Agenda

2026 Summit Goals: Create a shared platform for trainees and early-career professionals across disciplines (including but not limited to medicine, nursing, public health), and community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Greater Boston Area to share best practices for closing health gaps in the community (advocacy, education, research, health care innovation) through talks, poster presentations and relationship building. Foster sustainable and enduring connection and collaboration between future health professionals and CBOs who wish to work together to advance health for the Greater Boston Area. Support the work of future health professionals and CBOs by providing networking and funding opportunities.

Dr. Rishi Manchanda, CEO, Health Begins will lead an interactive and action focused workshop building on Health Begin's analysis of how we build stronger systems together. Using the 5 R's framework: Risk Sharing, Resource Sharing, Response Coordination, Rights Protection, Reforms. See bios here.

Roundtables to focus on community based organizations and their essential health work.

Hear from five abstract teams recognized for their collaboration, impact and community commitment. See project descriptions here. The Chelsea Research Festival: An Event to Disseminate Research, Bridge Community and Academia, and Center YouthSarah Elizabeth Neville, Boston University School of Social Work Engaging Youth in a Tailored Overdose Prevention TrainingCala Renehan, MPH, Sarah Bagley, MD, MSc, and Sarah KosakowskiClinical Addiction Research & Education (CARE Unit), Boston Medical Center Mobilizing Community Health: OCCME Go-Bags for Community Outreach Teams Erin Farren and Samuel SteuartHarvard Medical School, Office for Community Centered Medical Education The Produce Prescription Program: A Model for Addressing Food Insecurity in HealthcareElizavette J Cordero and Cleatia CassarinoEverett Community Growers and Cambridge Health Alliance Swen Pa M: A Community Health Worker Led Emotional Wellness Program for Haitian Newcomers Stephanie Faure Certified CHW and Mariane Tokarski Pereira Lousa Department of Community Health and Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance and Immigrant Family Services Institute

Five panelists who represent clinic and community-based healthcare, community partners addressing structural drivers of health, those focused on access to coverage, and on policy responses will engage in conversation and collaboration related to individual and community health in this moment.

Policy, Healthcare and Community Leaders in discussion on this moment in Boston and our shared commitment to a healthier future. See bios here. Michael Curry, Esq President & CEO, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Ann Hwang, MD President of the Atrius Health Equity Foundation Robert Lewis, Jr. President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston Bisola Ojikutu, MD, MPH Commissioner of the Boston Public Health Commission Sonia Chang-Díaz Chief External Affairs Officer, YMCA of Greater Boston Kristene Tadese, MD - Moderator General Internal Medicine Fellow, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Community Based Organizations are invited to present posters describing their core work, rather than research or implementation projects. 50+ poster presenters will describe successful or emerging projects that address systemic barriers to healthcare access, strengthen community-institutional partnerships, and improve health outcomes for communities facing persistent challenges. Showcased projects present innovative approaches to community health improvement, successful community engagement strategies, and interventions addressing social and environmental factors affecting health. Recognizing that transformative work takes many forms, we welcome diverse methodologies and perspectives that contribute to creating accessible and responsive healthcare systems for all Greater Boston communities.