Mission Statement & Strategic Prioritites
The Mission Hill health Movement (MHHM) began in the 1960's because, at that time, the neighborhood was adjacent to some of the best medical facilities in the world; yet, many residents did not have access to regular health care. In addition, the hospitals and medical institutions were buying homes and property anonymously in the area to expand their facilities into our residential neighborhood.
Fortunately, this situation has changed and now, as a 501c non-profit organization, the MHHM works to ensure a livable environment and a healthy quality of life for all our residents. The MHHM addresses the broad issues which affect its neighborhood and to improve the quality of health in Mission Hill and to build a heath-supporting place for all to live and work..
The MHHM focuses on 4 major areas:
1. Improving Health through increasing the availability and Consumption of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables;
2. Supporting Mission Hill Residents in Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness;
3. Having Young Adults (22-45) take Leadership in Promoting Community Health; and
4. Creating a Resilient and Healthy Mission Hill Environment and Community.
In 2017, the MHHM Board adopted this mission statement: The Mission Hill Health Movement, strives to improve the health of Mission Hill Residents and the Community through partnerships, collaborations, education and health and wellness activities and programs.
Fortunately, this situation has changed and now, as a 501c non-profit organization, the MHHM works to ensure a livable environment and a healthy quality of life for all our residents. The MHHM addresses the broad issues which affect its neighborhood and to improve the quality of health in Mission Hill and to build a heath-supporting place for all to live and work..
The MHHM focuses on 4 major areas:
1. Improving Health through increasing the availability and Consumption of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables;
2. Supporting Mission Hill Residents in Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness;
3. Having Young Adults (22-45) take Leadership in Promoting Community Health; and
4. Creating a Resilient and Healthy Mission Hill Environment and Community.
In 2017, the MHHM Board adopted this mission statement: The Mission Hill Health Movement, strives to improve the health of Mission Hill Residents and the Community through partnerships, collaborations, education and health and wellness activities and programs.
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 Hil 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.
2007-20015
• 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 Hil 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.
2007-20015
- Completed renovation of building at 1534 Tremont Street.
- Negotiated a continuation of the 1977 Agreement with Brigham and Women's Hospital Through 2030
- 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!
- Worked with residents of Mission Main to improve air quality within residents' apartments.
- 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.
- Sponsored Senior Exercise Program at 3 locations, 2016-2017
- Cosponsored the Annual Mission Hill Senior Prom for older residents of Mission Hill
- Conducted a series of Air Quality Monitoring studies of locations used by sensitive receptors on Mission Hill
- Serving lunch and snacks to Boston children and teens at the Farmers Markets during the Summer
- Designated developer by the City of Boston of the 6-8 Gore Street Community Garden
- Established the Gloria Murry Award to recognize community leaders
- Working with Noise in the City and BU school of Publc Health to implement a Robert Wood Johnson Grant to identify, measure and discuss sources of noise on Mission Hill
- Provided a temporary home to some programs of the Parker Hill Branch Library during its building's renovations (2017-2018)
The Gloria Murray Award
Award Recipients
2016 Dianne Williams
2018 Cindy Diggs and Alice Diggs
Contact Us
Our office is located at 1534 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA. Office hours are Monday- Wednesday 1 pm -5 pm and Friday 1 pm - 5 pm; other times by arrangement.
Address: 1534 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA. 02120-2929 (map)
Executive Director: Mary Ann Nelson
Email: maryann@mhhm.org
Contact: info@mhhm.org
TEL: 617-427-6919
FAX: 617-427-6920
Address: 1534 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA. 02120-2929 (map)
Executive Director: Mary Ann Nelson
Email: maryann@mhhm.org
Contact: info@mhhm.org
TEL: 617-427-6919
FAX: 617-427-6920
