UMass Memorial Health donates $ 1 million to help establish the Worcester Health Equity Fund, working to ensure access to health care for all
In an effort to help establish the Worcester Health Equity Fund, UMass Memorial Health announced that it is in the process of donating $ 1 million to the city.
Through a signed Health Equity Services Agreement, UMass Memorial is providing funding to support Worcester’s initiatives to improve health equity and reduce health disparities among city residents. the health system said in a statement on Wednesday.
“In order to be an agent of change in this region, we recognize that we need to extend the work we do beyond the walls of our large hospitals and clinical offices,†said Dr. Eric Dickson, president and chief of the management of UMass Memorial Health.
A five-member health equity advisory group, including three city-appointed and two by UMass Memorial Health, will oversee the fund and manage the program.
“This donation and the creation of a health equity fund continue the work we started a few years ago when we established our Anchor Mission program. The city of Worcester and the people here have been great partners, â€said Dickson. “We are committed to advancing our work to improve the health and well-being of the community while working hard to minimize the social determinants of health that persist as barriers for underserved populations. Throughout the pandemic, the city of Worcester and UMass Memorial Health have partnered to address pressing health issues, including increased access to care and improved health equity. With this new program and donation, this work continues.
Under the agreement, the city will contribute $ 200,000 per year into the fund over the next five years.
“We appreciate and thank UMass Memorial Health for their contribution and support in our efforts to reduce health inequalities and ensure access to health care for all residents,†said City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. “The Worcester Health Equity Fund will help us fulfill our mission of creating a healthier Worcester.
UMass Memorial Health is the region’s largest employer and Massachusetts’ third-largest health care system.
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