Health Planning in Boston
Over 100 people gathered at the invitation of the Codman Square Neighborhood Council at The Great Hall in Codman Square to learn more about the health of the neighborhood and the role race plays in health delivery systems from Barbara Ferrer, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. The previous week, an even larger group organized by the Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition gathered for a similar discussion, which included residents of public housing, long-time residents of historic homes, whites and Latinos, young and old. Across the city—add South Boston, Jamaica Plain, East Boston, Chinatown, Dorchester and Roxbury to the list—neighbors and community partners are discussing what makes their community special and what is holding it back.
Health planning is a core activity of the Boston Alliance for Community Health. In late 2014, BACH members completed a neighborhood-based and city-wide planning effort called Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP). This framework was chosen because it seeks to address issues of sustainability and health equity and is designed to build on the assets a community has to offer. Through this project, we identified five strategic issues that will make Boston a healthier and more equitable city.
The results of this health planning process are used to mobilize residents around their neighborhood’s prioritized health issues, support local organizations to improve their service delivery systems, and advocate more effectively for scarce city, state and federal resources. The MAPP process has also provides BACH and its partners with essential data it needs to educate decision-makers on program and service needs, and to advocate for broader policy changes. Beyond its own efforts, BACH also participates in other city and state health planning initiatives, such as the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Sustainable Communities Initiative.
Download MAPP Report»