle, Partners Community Health
kbarnicle@partners.org
For more information, please visit the Mass League of Community Health Centers.
Bank of America Loan Repayment Program
In 2007, a $5M grant from Bank of America launched a loan repayment program for primary care physicians and nurse practitioners who commit to working at a community health center. A goal of the program is to enhance access to health care. Partners Healthcare committed more than $1.25M to this effort.
Community Health Centers
Partners has a deep commitment to community health centers. Since its founding in 1994, Partners and its hospitals have provided more than $83M to ensure that health centers have the space and technology they need to provide patients with excellent care.
Click below to find a list of all the community health centers operated by or affiliated with Partners.
Community Health Partnerships
Partners HealthCare and its hospitals work with many community organizations to make measurable and sustainable improvements in the health status of underserved populations.
Find out more about Partners' Community Partnerships by clicking the link below.
Community Health Reports
Our annual reports contain information about Partners Community Benefit programs and priorities, in addition to the substantial community work accomplished by our hospitals.
