Building and supporting communities that cultivate the best for all residents is a worthy goal. Its urgency and relevance are increasingly clear, particularly in communities facing the daily challenges of violence, addiction, poverty, and pervasive racism, among other community issues. Resilient communities are those that are creative and productive during times of relative stability and are capable of rebounding, adapting, […]

In early June, Mattapan United (MU) and Boston Alliance for Community Health (BACH) met with excitement to finalize MU’s affiliation with BACH. Steering Committee members from both organizations discussed the benefits of working together, such as moving toward a shared vision and joining a citywide effort. This is a step in the right direction, not […]

After having to find a new lead organization to take on the MAPP process and spending most of 2012 reorganizing and building new partnerships, the East Boston Coalition, under the leadership of Pat Milano, has made great progress over the last 6 months. After a successful Visioning Session in January, they have just wrapped up […]

The suicide of a loved one can be a devastating experience for those left behind and can cause intense feelings of guilt, regret, and anger. The bereavement process can be long and traumatic, not only for family members, but can also impact the community as a whole. In a neighborhood such as South Boston, which […]

On June 20th, the 6th season of the Codman Square Farmer’s Market began at the corner of Washington Street and Talbot Avenue. It was organized by the Codman Square Neighborhood Council to increase healthy food options in the community. It included farm, fresh food from Silverbrook Farm, bread from Great Cape Baking Co., flowering plants […]

Veronica Besancon Jamaica Plain Tree of Life/Arbol de Vida What is your overall impression of the MAPP process? It’s open and non-judgmental. People can give their opinion and volunteer their time. I have learned from others. It took some time to wrap my head around [community health], but it’s more than the medical and psychological. […]

Joana Johnson-Smith Franklin Field Franklin Hill Healthy Boston Coalition What does community health mean to you? Though I’m a senior and [permanently] on crutches, I still like to stay active and be empowered. I want to encourage others to do so because health is a shared thing. If my neighbors are not healthy, then I’m […]

The East Boston Coalition in collaboration with the East Boston Collaborative for Families planned a successful visioning session held on Thursday, January 3 at the Mario Umana Academy in EB. Over 90 people were asked to discuss and create a vision for a healthier neighborhood. Many of the participants were students from the Adult Education […]

The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) has presented its 2012 Public Service Award to the B.O.L.D. Teens of Dorchester for their leadership and commitment to improving public health in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. B.O.L.D. Teen Coordinator Ms. Gerlada Sylvain and longtime organizational coach Rev. Bill Loesch accepted the award on behalf of the 14-18 year […]

  MAPP TRAINING    Free WORKSHOP on Community Health Planning Wednesday, September 19, 5:30 – 8 pm (overview) Saturday, September 22, 9 – 4  (in depth) BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER, SHAPIRO CENTER 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215     The Boston Alliance for Community Health (BACH) is undertaking the MOBILIZING FOR ACTION THROUGH […]