To Improve Health And Longevity In Roxbury

The BASE is the recipient of a $1 million grant by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation to expand youth-led community health solutions in Roxbury that seek to ensure all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

This award, to be paid over five years, is part of the Youth as Health Care Change Agents grant program, a new initiative that funds community organizations in Eastern Massachusetts to support youth in their full potential as health educators, health navigators, future health care professionals, and community health advocates.

In Roxbury, health is shaped by social and economic factors linked to deep historical inequities in public education, housing, economic development, and more. The BASE has been actively working in the community for the past 11 years to expand access and opportunity for urban youth, with sports programs providing an entry point to education, career, and health resources.

"The BASE is thrilled to be part of this exciting new initiative of the Atrius Health Equity Foundation," said Steph Lewis, President & CEO, The BASE. "With this funding, we will expand our work in nutrition education, mental health, leadership development, and more. As a result, our young people will be empowered to lead healthier lives and gain the knowledge and resources to be change agents in our communities. We believe this initiative is going to create intergenerational impact in Boston."

Boston Community Pediatrics, which is the first nonprofit private pediatric practice of its kind in Massachusetts, will be supporting The BASE in the delivery of the programs. Closely located to each other in the center of Boston, the two organizations have collaborated since 2021 and will be working together closely in the implementation of the AHEF grant.

"It is a privilege to partner with the BASE in this meaningful work," said Robyn Riseberg, Founder, Boston Community Pediatrics. "By providing healthcare, mental health care, and health education within the Roxbury community, we are establishing relationships with teens and families in their own environment, which is crucial for building long-term trust, wellness, and understanding. BCP is excited and proud to collaborate with The BASE in this effort."

Established in 2022 as an independent organization, the Atrius Health Equity Foundation carries forward Atrius Health's historic focus on improving health outcomes for all. The Atrius Health Equity Foundation aims to close life expectancy gaps across Eastern Massachusetts by offering funding responsive to community priorities and that centers community leadership and collaboration.

"The Atrius Health Equity Foundation heard directly from community leaders in 2023 that economic mobility, educational opportunity, and youth as a population of focus are important to close the life expectancy gap. As a result of this community engagement and the Foundation's belief that we must all come together to ensure everyone in Eastern Massachusetts lives a longer, healthier life, we created the Youth as Health Care Change Agents grant program," said Dr. Ann Hwang, President of the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. "These efforts recognize organizations for their deep roots in the communities served and collaborative approach and drive forward our vision for youth as powerful agents of change."

The BASE is among eight awardees selected through a highly competitive and rigorous selection process shaped by community input.

For more information about the work underway at The BASE, please visit www.thebase.org/health-wellnes