Blog
Whittier Street Health Center’s blog on health and wellness in the community.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Power, Progress and Purpose
“Women are the backbone of our societies. When they rise, nations rise with them.” Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first woman head of state, serving as the country’s president from October 2018 to October 2024 Women’s History Month, celebrated every March, honors the contributions, achievements, and leadership of women throughout our nation’s history. Beginning as a week-long […]
MoreNational Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Bringing Focus to Equity and Prevention
Dedicated to shining a light on how HIV/AIDS affects women and girls, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – observed each March 10 – promotes prevention, encourages testing, and empowers communities to support those affected. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing inequities women and girls face, calling for education, advocacy, and […]
MoreCancer Prevention and Awareness Month
Every February, we observe National Cancer Prevention Month to raise awareness about the social and environmental factors that impact cancer risk and to empower patients with information and resources that support prevention, early detection, and intervention. In 2025, there were approximately 2 million new cancer cases and about 618,000 cancer deaths, averaging nearly 5,600 new […]
MoreNational Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7 marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black communities and to spotlight the need for equitable, culturally responsive prevention, testing, and treatment services. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately impacted Black communities since the start of the epidemic in the early 1980s¹, and that disparity […]
MoreBlack History Month – Annual Meeting
Black History Month, celebrated every February, is a time to honor and amplify the history and contributions of Black Americans in shaping every facet of society. This year’s observance carries special significance: 2026 marks the centennial anniversary of Black History Month celebrations in the United States, first founded by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 […]
MoreRacism and Racial Inequality in Health Care
Despite strides toward closing the racial life expectancy gap in Boston1, racism and racial inequality continue to impact health outcomes, access to services, and treatment quality for communities of color. The 2024 Health of Boston Access to Care Report shows that Black, Latinx, and migrant residents face significant barriers to health insurance coverage and affordability, […]
MoreCervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer found in women globally, with about 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States1. While these numbers are concerning, cervical cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Over the past three decades, the American Cancer Society has documented […]
MoreMental Health During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of celebration and cheer, but for many, it can also bring increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. As many as 28% of Americans report heightened stress and poor mental health during the holidays, citing financial strain, grief and loss, and challenging family dynamics1. If you’ve ever felt weighted […]
MoreClean Teeth for Toys
The holiday season is a wonderful time for families to come together, celebrate traditions, and enjoy the sweet treats that make this time of year so special. It’s also a great opportunity to help children build healthy habits that keep their smiles strong all year long. Encouraging regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups can make a meaningful difference in children’s lifelong […]
MoreSenior Holiday Celebration
No matter your age, the holidays are an opportunity to be joyful, build connections, and create community. At Whittier Street Health Center, we understand that this season can be challenging for many older adults. Research shows that seniors are at higher risk for loneliness, which can worsen physical and mental health issues such as chronic disease, anxiety, depression, […]
More