Innovation
Explore the Kraft Center for Community Health
View our Health Career Training Programs
Building new solutions for today’s community health challenges
Improving community health, in areas like heart disease, cancer, and substance use disorder requires commitment, collaboration, and out-of-the-box thinking. Mass General Brigham's centers, programs, and partnerships are breaking new ground—finding smarter ways to deliver care, address community needs, and build healthier communities.
Below you’ll find information and links to Mass General Brigham initiatives, centers, and programs that are driving new community healthcare solutions. And making better health more accessible for all.
Kraft Center for Community Health at Massachusetts General Hospital
The Kraft Center for Community Health focuses on leading innovation in community health, taking on tough community health challenges, developing real solutions, and scaling them to improve health across Massachusetts and beyond. Established in 2011 through a gift from Robert Kraft, the Center creates and implements programs to deliver services to communities.
The Kraft Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health
The Kraft Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health recognizes and celebrates transformative organizations, programs, and innovations having a measurable impact on health outcomes with the potential to be models for improving community health in at least one of the following areas: cancer, cardiometabolic disease, pregnancy health, and substance use disorders.
Learn about the Kraft Center for Community Health at Massachusetts General Hospital
Health Careers Partnership: Mass General Brigham, Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, and Bloomberg Philanthropies
Health care systems across the country, including Mass General Brigham, are experiencing historic staffing shortages and simultaneous demands for increased care. Finding ways to avoid this challenge means finding new ways to get young people excited for careers in healthcare.
Mass General Brigham has partnered with Boston’s Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK), Bunker Hill Community College, and the City of Boston on a health careers training partnership. Through a $37.8 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, EMK will double its enrollment capacity and expand its curriculum to include new health career pathways that meet in-demand roles at Mass General Brigham. Students will have opportunities to explore careers in perioperative services, medical imaging, nursing, emergency services, and medical laboratory science, and gain certifications and college credits while still in high school.
A new health program for Mattapan—powered by Boston Medical Center, Mass General Brigham, and Mattapan Community Health Center
According to the Health of Boston 2023-2024 report, Mattapan has the highest age-related heart disease mortality rate in the city, with significantly higher age-adjusted diabetes mortality rates compared to the Boston average. Heart of Communities was designed for Mattapan residents, providing expert medical care, support for everyday needs, and health education and resources. Meeting patients where they live, the goal is to help residents better manage their diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
By working with local leaders, using community resources, and making care more accessible, we’re here to help residents take control of their health.
The Phillip and Susan Ragon Building Project
Massachusetts General Hospital has begun construction on a state-of-the-art building. The Ragon Building will strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional health care through a transformative facility for our patients and our workforce. This is an opportunity to invigorate our West End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods, provide job opportunities for those historically underrepresented in the trades, and make an unprecedented $62 million investment in our local communities.