Dear Friends,

As we conclude the first half of 2024, I am pleased to share with you many exciting achievements at Whittier Street Health Center in our continued effort to promote health equity, social justice, and the economic well-being of our patients.

We are making strides towards the goal of health equity and social justice through many programs to address the high rates of preventable chronic conditions in our communities, and the inequities and social factors which impede our patients from attaining good health. During the last quarter, we added new programs and strategic partnerships, and expanded our community outreach and educational services.

Please read on to find out more about our updates!

WSHC Launches New Program to Address Racial/Economic Disparities in Pediatric Developmental Screenings

Dr. Michael Oanea Hired to WSHC Pediatric Team

We are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking community-based developmental screening program aimed at addressing the disparities in healthcare access among underserved pediatric patients. The initiative will provide essential early detection and intervention services directly within the communities that need them most, ensuring every child has the opportunity for healthy development and growth.

To help lead this program, WSHC is also pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Michael Oanea to its pediatric team. Dr. Oanea will play a pivotal role at WSHC in addressing these disparities as early intervention has been consistently linked to improved lifetime outcomes for children with developmental issues. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are often present during early development and can persist into adulthood if not properly diagnosed and managed.

Many studies emphasize that early intervention can be critical for children with a range of developmental issues, consistently resulting in improved lifetime outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that universal screening with a validated screening tool is a minimum critical step in helping to reduce disparities in physician referrals for children with developmental concerns from non-White and lower-income backgrounds. Dr. Oanea and the launch of the neurodevelopmental program at Whittier aim to reduce these inequities faced by our patient population.

"Launching community-based developmental screenings is a critical step in addressing the disparities in healthcare access that many minority and low-income families face. By bringing these services directly to the communities that need them, Whittier is making a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their families,” said Dr. Oanea.

In launching this critical initiative, Whittier recognizes the profound need to address healthcare disparities among our most vulnerable communities. We are proud to partner with Dr. Oanea as we pioneer a community-based approach to pediatric developmental screenings at Whittier. By bringing essential services directly to those in need, we aim to not only detect developmental issues early but ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

This new program at WSHC aims to provide better universal surveillance for developmental delays and increased access to early intervention, helping bridge the gap in healthcare disparities for our community's children.

Boston’s Migrant Surge: Whittier Street Health Center Quietly Leads Response

WSHC Day Engagement Center Becomes a Haven for Migrants, Unhoused, and Underserved 

In the recent year, Boston has seen a notable increase in migrant arrivals, with families appearing at various entry points including Logan Airport, South Station, and local hospitals.

In response to these challenges, Whittier Street Health Center has become a beacon of hope for the migrant community. At Whittier Street Health Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to all individuals, regardless of their background. Our expanded services for migrant families are a testament to the dedication of the entire WSHC team to address the immediate and long-term health needs of our community.

One of WSHC's key initiatives is our Day Engagement Center, which provides a safe and comfortable space for unhoused and underserved adults. To meet increasing demand for services, the center has expanded its opening hours to Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm and on Saturday from 8.30am to 5pm. The center offers a range of services, from basic needs to linkages with medical, behavioral health, and recovery services. With a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and providing access to clinical and medical services, the Day Engagement Center is now welcoming an average of 50 people daily, including during the extended hours in the evening and on Saturday.

Our Day Engagement Center is a crucial part of our response, offering a safe haven and essential services to those who need it most. The Center offers a diverse array of services tailored to meet the needs of its participants, including nurse visits for wound care and health screenings, behavioral health workshops, sexual health education, and harm reduction workshops. We’re trying to treat the whole human as best we can.

WSHC's approach to migrant care exemplifies a model of compassionate and comprehensive support. In addition to providing healthcare and social services for newcomers, WSHC also connects them to legal services to help with their immigration status and jobs.

Delouis Bien-Aime is a Haitian migrant who found his way to the Day Engagement Center and earned his work permit through the program. He is one of the hardest working team members in our Facilities department and is now able to care for his family.

"Whittier Street Health Center has been a blessing,” said Bien-Aime. “I needed a job and Whittier gave me one. I love where they are located and how they care for the community and the people.”

We understand the unique challenges any underserved community faces and are committed to offering holistic support to foster an inclusive and healthy Boston.

