At Southcoast Health, we believe that care extends far beyond hospital walls. Through partnerships, outreach, and strategic action, we work to uplift the health and well-being of the region and its communities.
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Community is the foundation of health and wellbeing. That’s why we focus on advancing health equity, fostering a sense of belonging, promoting preventive care, and shining a light on the people and programs making a difference. Together, our efforts are creating a stronger, more inclusive Southcoast — where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Every three years, Southcoast conducts a comprehensive community needs assessment to measure successes and issues in the region, sharing the results with our community partners and the public online.
Identify community health and social needs to improve health equity and overall wellness within the South Coast communities, and collaborate with community partners to identify, prioritize, and meet the needs of our community.
Develop strategic planning and implement initiatives that address the root causes of the social influencers of health and create transformational change in factors that can lead to better health. This includes access to quality education and employment, safe and stable housing, healthy food, and transportation.
Southcoast CARES is our commitment to the community beyond clinical care to best serve and support all residents of the South Coast region. Southcoast CARES three strategic areas include our Community-Based Programs & Initiatives, Community Investments and Community Engagement.
The Health and Wellness department establishes and maintains positive relationships in the community that help us to lead and convene region wide strategic initiatives. We collaborate with local health providers, human services agencies, advocacy groups and others to develop cooperative plans and programs to address pressing community health and social needs. We collaborate with local health providers, human services agencies, advocacy groups and others to develop cooperative plans and programs to address pressing community health and social needs.
Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) is made up of a diverse group of regional community leaders who oversee and support Southcoast Health’s community benefit work. The council advises on activities and expenditures concerning the health and welfare of the community.
| Name | Title | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Helena DaSilva Hughes | CBAC Chair & Trustee Southcoast Health, President | Immigrants Assistance Center |
| April Funches | Substance Use Coordinator | City of Taunton / Taunton Diversity Network (TDN) |
| Athena Xifaras | MD & Director of Health Services | New Bedford Public Schools / Boston Children’s Hospital |
| Beth Purdue | Editor, Senior Scope | Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. |
| Cynthia Couto | Director of Parent and Community Engagement Center (PACE) | Fall River Public Schools |
| David Borges | Principle | Springline Research Group |
| Reverend David Lima | Executive Director | Interchurch Council of Greater New Bedford |
| Dennis Demarinis | Chairperson | Commission for Citizens with Disabilities New Bedford |
| Elizabeth Wiley | Executive Director | Marion Institute |
| Erik Rousseau | Administrator | Southeastern Regional Transit Authority |
| Gaelan Adam | Librarian/Editor/Senior Research Associate, Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health Program Manager | Brown Evidence-Based Practice Center |
| Jeffrey Pelletier | Executive Director | Junior Achievement of SEMA |
| Katlyn Auty | Director of Business Development | Southcoast Behavioral Health |
| Leimary Llopiz | YWCA Advocacy Coordinator | YWCA of SE MA |
| Maria Rosario | Executive Director | NorthStar Learning Centers, Inc |
| Michelle Hantman | President & CEO | United Way of Greater New Bedford |
| Nathaniel Goncalo | Director of Planning, Development & Communications | Citizens for Citizens |
| Pamela Kuechler | Executive Director | People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE) |
| Stephanie Sloan | Director | New Bedford Health Department |
| Tess Curran | Director of Health & Human Services | Fall River Health Department |
| Wendy Botelho | CEO | Child & Family Services, Inc. |
Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, charitable, community-based health system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.