News

Statement from Frederica M. Williams CEO, Whittier Street Health Center

  • June 18, 2018

As you are aware, Whittier Street Health Center is projecting a financial loss of $1.2 million and recently heard some disappointing news that it would not receive two major grants totaling more than $600,000.  The hope was these funds could minimize the current deficit.

The substantial deficit for the health center and shrinking funding opportunities to close the growing financial gap are major challenges for an organization our size. Therefore, as the CEO, I took immediate steps to try to stabilize our financial future, which unfortunately included the elimination of some positions on our care team.

This was the hardest decision to make. Our patients are our priority and we always want to provide them with the best care possible to meet their needs.

Over the weekend, I heard from a concerned Mayor Walsh that he wanted to help.

Thanks to the Mayor’s leadership and guidance and support from others, we have a pathway forward that will put Whittier on a stable financial footing for now.

This news also means that those positions that would have been eliminated will be saved.

However, what we have learned in this process is that we need to review all our programs and staffing to ensure we are properly sized to deliver the best care possible to our community today and into the future.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).