Stepping Up to Meet Community Needs During the Pandemic

Boston Children’s Hospital is dedicated to improving and advancing the health and well-being of children through clinical care, biomedical research, medical education — and community partnerships.

As part of its commitment to the community, the children’s hospital supports 11 community health centers in addressing food insecurity among families and meeting other needs.

South End Community Health Center is one partner that has stepped up to meet community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help keep children on track with their routine vaccinations, the health center used its school-based satellite space to host a children’s vaccine clinic.

In addition to administering booster vaccines, staff distributed bags of nutritious food, grocery store gift cards, baby formula, diapers, clothing, games, books and educational toys to help families through this challenging time.

Attention to patients’ health-related social needs is critical to community health improvement, during and beyond the pandemic.