Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Massachusetts Health Council
Legal Name (if Different): The Massachusetts Health Council, Inc.
Also Known As: MHC
Mailing Address: PO Box 2342
City: Woburn
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 01888
Main Phone: (781) 690-3735
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://mahealthcouncil.org/
Employer ID Number: 04-2296739
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/19/2025
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: MHC Student Health Career Explorers program
Project Description:

Since 1920 the Massachusetts Health Council (MHC) has successfully convened stakeholders, educated the public, and advocated for a myriad of issues to protect and improve the health and welfare of children, including seat belt legislation, clean air, vitamin fortification in food, the pasteurization of milk, water fluoridation, vaccinations, anti-smoking and youth vaping, mental health, school lunch nutrition, and more. Our mission is to promote policies and programs that enable healthier lifestyles, wellness, and preventative care so all people and their communities can thrive.

According to reports, there will be a shortage of 100,000 critical healthcare workers in Massachusetts by 2028. MHC is committed to building a diverse pipeline that fosters the next generation of healthcare workers who represent and reflect the communities in which they live. This is why we respectfully request your support to help expand our Student Health Career Explorers program in Summer 2025 to reach more students.

This program introduces and immerses middle school and high school students – particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities – to a variety of healthcare jobs so they can see what is possible. By increasing familiarity, confidence, and access to fields like occupational therapy, paramedical, neuroscience, EMT, and pharmacology, our Student Health Career Explorers program not only educates youth on potential future career options but allows them hands-on experience to practice stepping into those roles.

We partner with professors and medical providers at Western New England University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Quinsigamond Community College to deliver this program to students at John J. Duggan Middle School and Southbridge High School. Our goal is to conduct further outreach and offer this program to one new school to reach, educate, and deliver guidance and training to at least 60 children in 2025. We thank you for your consideration.

Total Project Budget: $23,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation (Committed)

Project Duration: 4 weeks in Summer 2025
Geographical Area Served: Hampden County and Worcester County, Massachusetts
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Angela
Contact Last Name: Ortiz
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (781) 690-3735
Contact Email: aortiz@mahealthcouncil.org