A new health program aimed at addressing preventable and treatable diseases among Chelsea’s underserved residents has been launched through a partnership between Mass General Brigham and local nonprofit La Colaborativa. The initiative, named Bridge to Health/Puente a la Salud, seeks to provide affordable healthcare services, nutrition counseling, cooking classes, and assistance with prescription access.
Integrated with La Colaborativa’s existing programs and food pantry, the initiative focuses on improving clinical outcomes for hypertension and diabetes while addressing social determinants of health. Dr. Elsie Taveras, chief community health and health equity officer for Mass General Brigham, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, stating, “I know that in order to improve outcomes for a typical patient that lives in Chelsea that has hypertension or diabetes, I can titrate your medication and make sure that you are on the right medicines. But if that was all I did […] then I have missed the opportunity to optimize your care.”
Gladys Vega, president of La Colaborativa, highlighted the program’s potential impact, particularly for new immigrants. “Many members of our community don’t have routine care, because they cannot afford it,” Vega explained. The initiative will offer services regardless of patients’ ability to pay, with health insurance being billed when possible.
The program complements Mass General Brigham’s existing presence in Chelsea, which includes a community care center and a mobile medical van. Starting with cooking classes on Thursday and medical care on Friday, Bridge to Health/Puente a la Salud is expected to assist around 20 people daily.
This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards reducing health disparities in Chelsea by providing comprehensive, accessible healthcare services tailored to the community’s needs.
See “New program in Chelsea aims to bring affordable healthcare to underserved” (October 16, 2024)