How can healthcare systems build an "anchor mission," an all-out approach to improve the health of communities through local hiring, local purchasing and place-based investment?

The subject of “anchor missions” and what various health care institutions and others involved in the pursuit of improving public health are doing was a major focus of discussion at the New England Healthcare Anchor Network meeting sponsored by UMass Memorial Health Care on May 7th.  Through panels and presentations, the group addressed issues such as Getting Started with Leadership Support, Data to Measure Returns, Investment Project Examples, and Working Together in the Future. Maggie Super Church, CLF Vice President for Market Innovation and Impact, gave a presentation on HNEF, with examples of HNEF investments and progress to date.

According to its website, the Healthcare Anchor Network is “a growing national collaboration of more than 40 leading healthcare systems building more inclusive and sustainable local economies.” Take a look at its excellent Blog, with timely and interesting articles that should be of interest to all those who are involved with building healthier communities.