Whittier Program Closes the Life Expectancy Gap in Minority and Low-Income Communities

Whittier Program Closes the Life Expectancy Gap in Minority and Low-Income Communities

In 2011, Whittier Street Health Center raised awareness about the 33-year gap in life expectancy for those living in Roxbury (59.5 years) compared to those living in the Back Bay (92 years), a gentrified neighborhood less than 2 miles from Roxbury. Whittier focused on the "Tale of the Two Cities" and partnered with its patients, community residents and leaders, corporations and public sector partners to raise awareness and to develop programs to close the life expectancy gap. Whittier launched its Boston Health Equity Program in 2012, a system of care for people with chronic illnesses and those at risk that fully integrates innovative community outreach, linkage to social services, wellness support and care coordination with a focus on eliminating health disparities and their associated costs. 

A little over a decade later, working with its patients and partners, Whittier has made large strides in improving life expectancy in its service areas by 10 years. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) released a report on May 11, 2023, and there is a 23-year life expectancy gap between residents in Roxbury and the Back Bay.

On June 21, 2023, Whittier Street Health Center co-hosted a session in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and the CHNA-CHIP Collaborative.

The open discussion, led by the Commissioner of the City of Boston's Health Department Dr. Bisola Ojikutu and Whittier's President & CEO Frederica M. Williams, addressed the need for continued and expanded community outreach and education to provide the necessary and comprehensive range of treatment and prevention services to low-income minority and immigrant populations.

Community members attending the event were connected to health resources offered by the City of Boston, including the Boston Health Start Initiative (BHSI), which provides direct support to pregnant and parenting women, children, and families of color. Whittier Street Health Center is a designated BHSI site.

"The recent Health of Boston reports shows that the life expectancy gap of Roxbury residents has shown a slight improvement, but there remains a gap of 23 years when compared to the residents in Back Bay," said Frederica M. Williams, president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center. "We need to continue our efforts to address the barriers to good health, such as housing, food and economic insecurity while empowering our residents to engage in lifestyle changes and behaviors that will improve their health and quality of life. Having access to prevention, screening and treatment in addition to community investments in the social determinants of health can lead to better health outcomes. We are grateful to all who have supported our Boston Health Equity Program, which was launched in 2012, and look forward to expanding our health equity partnerships so we can continue to close the 23-year life expectancy gap."

About Whittier Street Health Center
Whittier Street Health Center is an independently licensed community healthcare center with a mission to serve as a center of excellence that provides high-quality and accessible healthcare and social services that achieve health equity, social justice and the economic well-being of its diverse populations. 

Contact Information:
Frederica Williams
President & CEO
[email protected]
617-989-3221


Original Source: Whittier Program Closes the Life Expectancy Gap in Minority and Low-Income Communities
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Discovery Senior Living Team Members Selected for ASHA’s Rising Leaders Program

Discovery Senior Living Team Members Selected for ASHA’s Rising Leaders Program

Robert Miller and Cody Tower will join the esteemed association's prestigious Rising Leaders Program, which aims to foster the growth and development of the next generation of leaders in the senior housing industry.

Discovery Senior Living Team Members Selected for ASHA’s Rising Leaders Program
Robert Miller

Discovery Senior Living Team Members Robert Miller and Cody Tower join ASHA's prestigious Rising Leaders Program.

Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") is pleased to announce and extend congratulations to Robert Miller, Controller, and Cody Tower, Regional Director of Operations, on their nomination and acceptance into the esteemed American Senior Housing Association's (ASHA) Rising Leaders Program. This prestigious program aims to foster the growth and development of the next generation of leaders in the senior housing industry.

ASHA, a leading association in our industry, has been a valuable partner to Discovery. Over the years, Discovery has actively collaborated with ASHA, participating in their events and aligning efforts with their initiatives. 

The selection of Robert Miller and Cody Tower for the Rising Leaders Program reflects their exceptional leadership characteristics and commitment to the industry. Their dedication and contributions to Discovery have not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is a testament to their exemplary performance.

"I am truly honored to have been nominated and accepted into the esteemed ASHA Rising Leaders Program. This incredible opportunity not only recognizes my dedication and passion for the senior living industry but also presents a platform for personal and professional growth," said Miller. "I look forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and learning from industry experts."

Tower said, "I am grateful for this great honor and for the wonderful opportunity. I look forward to representing Discovery along with Robert at a national level. For me personally, and more than anything else, it is most meaningful to be recognized and recommended by our company's leadership."

The Rising Leaders Program for this year comprises a series of exciting events. This includes a virtual Rising Leader discussion featuring an industry luminary, as well as a special Rising Leaders Reception during the Mid-Year Meeting in Park City, UT that was held last week. Furthermore, a reception and dinner are scheduled prior to the Fall Executive Board Meeting/Fall NIC conference in Chicago. 

With headquarters in Southwest Florida, Discovery Senior Living currently owns and manages a national, multi-branded portfolio of nearly 200 communities in 36 states. 

Contact Information:
Heidi LaVanway
Vice President of Marketing
[email protected]
239.301.5330
Related Images
Robert Miller
Robert Miller

Discovery Senior Living Team Members Robert Miller and Cody Tower join ASHA's prestigious Rising Leaders Program.



Original Source: Discovery Senior Living Team Members Selected for ASHA's Rising Leaders Program
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