Dear friends,

It is my pride and pleasure to provide you with an update of our last quarter – one that reflects both the strength of Whittier Street Health Center’s mission and the momentum of our work across Boston’s neighborhoods.

In the following pages we will share how Whittier is advancing the priorities outlined in our five-year strategic plan, sharpening our focus on whole-person care, community partnership, and operational excellence.

In this CEO Update you will have a glance at the many ways our teams are delivering high-impact services toward our vision to close gaps in life expectancy, increase access to high quality care, improve chronic disease management, expand maternal and youth wellness, and bring specialty care closer to home.  These efforts – bolstered by new partnerships, targeted investments, the dedication of our staff and your unwavering support – demonstrate what it means to provide exceptional, culturally responsive, community-centered care.

In the News!

Whittier Street Health Center’s mission was highlighted across two major Boston media platforms, underscoring the organization’s leadership in advancing community health.

My May 29^th appearance on WCVB’s CityLine hosted by Jessica Brown highlighted Whittier’s ongoing work to expand access to care and strengthen neighborhood partnerships. Please click here for the CityLine Link.

On June 20^th, I joined WBZ’s New England Weekend with Nichole Davis to discuss the Center’s annual Men’s Health Summit and the importance of preventive care for men and boys throughout Greater Boston.

Additionally, Whittier was featured in a promo for the Men’s Health Summit that ran the day before the event on WBUR.

Together, these interviews reinforced Whittier’s commitment to health equity and its role as a trusted community anchor.

Strategic Planning: FY 2027-2031

In spring of 2026, Whittier Street Health Center launched a comprehensive strategic planning process to guide organizational direction over the next three to five years. Through stakeholder surveys, environmental assessments, and a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), respondents expressed strong alignment around Whittier’s mission and identity as a trusted, community-centered provider committed to health equity, culturally responsive care, and whole-person wellness. Stakeholders also emphasized the need to strengthen Whittier’s infrastructure, workforce, and the operational systems necessary to sustain and scale its mission in a rapidly evolving and complex healthcare environment. 

FY 2027-2031 Strategic Priorities

• Integrated, Coordinated and Whole-Person Care
• Advance Digital Transformation, Data Strategy, and Responsible AI
• Workforce Sustainability, Leadership and Organizational Culture
• Marketing and Brand Development
• Strategic Alliances, Community Partnerships, Community Trust, Equity Leadership, and Advocacy
• Financial Stewardship and Funds
• Strengthen Enterprise Operations and Organizational Effectiveness
• Continuous Quality Improvement, Risk Management, and Health Equity Research

Please see our Strategy Map below or click here for a larger image.

Boston Health Equity Program Updates FY 2027-2031

To align with our strategic plan, we have updated our Boston Health Equity Program (BHEP) to incorporate new clinical outcomes and measures that support our vision to “Become an exceptional community health provider that addresses healthcare inequities, closes gaps in life expectancy, and pursues social justice.” Our data-driven BHEP, launched in 2012, continues to integrate outreach, wellness, and care coordination while stratifying patients by clinical severity and social detriments of health, thereby providing services accordingly.

Please see our Boston Health Equity Plan below or click here for a larger image.

Addressing Health Disparities in Vulnerable Populations

Expanding Digital Access for Chronic Disease Management

We recently implemented the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Connected & Online Program, supported by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Through this initiative, Whittier is distributing 500 technology-enabled health kits to eligible community members managing chronic conditions. Each kit includes a laptop, blood pressure monitor, and blood glucose monitoring system. Participants receive training on MyChart portal and secure data sharing, enabling increased active participation in self-care and more timely clinical intervention.

Expanding Dementia Care Coordination

WSHC is expanding dementia care coordination for older adults experiencing cognitive decline. In partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, our program provides education, virtual consultations, care planning, and navigation support to reduce barriers and strengthen caregiver resources. Studies show that minority populations in the U.S. experience significantly higher rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Bringing Specialty Care Closer to Home

Our dedicated hypertension and diabetes specialty clinics offer focused, coordinated care within WSHC’s familiar setting. By reducing transportation and scheduling barriers, Whittier is helping patients remain engaged in treatment, reduce complications, and achieve better long-term health outcomes. We are ever mindful that diabetes and hypertension disproportionately burden Black and Latinx residents in Boston with rates and mortality concentrated in the historically redlined neighborhoods we serve – Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan.

