Dimock Community Health Center Inc.

The Dimock Community Health Center Inc., often referred to as The Dimock Center, is a historic and renowned nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts, particularly serving the Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods. Founded on July 1, 1862, as the New England Hospital for Women and Children, it marked a significant milestone as the first hospital in New England and the second in the United States operated by women for women[1][2].

History and Mission

Initially established by Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, a pioneering figure in women's medicine, The Dimock Center continues to uphold its mission to provide comprehensive, affordable health care and human services to underserved communities. This commitment includes addressing the holistic needs of individuals and families, focusing on physical, developmental, social, and behavioral health[1][4].

Services

The Dimock Center offers a wide range of programs and services:

• Health Services: Provides primary and specialty care, including pediatrics, OB/GYN, dental, eye care, and HIV/AIDS care. Their health center integrates primary care with behavioral health services to offer comprehensive care[4][5].
• