Fallon Health continues its investment in helping underserved populations
Worcester, Mass., Jan. 26, 2018 —Fallon Health, a mission-focused, community-based, not-for-profit health care services organization, advanced its commitment to addressing health care barriers in underserved populations with a robust year of employee volunteerism and strategic financial support.
In 2017, Fallon employees contributed thousands of volunteer hours to address health care challenges for at-risk populations. This is above and beyond the organization’s other giving initiatives which include grants, hunger relief funding and sponsorships to more than 250 organizations across Massachusetts.
“As partners, advocates and volunteers, we have a long history of leadership in addressing health care barriers that have a real impact on the health and well-being of underserved communities,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health. “We will continue to make a meaningful difference by focusing on volunteering and strategic grants. We’ve seen firsthand – whether it's building and stocking a food pantry or helping first-generation students complete their college applications – the power of community involvement."
Underserved communities face many challenges, including health care access and affordability, nutrition and food insecurity, transportation, workforce development, housing and safety.
Working hands-on to address these issues, Fallon employees built or rebuilt seven food pantries at community sites including those at the Worcester Boys and Girls Club, Abby Kelley Foster Charter School and South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Center in 2017. They volunteered for Working for Worcester, the Worcester Public Schools College Application Day and the United Way Day of Caring. Employees also responded to hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico by collecting more than 38 large boxes filled with items such as diapers, wipes, baby formula, hygiene kits, first aid supplies and clothing. Employees provided holiday presents to hundreds of children and families, and distributed holiday meals to 350 families throughout the Berkshires, Lowell, Springfield and Worcester. Through Fallon’s annual United Way campaign, employees joined the company in raising $71,000.
Further demonstrating its commitment as an exemplary corporate citizen, Fallon continued its support of the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference, which benefits 700 enterprising women. Fallon also continued its support of other community traditions such as the Canal Diggers 5K, Worcester’s Independence Day Celebration and Worcester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
In addition, Fallon engaged community and corporate leaders, non-profit and community organizations, business partners, brokers, providers and vendors through events such as health fairs, local coalitions, boards, focus groups and educational forums, including its June 2017 Cost of Caregiving Forum.
Moving Fallon’s mission forward, Burke noted, “One new way in which we will make a positive impact in 2018 is our participation in three of MassHealth’s new Accountable Care Organizations, which are designed to improve health outcomes.”
For more information, visit fallonhealth.org/community.
Carrie Wattu
508-368-9345
About Fallon Health
Founded in 1977, Fallon Health is a leading health care services organization that supports the diverse and changing needs of those we serve. In addition to offering innovative health insurance solutions and a variety of Medicaid and Medicare products, we excel in creating unique health care programs and services that provide coordinated, integrated care for seniors and individuals with complex health needs. Fallon has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.