MISSION HILL HEALTH MOVEMENT
History
History
1967-1968
• Acted as Community Health Committee of Parker Hill - Fenway Area Planning Action Committee (APAC), the local
office of the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
1968 - 1970
• Negotiated with US Department of Health and Human Services and Harvard Community Health Plan [HCHP] for
neighborhood based coverage by Harvard Community Health Plan.
• Agreement included first Medicaid/Medicare HCHP eligibility, sliding scale premiums for other Mission Hill
residents, a local primary care outreach/advocacy office and neighborhood people in meaningful staff positions.
• Instrumental in supporting the establishment of the Fenway Community Health Center.
• Incorporated as an independent 501 (c )(3) non-profit organization in July 1970.
1970 – 1975
• Conduted neighborhood based, door to door, lead paint testing program with neighborhood staff.
• First neighborhood based free flu shots for elderly - coordinated with Boston Department of Health and Hospitals.
• "SWISH" dental care program for Mission Hill children. - school based fluoride rinse and dental care program with Mission Hill 'Swish Moms' working as, and with, Harvard Dental School staff.
• Pre-school program at Hennigan school - with special needs students integrated into mainstream classes.
1975 -1978
• Established HERE House in Mission Hill [subsidized elder housing].
• Developed Mission Hill After School Program.
• In 1977, with Roxbury Tenants of Harvard and Mission Hill Planning Commision, negotiated the "Land Use
Agreement" with Brigham and Women's Hospital, which set parameters for future institutional expansion and
protections for community preservation and growth.
1979 - 1987
• In 1979 negotiated an agreement with RH Donnelley Advertising for the title to 1534 Tremont Street, which ensured MHHM's future.
• Undertook major renovations of 1534 Tremont Street to establish a primary care doctor's office, which was staffed by Vince Perelli, MD.
1988 - 1994
• Partnered with Urban Medical Group in Jamaica Plain to provide expanded primary care and elder outreach services from MHHM building at 1534 Tremont Street.
1995 - 2002
• Supported Women Infants and Children Program [ WIC], maternal health and early intervention program at 1534 Tremont Street.
• Negotiated with area and private providers for accessible emergency and routine dental services for seniors.
• Began process to obtain clear title and plan for renovation ofMHHM building at 1534 Tremont Street.
2003 - 2006
• Awarded grant from New England Women in Real Estate [NEWIRE] for one year of pro bono evaluation, design,
architectural and legal planning services for 1534 Tremont Street.
• Completed Phase One of renovations and established three tenancies of community based non-profit groups.
• Conducted community program activities and events in conjunction with institutional partners. Focused on Asthma, Substance Abuse, and Health Care Services.
2007 - Present
• Completed renovation of building at 1534 Tremont Street.
• Through a Catalyst Grant from the Harvard School of Public Health, produced a series of community health articles and workshops.
• Undertook a follow-up study of air quality in the area of Fenwood Rd. to chart the impact of the demolition of Mass Mental.
• Hired the first staff person for MHHM!
• In 2011, co-sponsored the Mission Hill Farmers Market with Mission Hill Main Streets (MHMS).
• Co-sponsored the first Mission Hill Healthy Food Festival in the summer of 2011, with Sociedad Latina, MHMS, and the Harvard School of Public Health Prevention Research Center.
Contact us:
Office Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM & at other times by arrangement.
1534 Tremont Street
Roxbury, MA 02120
Executive Director: Maggie Cohn
Email:maggiecohn@mhhm.org
General Email: contact@mhhm.org
TEL: 617-427-6919
FAX: 617-427-6920