UMass Memorial, Shields grant $1.4M to 18 Central Mass. nonprofits

Thomas Shields, CEO of Shields Health, speaks at an opening event for the Surgery Center in Shrewsbury.

 

Worcester, MA (July, 2023) – Eighteen Central Massachusetts nonprofits have been granted a combined $1.4 million from Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health in partnership with Shields Health in Quincy.

The grants are allocated as part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Determination of Need program and are given to organizations improving overall health in the region, according to a Wednesday press release from both health systems.

Fresh Start Wellness Center received the largest portion of the grant at $147,994. The Worcester organization is a mental and physical health-promoting center that implements programs in the criminal justice system and at educational institutes. Worcester Common Ground is the recipient of the second largest slice at $114,675, which will support neighborhood improvement programs.

Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Building Futures in Worcester, Community Harvest Project in Grafton, and Together For Kids Coalition in Worcester all received $100,000.

“Shields Health is committed to improving community health in Central Massachusetts and providing high-quality care that is both affordable and accessible through The Surgery Center – Shrewsbury,” Tom Shields, CEO of Shields Health, said in the press release. “We are pleased to support these organizations in collaboration with UMass Memorial Health as each of them are doing outstanding work to advance public health programs and services throughout Greater Worcester.”

Other organizations receiving the funding are the Worcester-based organizations:

  • Worcester’s Yes We Care- $80,237
  • The Shine Initiative – $75,000
  • CENTRO, Inc. – $75,000
  • The Latino Education Institute based at Worcester State University – $75,000
  • The Regional Environmental Council – $75,000
  • Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance – $69,442
  • YOU, Inc. – $65,000
  • Edward Street – $60,000
  • Jeremiah’s Inn – $50,000
  • The Transformation Center – $50,000
  • Dismas House of Massachusetts – $30,000
  • Quinsigamond Village Community Center – $20,000.

About Shields Health

Shields Health provides MRI, PET/CT, and ambulatory surgical services to patients at more than 50 locations, offering the largest and most technically advanced network of medical imaging and diagnostic treatment facilities in New England. With a focus on cutting-edge technology, provider expertise, and affordability, Shields prioritizes the patient experience above all. Shields Health is a family-owned and operated business proudly celebrating 50 years of service and innovation. For more information, visit www.shields.com