Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Providing comprehensive healthcare services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1985
- Employees
- 600
- Headquarters
- United States
- CEO
- Jim O'Connell
- Type
- Non-Profit
- Subsidiaries
- McInnis Health Group, Barbara McInnis House, Stacy Kirkpatrick House
About
The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) was established in 1985 and has become a cornerstone of health care for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Boston area. With the mission to ensure equitable and dignified access to health care, BHCHP delivers comprehensive services to over 11,000 people each year, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive programs of its kind in the nation. BHCHP's approach is unique in that it integrates medical, behavioral, and social services, while also advocating for supportive policies that enhance healthcare access for marginalized populations. The organization operates a range of facilities including emergency shelter clinics, mobile units, and dedicated respite care facilities. It emphasizes empathetic patient care practices, such as foot-soaking, which was pioneered by Dr. Jim O'Connell, the founding physician. BHCHP leverages a network of public and private partnerships to expand its reach and efficiency, ensuring that the complex healthcare needs of its clients are met. Through ongoing community engagement and volunteer efforts, BHCHP addresses the social determinants of health impacting those who are homeless, thus playing a pivotal role in the broader fight against homelessness in Boston.