Our programs include:
The Asian Health Initiative (AHI) identifies public health issues of particular prevalence or concern to the local Asian community and seeks to work collaboratively with local community-based organizations to help address those health issues in a culturally and linguistically appropriate setting. Current community partner organizations are focusing on reducing tobacco and nicotine use. Learn more about AHI
The Dorchester Health Initiative (DHI) addresses health issues disproportionately affecting residents of the various Dorchester neighborhoods by partnering with local organizations and programs to address identified health priorities. Current community partners are focused on challenges related to behavioral health (including violence, mental health, and substance use) with an emphasis on youth and families. Learn more about DHI
The South Boston Health Initiative partners with community organizations to address health challenges that affect residents of the South Boston community. At South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC), Tufts MC supports programs working to improve behavioral health by preventing violence, connecting substance users to appropriate care and treatment, and a food pantry, developed in response to community members’ concerns over food security. Tufts MC also supports Gavin Foundation’s Cushing House, a residential substance use treatment program for young men, where they can receive the medical and social support they need to overcome addiction, reconnect with their families, and reengage with positive educational and job opportunities.
Tufts MC also operates the South Boston Behavioral Health Clinic, a walk-in outpatient clinic that provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for adults and children who need support related to mental health, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges.
The Asthma Prevention and Management Initiative (APMI) was established in 2006 to address pediatric asthma disparities in the local Asian community in response to an identified need among Tufts MC Tufts Medical Center pediatric providers who saw a spike in the number of children with asthma-related urgent care visits. Since then, it has expanded its scope of services and the populations it serves. Our Community Health Worker (CHW) continues to provide asthma education about triggers and medication compliance to children and families within hospital clinics, through home visits and in Chinatown’s public elementary school. In response to needs identified by the school and by Tufts MC, APMI also incorporates lessons for students on nutrition, stress management, and substance use. APMI was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2014 with their National Leadership Award in Asthma Management.
Founded in 2006, Tufts MC’s High School Summer Internship Program seeks to improve the social determinants of health for local youth by providing employment, positive mentorship and role models, and personal and professional learning opportunities in a safe space within the hospital and community nonprofit settings. The program provide dozens of BPS high school students with the opportunity to learn about diverse career options in the healthcare field, such as pediatrics, outpatient clinics, finance, and IT. Students come from surrounding neighborhoods including Chinatown, Dorchester, South End, and South Boston. Student interns benefit from a structured seven-week program during which they support their respective departments and participate in weekly enrichment workshops. Many students participate in the internship program for two summers, and some former interns have been hired part- or full-time by the Medical Center.
