Boston Children's Community Mission | Boston Children's Proudly Co-Sponsored the Healthcare Anchor Network Convening Held in Boston

Boston Children's Hospital was proud to co-sponsor this year’s Healthcare Anchor Network Convening. The week focused on bringing together mission-driven health systems and community partners from across the U.S.

At Boston Children's we have a strategic focus and vision for our Anchor Strategy. This is a framework for making business decisions through four key pillars: hiring and workforce development, purchasing, investment, and sustainability.

The 2025 convening was the largest one yet for the Healthcare Anchor Network and explored innovative strategies to advance health equity and foster inclusive local economies. The event kicked off with a powerful conversation exploring the historical and present-day dynamics of Massachusetts and Greater Boston. Local experts discussed how anchor institutions can boost the resilience of communities and contribute to meaningful, people-centered change.

Dr. Kevin B. Churchwell, Chief Executive Officer, participated in an inspiring fireside chat. He emphasized the hospital's longstanding partnership within the community and how our Anchor Strategy emphasizes our commitment to our community. Dr. Shari Nethersole, Vice President of Community Health and Engagement, moderated a panel that explored how anchor institutions and community partners can build trust, elevate community voice, and turn collaboration into long-term impact.

Tara Agrawal, Director of Community Investment, from the Office of Community Health, presented on Boston Children’s approach to place-based investment. She was joined by local partners from the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation and LISC Massachusetts, as they explored how place-based investments support healthier, more resilient communities. They highlighted real-world examples of how mission driven hospitals can leverage their financial resources to help preserve affordable housing and fuel local economic development.

Stacy Walker, Director of Community Health Programs and Partnerships, from the Office of Community Health, led an "immersive learning experience,” an in-depth walking tour, of the Jackson Square neighborhood in Jamaica Plain. More than 60 participants from hospitals and health systems across the country were able to see and discuss the investments that Boston Children's has made in the community in the areas of affordable housing and youth development, and then see firsthand the Family Food Connections, the hospital's food pantry open to hospital patients, residents, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Scroll on to see a few photos from the event.