Community Impact

Community Health

Baystate Health works to strengthen the health of our communities through assessment, collaboration, and action. By identifying local health needs and partnering with community organizations, we help guide programs, resources, and investments that improve health and well-being across Western Massachusetts.

Community Benefits & Investments

Our commitment to improving health extends beyond the walls of our hospitals. Through community partnerships, educational programs, research, and investments that address local health needs, we work to improve public health, expand access to care, and enhance quality of life across the communities we serve.

As a not-for-profit health system, Baystate Health provides significant community benefit through unreimbursed care, research, education, and community health initiatives. Every three years, we conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and develop Strategic Implementation Plans to address the region's most pressing health priorities. These efforts help guide our investments and partnerships, ensuring we are focused on the needs that matter most to the communities we serve.

Our investments include:

• Community benefit funding
• Better Together Grant Programs
• Community sponsorships and partnerships
• Health equity initiatives

Together, these efforts help create the conditions that allow individuals, families, and neighborhoods to thrive. Learn more about funding requests.

Community Resources & Support Services

Baystate Health works to address the health and social needs of the communities we serve by supporting programs and resources that connect individuals and families with care, support, and advocacy services.

413Cares

413Cares is a free, easy-to-use online community resource database that connects people throughout our region with the services they need and can be accessed anonymously. You can find free and reduced-cost services and programs related to:

• Housing
• Food and nutrition
• Early education
• Behavioral health and recovery
• Digital resources
• Mentoring
• And more 

413Cares is made possible through Baystate Health Community Benefits Grant Funding.

Safe Disposal of Sharps and Expired Medicines

Baystate Medical Center offers a way for the public to safely dispose of:

• Needles and sharps
• Unused medications
• expired medications.

 Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the Daly Lobby at Baystate Medical Center

Baystate Family Advocacy Center

The Baystate Family Advocacy Center helps children and families that have experienced trauma such as child abuse, sexual assault or exploitation, or exposure to violence or homicide. 

Community Workforce Development

Baystate Springfield Educational Partnership (BSEP)

The BSEP program offers high school students a variety of hospital-based learning experiences and opportunities to explore different careers, engage in more comprehensive observation experiences, and prepare for potential internship or employment opportunities.

Community Engagement 

Patient & Family Advisory Council

The Patient & Family Advisory Council represents the ‘collective voice of our patients and families’ at our hospitals.

Community Events

We sponsor and participate in events that promote health, wellness, education, and community connection. View upcoming events.