Advancing Community Health Equity
UMass Memorial Health works with communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond to advance health equity. We focus on the conditions that shape health long before medical care is needed.
This work begins with listening and is built through partnerships and systems-level change.
How This Work Began
Community feedback showed the need for stronger coordination. It also pointed to shared goals and long-term strategies shaped by community priorities. This feedback clarified the need for a dedicated team to lead this work across UMass Memorial.
Food Equity: A First Focus
In 2024, UMass Memorial brought together community members and internal leaders to understand where the health system could best support existing food related efforts. This work led to Food Equity And Sustainable Transformation (FEAST), the first major initiative of the Community Health Equity Team (CHET). FEAST strengthens the regional food system, helping communities gain more reliable access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
How This Work Fits Together
UMass Memorial Health advances community health through these connected efforts:
- Community Benefits support community programs, services and direct investments.
- Anchor Mission uses hiring, purchasing and investment to strengthen local communities.
- CHET aligns these tools around long-term community health priorities.
Together, these approaches help us move from separate programs to a coordinated strategy that will have a lasting impact.