The Salem Pantry and Mass General Brigham announced they will be continuing their partnership to bring their “Community Care Van” weekly free health service to the Pantry’s The Market location at 47 Leavitt St. in Salem.
In an effort to increase access to essential health care services for residents of Salem and neighboring communities, the van serves as a sort of mobile doctor’s office to provide individuals with medical services like blood pressure screenings, diabetes screenings and care, health education, and care kits. No appointment is needed, and the hospital staffers will not ask about immigration status.
“Our work with Mass General Brigham is an important part of our commitment to creating an overall healthier community,” said Director of Programs and Partnerships Mike Lilley. “It allows us to address both the immediate need for food and the long-term health needs of our neighbors.”
“Community Care vans extend the front door of our hospital into the neighborhoods we serve, providing place-based care. Our efforts aim not only to deliver clinical care but also to address social risks, such as food insecurity, which significantly impact health. Community partnerships like these at food pantries are essential to the care we strive to deliver,” said Priya Sarin Gupta, MD MPH, medical director, Clinical Community Programs at Mass General Brigham.
The Salem Pantry, Mass General Brigham, and the Salem Hospital also offer a weekly mobile food pantry at the North Shore Physicians Group Salem location. Mass General Brigham, which has remained a key financial supporter of the Salem Pantry since 2022, has also helped to develop the pantry’s Food is Medicine program and nutritional services to combat food insecurity locally.
The Market currently hosts an average of 1,350 weekly visits from residents of Salem and surrounding areas, including Lynn, Peabody, and Beverly. The addition of the Community Care Van at this location is hoped to further support the health and well-being of these communities.
For more information about The Salem Pantry’s services and walk-in clinic hours, visit thesalempantry.org.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202