Community Benefits Program

Health and well-being belong to everyone. We focus on programs, education and partnerships that reach the Greater Lowell community where it matters most.

Committed to improving the health of our community

Lowell General Hospital Community Benefits is committed to helping our community stay healthy. As part of that mission, we work to reduce health gaps in our community so everyone has a fair chance to be healthy. We look for current and new health needs, work with community partners, offer services and information in many languages, and support community health through education, prevention and care. Hearing from our community helps us make sure our work matches what people truly need.

Our work is guided by our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The CHNA helps us understand the issues and systems that affect the health of people in our community. It also gives us a chance to hear from community members so we can learn what matters most and shape our work for the next three years. We use what we learn to set goals and build programs that can make the biggest difference.

Read the 2025 CHNA

Our key areas of focus
Socioeconomic barrier to health and healthcare

The social and economic conditions in which people live directly impact not only their physical and mental health, but also their ability to access health services and financial resources.  The hospital monitors the social determinants of health, such as equitable access to education, employment opportunities, transportation, housing, positive environments and healthcare to achieve improved positive health outcomes. Through partnerships with local community organizations, we connect patients and community members to local resources for housing assistance, food insecurity, transportation and healthcare accessibility.  
Mental health

Mental health was identified as one of the top local healthcare issues facing our community.  Mental health can be influenced by socioeconomic, emotional, and physical well-being.   Lowell General Hospital continues to support local organizations focused on mental health resources through assisting with access, cost, transportation, training, and resources.
Conditions of aging

The population of Greater Lowell is aging and therefore facing the conditions of aging, including neurological disorders, chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, as well as financial and social challenges. The community at large cites a lack of access to affordable, healthy food options and insufficient opportunities for physical activity. Therefore, the hospital focuses on increasing access to nutritious food and improving safe, equitable access to physical activity.
Substance and alcohol use disorder

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment once again showed that substance and alcohol use are major health concerns in Greater Lowell. Lowell General Hospital’s Bridge Clinic offers support and resources for people affected by substance use. We also help the community through support groups and professional events that share knowledge and resources.

Our dedicated physicians, staff and volunteers offer a wide variety of health education services and resources to the Greater Lowell community through health and wellness programs, including free screenings, community events and more. We invite you to join us on our journey to continually improve the health of our community.

If you would like to provide written feedback on the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, please send it to community.benefit.program@tuftsmedicine.org.

Putting health priorities into action

Our Community Benefits Implementation Plan uses the findings from our Community Health Needs Assessment to guide action for Greater Lowell. The most recent plan (2023-2025) outlines our top health priorities and the programs and partnerships we use to improve access to care, healthy food, safe housing, transportation, mental health and more. A new plan is coming soon to continue this work and ensure our efforts meet the community’s evolving needs.

Read the latest CBIP

Past Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs)

Learn how Lowell General Hospital has assessed and addressed health needs in our community over the years. Each CHNA identifies key health priorities and guides programs and resources to improve well-being in Greater Lowell.
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Community Engagement Forum

Each year, Lowell General Hospital hosts a Community Engagement Forum as a way to gain important insight and feedback from our community members in regards to Community Benefit Programs. The forums are held in September of each year and are open to all residents of the Greater Lowell region.
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Community Benefit Advisory Committee

The Lowell General Hospital Community Benefit Advisory Committee (CBAC) guides our Community Benefits work, including the Community Health Needs Assessment and annual reporting. Community members are invited to join CBAC to help ensure our programs meet local health needs. Email us to learn more at community.benefit.program@tuftsmedicine.org.