Advancing Genetic Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention

WSHC now offers hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic testing in collaboration with Quest Diagnostics in addition to our onsite Mammogram Suite managed by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Patients receive counseling, testing support, and coordinated follow-up with WSHC providers and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, ensuring genetic findings translate into actionable prevention and treatment plans. Massachusetts exhibits higher age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates than the national average and, in Suffolk County (Boston), the incidence is roughly 132.4 per 100,000. Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer and have higher mortality rates.

Social Determinants of Health & Community Impact Updates

Maternal Wellness: Whittier continues to advance its commitment to whole-person, family-centered care through the ongoing expansion of its Maternal Wellness Program, which includes a new Women’s Parenting and Support Group that promotes maternal mental health and peer connection. Addressing mental health throughout the perinatal stages – from pregnancy through the first postpartum year – is essential for the well-being of the entire family!

Violence Prevention and Support: As clinical lead for the Community Healing Response Network in Roxbury, WSHC provides trauma-informed crisis response following community violence and critical incidents. Providing trauma-informed care after a violent incident is essential to preventing long-term mental health disorders and rebuilding the community’s sense of control.

Youth Development: Recognizing the importance of early engagement and prevention, Whittier continues to expand its youth-focused programming. During April’s school vacation week, the Youth Wellness Program provided structured activities, health education, and mentorship opportunities for patients age 8-12. Building on this momentum, Whittier also implemented its Summer Youth Engagement Program in July, offering ongoing opportunities for youth development, wellness education, and positive community connection.

Food as Medicine: To address persistent food insecurity, we have nutritious food prescriptions to prevent, manage and treat chronic illnesses. Whittier now provides weekly $5 produce bags through Fair Foods. This initiative complements our existing Food Pantry, enhancing our ability to meet the nutritional needs of patients and community members while addressing a key social determinant of health.  

For the 26^th year, our Annual Men’s Health Summit held on June 27^th reflects our continued dedication to addressing the inequities that are still deeply embedded in the health and economic gaps we see today – conditions that influence outcomes for men and boys in Greater Boston, swaying everything from access to preventive care and mental health support to educational attainment, employment stability, and long-term wellbeing.

From engaging panel discussions to solutions-driven conversations and health screenings in our Mobile Health Vans, the day underscored our shared commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and connecting individuals and families to the health, social and economic resources needed to improve life expectancy and quality of life.

Workforce Investment and Development

Whittier’s Fiscal Year-End Staff Meeting brought together employees, providing an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments, review new strategic priorities, and celebrate staff contributions. The event featured an inspiring President’s Update, Finance Update and the presentation of Employee Recognition Awards, shining the spotlight on the individuals and teams who exemplify Whittier’s mission and values. A highlight of the program was the presentation of the President’s Award to Dr. Sabya Abdul Rauf, Pharmacy Director, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact in advancing patient care and pharmacy services.

Second Quarter Events: Advancing Wellness, Connection and Cultural Pride

Celebrating Mothers, Inspiring Healthy Futures 

May 8 was a day to recognize and celebrate the mothers and mother figures in our lives. More than 200 Whittier patients came together to enjoy an engaging and informative program promoting maternal health and wellness.

Clinical staff from our OB/GYN Department’s Maternal Wellness Program delivered a powerful and thought-provoking presentation on maternal mortality, underscoring existing disparities and stressing the vital role of self-care, early intervention, and sustained support for mothers.

Attendees also gained valuable insight from the Senior Nutritionist of the Roxbury/South End WIC Department who offered practical guidance on maintaining a healthy diet on a tight budget, meal planning tips, and nutritious food choices for families.

