Boston Public Health Commission

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is the nation's oldest health department, established in 1799 as the Boston Board of Health and restructured in 1995 as an independent public agency.

Its mission is to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

BPHC offers a comprehensive array of over 40 services and programs aimed at enhancing public health across the city.

These initiatives encompass accessible, high-quality community-based health and social services, community engagement and advocacy, development of health-promoting policies and regulations, disease and injury prevention, emergency services, health promotion, and health education services.

Commitment to Health Equity

A cornerstone of BPHC's efforts is its commitment to health equity. The "Live Long and Well" agenda focuses on improving life expectancy and reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.

This agenda addresses leading causes of premature mortality in Boston, including cardiometabolic diseases, screenable cancers, and unintentional drug overdoses.

Additionally, BPHC promotes health across all stages of life, encompassing infant and maternal health, older adult health, and mental and behavioral health.

Specialized Programs

BPHC operates several specialized programs to tackle specific health challenges.

• The Asthma Prevention and Control Program, initiated in 1998, aims to increase access to quality medical care and community-based resources.
• It tracks and monitors asthma trends, eliminates racial and ethnic health disparities in asthma, increases public awareness, and promotes supportive policies.
• The AHOPE (Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education) program provides harm reduction services, including needle exchange, to individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
• This program operates out of a dedicated facility in the South End offering a range of supportive services.
• BPHC manages the Family Overdose Support Fund, allocating $250,000 annually to support families who have lost loved ones to overdoses.

Location and Offices

The commission’s headquarters are located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.

Additional offices include:

• Asthma Prevention and Control Program at 1010 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02130
• Family Justice Center at 989 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215
• Boston, MA, USA

Through its diverse programs and unwavering commitment to health equity, the Boston Public Health Commission plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more equitable Boston for all its residents.