Community Benefit Program

Committed to Improving the Health of our Community

As the second largest community hospital in the state, Lowell General Hospital's commitment to our community is an essential and integral part of our mission, vision and strategy. We seek to improve the health status of the community we serve, and to specifically address the health problems of at-risk and medically under-served populations. This mission is achieved by identifying existing and future health needs in the community and addressing them through health initiatives, including education, prevention and screening programs; many times in collaboration with key partners from across the Greater Lowell community. We aim to improve the capacity of our community efforts by providing Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) to all individuals in order to reduce disparities and achieve health equity.

Our community benefit program is now aligned with the 2017 Greater Lowell Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which has been derived from the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment and feedback from the community. 

Our key areas of focus are:

Mental Health

Mental illness is one of the greatest areas of need in our region, afflicting both adults and youth, and substantially interfering with or limiting major life activities. The hospital is diligently working to develop stronger partnerships within the community to address mental health and ensure that care is provided to those who need it.

Access to Healthy Food and Physical Activity

Diabetes, obesity, and hypertension as well as their related health concerns are top health issues in our region. The community at large cites a lack of access to affordable healthy food options and insufficient opportunities for physical activity. Therefore, the hospital focuses on increasing access to nutritious food and improving safe, equitable access to physical activity.

Substance Use and Prevention

Substance abuse and addiction issues, including alcohol addiction, are top health issues in our region. The hospital is dedicated to preventing substance misuse and abuse as well as reducing substance use disorder and its associated mental health illnesses.

Asthma and Respiratory Disease

The Greater Lowell Community Health Needs Assessment identified asthma and respiratory disease (including smoking related concerns and COPD) as a top health issue for Lowell and Greater Lowell residents. The hospital uses education, prevention and advocacy efforts to reduce the burden and incidence of asthma.

Social Determinants of Health

Lowell General works with community partners and affiliates in order to understand the needs of the community and to offer programs and services that will improve the overall quality of health and education initiatives in Greater Lowell. The hospital monitors the social determinants of health, such as equitable access to education, employment opportunities, transportation, housing, positive environments, and health care to achieve improved positive health outcomes.

Our dedicated physicians, staff and volunteers offer a wide variety of health education services and resources to the Greater Lowell community through the use of Health & Wellness Programs, free screenings, community events and more. We invite you to join us on our journey to continually improve the health of our community.