The well-received event was not purely educational – we also shared good conversation, enjoyed a few laughs, and of course, delicious refreshments! All in all, it was a Mother’s Day celebration to remember – underscoring Whittier’s dedication to promoting and supporting the health and well-being of mothers and families. 

Rooted in Wellness: Whittier Community Garden Welcomes New Season 

We joyfully marked the seasonal opening of the Whittier Street Health Center Community Garden on May 14 – a special space grounded in wellness, nourishment, and connection. Patients, families, and community members participated in the spirit of togetherness to plant, learn, and share in the beauty of nature and nurture. It was a day that reflected the power of community and the joy of growing something meaningful and cultivating healthy futures.

With the theme “Plant Love, Harvest Hope,” the Whittier Community Garden has become a lifeline to many in the community with limited access to fresh produce. Located outside of the health center, at 1290 Tremont Street in Roxbury, the garden, now in its 11^th year, is open through late October. On Thursdays throughout the growing season patients are invited to attend the Whittier Garden Club from 10 to 11 a.m. and receive a bag of freshly harvested produce.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Addressing Anxiety and Isolation

We marked Mental Health Awareness Month with a May 17 lunch event with the theme “Look Around and Look Within: Addressing Anxiety, Loneliness and Isolation.” The well-attended program addressed what has been identified by the U.S. Surgeon General as a public health epidemic and an all too often overlooked health crisis. In addition to receiving pertinent information, the event included lunch and offered opportunities for learning, discussion, and support for those affected by mental health challenges. 

Honoring AAIP Heritage Month: Celebrating Voices and Traditions

It was an event to remember when members from the Whittier team came together in June to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and honor the cultures and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Through dynamic presentations, the event showcased the rich traditions, culture, and history of Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and India and was made even more impactful by shared personal stories.

The celebration concluded with a lively Pakistani dance lesson enjoyed by all, along with a delectable assortment of dishes representing AAPI countries. Our heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff members for sharing their heritage and helping deepen our appreciation of the diversity that strengthens our community.

Health, Hope and HIV Awareness

In observance of National HIV Testing Day, Whittier Street Health Center welcomed patients and the community on June 26 to a cookout – a special celebration of health, wellness, and unity.

The free gathering brought people together to enjoy a hot meal, music, and have access to confidential onsite HIV testing and PrEP navigation. Together we can help prevent new infections, support those living with HIV, and build a healthier future.

Please Save the Date! Upcoming Fundraising Events:

December 9, 2026: Women for Whittier Afternoon Holiday Tea

April 1, 2027: Annual Toast Event

Upcoming Whittier Community Events:

• July 28, 2026: World Hepatitis Day, 12pm - 2pm
• August 3, 2026-August 7, 2026: National Health Center Week
• August 7, 2026: Back to School BBQ, 2pm - 6pm
• September 10, 2026: It Takes a Village – Addressing the Opioid Epidemic, 12pm - 1:30pm
• September 18, 2026: National Gay Men’s HIV/Awareness Day, 12pm - 2pm
• October 9, 2026: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, 12pm - 2pm
• October 10, 2026: World Mental Health Day, 12pm - 2pm
• October 23, 2026: Breast Cancer Awareness Event, 12pm - 2pm
• October 23, 2026: Community Garden Closing, 10am - 12pm
• October 30, 2026: Boo to Bad Health, 3:30pm - 6:30pm
• November 13, 2026: World Diabetes Event, 12pm - 2pm
• November 18, 2026-November 19, 2026: Turkey Giveaway, 1pm - 7pm
• December 1, 2026: World AIDS Day Event, 12pm - 2pm
• December 11, 2026: Senior Holiday Celebration, 12pm - 2pm
• December 16, 2026: Clean Teeth for Toys, 3:30pm - 6:30pm

Our gratitude for your continued support and dedication to our mission cannot be overstated. Together, we are working toward a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Boston – a city where access to care and social justice is free of barriers and untouched by color lines.

Warm regards,

Frederica M. Williams



President and CEO

www.wshc.org