In 2018, Dana-Farber received approval through the statewide Determination of Need (DoN) process for the construction of a new Chestnut Hill facility, which opened in early 2021. This new facility provides a comprehensive range of oncology services including exams, infusion, and imaging for diagnosis, care, and treatment of cancer.
As part of this expansion and Dana-Farber's commitment to investing in local communities, it will provide approximately $5.4 million over the next four years to community organizations in Greater Boston to address two priorities: 1) access to services, with a focus on cancer control, and 2) social determinants of health, with a focus on housing.
These priorities were identified through a collaborative, community-driven process guided by the recently completed Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan and with input from Dana-Farber's External Advisory Committee, Allocations Committee, and Trustees Community Programs Committee.
The 2021-2022 funding cycle is now closed. There may be additional funding opportunities in 2023 aligned with new priorities emerging from the community health needs assessment process currently underway.
Focus on Health Equity
Dana-Farber applied a health equity framework to all aspects of this process. It includes the following questions as adapted from the MA Department of Public Health, which should be asked when considering approaches that address inequities: Who benefits? Who is harmed? Who influences? Who decides?
Another critical aspect to addressing inequities is through community engagement and actively engaging members at all stages of the process, including the design, implementation, or evaluation of the approach, particularly those impacted by cancer and other chronic conditions.
