Community Health Programs

Enabling Services/Social Services in the Community

Due to a multitude of barriers to accessing medical care including: limited health knowledge, isolation, poverty, competing needs, lack of transportation, substance abuse, lack of insurance, language, and distrust of the health care system, many of the communities we serve are at greater risk of lacking access to health care, or for becoming disengaged from the system when navigating multiple services both on-site at Whittier and at different health care institutions. To overcome these barriers, Whittier has developed a system that utilizes enabling services, and ensures continuity and a continuum of care to help the community access care, navigate the health care system and remain engaged in care. Whittier Street Health Center utilizes enabling services to help patients overcome these barriers to care. Some of these include:

  • Free transportation to and from the health center through the use of the Whittier van
  • Targeted outreach and education
  • Translation services
  • Health benefits advising to enroll individuals in health insurance and free (or sliding scale) health care for those who are uninsured
  • Patient navigation and case management
  • Community screenings and Health Education
  • Referrals to social services including housing, education, jobs, daycare, food and clothing

Fax Number: (617) 858-2669

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).