Highlighting High Rates of Asthma in Pediatrics through Expanded Program and free inhalers for our patients!

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s ‘Asthma Disparities in America’ report, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations continue to disproportionately suffer from asthma; Puerto Rican Americans are nearly 2 times more likely to have asthma, and Black Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma, than their white counterparts. Racial and ethnic disparities in asthma are caused by various factors, including socioeconomic status, physical

environment, and access to health care.

To help overcome this health inequity, Whittier’s Pediatric Asthma Team is working with families to help them better understand their child’s condition, set goals, provide follow-up care, provide free inhalers, and offer an evaluation for asthma triggers through a Community Health Worker (CHW) home visit. Additionally, Whittier works with the latest advances in asthma care, including medication management, referrals, testing, and nebulizer devices for home breathing treatments.

In mid-May, the CDC announced that it would stop the Bridge Access Program in August 2024. The Bridge Access Program provided free vaccines to community health centers like Whittier, to ensure COVID-19 vaccines were accessible to those with low incomes, limited insurance coverage, and no insurance coverage.

In an article published on May 22nd, I spoke with a USA Today reporter about the implications of the halt in funding. Money is not limitless, but COVID is still with us, and about a fifth of the center’s patients are uninsured, including many new migrants from Haiti and Central and South America. This doesn’t include others – like ride-share drivers or restaurant staff – who may have some health insurance but don't get insurance coverage for vaccines.

According to David Daigle, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesperson, “since Bridge Access launched on Sept. 13, 2023, it has provided more than 1.4 million free COVID-19 vaccines through retail pharmacies, community health centers, and public health departments”. The halt in funding comes as a surprise and leaves community health centers like Whittier in pursuit of funding for vaccines. We continue to provide services to our patients regardless of their ability to pay for services.

Whittier’s 24^th Annual Men’s Health Summit was a Success!

This year’s Men’s Health Summit was held on Saturday, June 22^nd, 2024 in Whittier’s Community Education Room. The event’s theme was ‘Unleash the Power of Health: Awareness. Prevention. Education. Family!’ and primarily reached at-risk African American and Latino men from the Boston community.

The Summit highlighted the achievements of a diverse group of men, honored as 2024 Men’s Health Champions for their active role in improving men’s health: State Representative Christopher J. Worrell, Nicholas Lahage, SCHC, Supervisor of Reintegration, Marcus Holmes, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, Director of Environmental Justice, Environmental Protection Divisions and the MA Attorney General Office, Joseph Marcel-Saint-Louis DeMertine, MD, M.A.L.D., M.B.A., Lead Physician, Wellness and Specialty Services, Whittier Street Health Center, Jon Santiago, MD, MPH, Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, and Keynote Speaker, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden.

The program concluded with a rich and informative panel discussion facilitated by Stephen Wright, MD, Medical Director, Whittier Street Health Center, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention, education, and family, to advance men’s health. Panelists Rev. Art Gordon (2023 Men’s Health Champion) and Sondai Boyd (Whittier Youth patient) joined Nicholas Lahage and Dr. DeMertine to promote these important themes and engage in an informative dialogue with the audience. The panel discussion is an important forum to discuss men’s health and to help inform new programs, policy, and innovative methods to improve access to health care and social services for men.

Gilead Sciences collaborates with Whittier’s IDSP Department to host National HIV Testing Day Event

On June 27^th, Gilead Sciences supported Whittier’s Infectious Disease and Special Population (IDSP) Department in hosting an onsite National HIV Testing Day event.

Whittier is a participant in the “Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE), a federal initiative launched in 2020 to reduce new HIV infections by at least 90% by 2030. Whittier’s Infectious Disease and Special Populations (IDSP) department links individuals at high risk to high-quality and culturally sensitive health care. Patients at risk for contracting HIV and HEP C have the opportunity to get tested, receive sexual health counseling, obtain safe sex kits, and have their health managed by adept and empathetic case managers.

The event included live performances, HIV Testing demonstrations, multiple local vendors, and speeches from Whittier staff, including Lead IDSP Physician, Dr. Brian Wong. Whittier’s goal for the National HIV Testing Day event was to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and seek care and treatment services. 

