LYNN — After a successful inaugural year for the Lynn Community Health Center fellowship, a $3.7 million four-year continuation grant through the Atrius Health Equity Foundation will help expand the program to even greater heights.
The Lynn Community Health Fellowship completed its first year in June, where 70 high school students from across Lynn graduated. Now, the LCHC has been given the funding to continue that important work.
“This program was created to help young people see the possibilities for their future and
recognize the impact they can have on the health and well-being of others,” LCHC Chief Executive Officer Brenda Rodriguez said. “We are grateful to our partners, mentors, and supporters who helped make this inaugural fellowship year possible, and we look forward to seeing all that can be accomplished in the years ahead.”
Lynn is in the midst of many positive changes, and the LCHC fellowship has proven to be a major player in reshaping Lynn’s image. Director of Data Analytics at Lynn Community Health Center, Ruth Shaw, expressed how important the program is and why supporting Lynn’s youth is imperative to the future.
“These students are critical to the continued progress of Lynn,” Shaw said. “To provide mentorship that is accessible and local, shows not only that we are investing in them but we care about their community.”
President of the Atrius Health Equity Foundation, Dr. Ann Hwang, spoke to the excitement surrounding the fellowship and how it will continue to benefit Lynn’s youth for the better.
“We knew we wanted to make large investments to address the gap in life expectancy in Eastern Massachusetts, so we went out and did a series of community meetings across the state,” Hwang said. “This initiative is trying to center youth and community.”
Lynn high school students have shown an incredible desire for the program. What was achieved through the inaugural class by the students has helped open doors that may have previously seemed inaccessible.
“The efforts led by LCHC have seen extraordinary progress by empowering Lynn youth to
explore dynamic healthcare roles, become community health leaders and address the biggest
health challenges impacting their lives and community,” Hwang said. “Our board is honored to support generational change in the city of Lynn.”
The LCHC fellowship program is getting ready for its second year with an all-new group of Lynn students who are ready to take on new challenges and change their neighborhood for the better.
