WORCESTER, Mass. - UMass Memorial Health is making a $1 million donation to the City of Worcester to help establish the Worcester Health Equity Fund. 

The fund will help launch health equity initiatives in the city of Worcester and the program aims to help reduce health disparities among the city’s residents. 

“In order to be an agent for change in this region we recognize that we have to expand the work we do beyond the walls of our great hospitals and clinical offices,” Eric Dickson, MD, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, said. “This donation and the establishment of a health equity fund continues the work we started a few years ago when we established our anchor mission program. The City of Worcester and the people here have been great partners. We are committed to advancing our work to improve the health and well-being of the community while working hard to minimize the social determinants of health that persist as barriers to underserved populations.”

“Throughout the pandemic, the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Health have partnered to  address pressing health problems, including increased access to care and improving health equity. With this new program and donation, that work continues,” Dr. Dickson added.

A Health Equity Advisory Group,made up of three members appointed by the City of Worcester and two by UMass Memorial Health, will oversee the fund and manage the program.

“We appreciate and thank UMass Memorial Health for their contribution and support of our efforts to reduce health inequities and ensure health care access for all residents,” City Manager, Edward M. Augustus, Jr., said. “The Worcester Health Equity Fund will help us fulfill our mission of creating a healthier Worcester.” 

Under the agreement, the City of Worcester will disburse $200,000 annually into the fund over the next five years.