Women for Whittier Holiday Tea 2024 Date Announced

Please save the date for the Women for Whittier Holiday Tea on Wednesday, December 11^th, 2024. Women for Whittier (W4W) is a group of women, launched in 2009, dedicated to advancing the health and social needs of women, children, and families in the Boston area. Annually the group hosts a Holiday Tea and Talk where businesswomen build community, share resources, and provide support for the vulnerable in our society. The need to strengthen, support, and stand by families in Boston is at an all-time high. W4W is committed to advancing innovative ways to address and resolve issues related to women's and children’s health equity and social justice.

Strategic Alliances, Community Services, Health Equity and Social Justice

Workforce Investment and Recruitment:

To attract and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, Whittier’s Workforce Development initiative was strengthened by partnerships with the Roxbury Center for Financial Empowerment, Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Science, and Roxbury Community College. These partnerships provide valuable clinical experiences for the students and serve as a recruitment pipeline for Whittier. 

School-Based Health Centers:

We provide School-Based Clinic services at eight schools and have expanded our school-based partnerships to include Tobin K-8, John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and Mendell Elementary K-5. School-based health clinic programs have a positive impact on academic achievement, high school graduation rates, and student engagement at school. They can improve adolescent access to health care and health education when integrated with the medical home. Our school-based health clinic programs cooperate and communicate with the medical home to assure consistent and quality care.

Mobile Health Van: 

The Mobile Health Care Program has grown from a single van in 2019 to a fleet of four vans. Originally used by the Infectious Disease department to reach individuals at high risk for HIV, HCV, and STIs, the expanded program now delivers routine and preventative primary care services, Oral Health care, and screenings for early detection of chronic illnesses prevalent in low-income communities of color and immigrant populations. Through Whittier’s Mobile Health Program, we meet patients where they are which helps to engage, educate, and empower community members to transform and improve their lives. Beyond the regular schedule, the Mobile Health Vans have recently attended The Black Family Wellness Day at Twelfth Baptist Church, the National Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Event at UMass Boston's Campus Center, and two community events at Roxbury YMCA. 

Food Pantry:

WSHC’s Food Pantry program provides a reliable and accessible source of food and nutrition, decreasing food insecurity and promoting healthy diets and healthy families. We are committed to never turning away those in need and over the last three months we have supported 1,313 households with 3,939 food bags containing groceries of each food group, and that meet USDA standards.

Behavioral Health Services:

Whittier’s Moms Do Care (MDC) Program provides wrap-around support and linkage to services for pregnant and parenting women with a history of either opioid or stimulant use. Mothers with children birth to 12 years are eligible for the program. The program which is anonymous, voluntary, and free of charge currently supports 30 women. Moms Do Care hosted a baby shower with gifts from the program for mom-to-be and the baby in May, and in June there was a Mother’s Day event for the program participants.

Prison To Life Program:

Whittier’s Prison to Life Program supports formerly incarcerated men and women by connecting them to medical and behavioral health and social support services at the health center. The model has been effective in lowering the recidivism rate to below 15%, a far lower number than the state average of 40%. Since the men’s program launched in 2003 and the women’s program launched in 2010, Whittier has supported over 12,000 patients. Over the last three months, Whittier’s Community Outreach staff have welcomed 33 new males and 25 new female patients to the Prison to Life Program. 

Community Events:

Whittier’s community events are a joyful way of engaging our under-served patient population and connecting them to the high-quality and accessible health care and social services provided at Whittier. We recently celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) month with our first AAPI community event, recognized Nurse Appreciation Week with cake and coffee, and marked Women’s Health Month with our annual Mother’s Day brunch. Whittier also conducted two workshops open to patients and community members: The ABCs of Mental Health is a series of education workshops on mental health conditions, and the Newcomers Wellness Support Group, a space for newly arrived individuals to share experiences and to receive information on healthcare access and participate in wellness workshops.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Whittier’s vision of becoming an exceptional community health provider that addresses health care inequities, closes gaps in life expectancy, and pursues social justice.

To see how the health center serves as a Beacon of Hope for our patient population, please click the link below to watch a short film about Whittier’s programs and services.

Warm regards,

Frederica Williams

President and CEO