Fallon Health Awards $200,000 to 20 Community-based Organizations

WORCESTER — Fallon Health announced it has awarded $200,000 to 20 area organizations across its Massachusetts service area through its annual Community Impact Grants Program. The funding will support new or existing projects that reduce barriers and improve health outcomes in communities served by the not-for-profit healthcare-services organization.

“We make it a priority to identify and assess the health and social needs of our communities and then address those in which we can have the most direct impact,” said Christine Cassidy, chief Communications officer. “I applaud our community partners on the incredible and important work they’re doing at a grassroots level and know the funding will further accelerate actions that will lead to better and more equitable health outcomes.”

Nine of the organizations selected will work to address food and nutrition security by improving or expanding access to healthy and culturally inclusive food sources, with a focus on individuals and families with limited economic means. They are: Berkshire Bounty ($10,000), Boston Area Gleaners Inc. ($10,000), Boys & Girls Club of Metro South ($7,500), Boys & Girls Club of Worcester ($10,000), Community Servings (10,000), El Buen Samaritano Food Program Inc. ($15,000), Food Link Inc. ($7,500), Growing Places ($7,500), and Rachel’s Table ($20,000).

Six of the recipients will focus on health issues impacting older adults including supporting housing safety and stability, mitigating isolation and loneliness, or working to eliminate barriers to healthcare (for example, technology, transportation, or health literacy). They are: BAMSI (Brockton Ara Multi-Services, Inc.) ($10,000), Genesis Club House Inc. ($7,500), La Alianza Hispana Inc. ($10,000), Merrimack Valley Food Bank Inc. ($7,500), Saint Paul’s Elder Outreach ($10,000), and Urban Farming Institute ($10,000).

Finally, five will offer early-intervention programs for children and youth that focus on mental health, behavioral health, and/or substance-use prevention, education, and awareness. They are: Adolescent Consultation Services ($10,000), Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester Inc. ($7,500), CASA Project Worcester County ($10,000), Doc Wayne Youth Services ($12,500), and Merrimack Valley YMCA ($7,500).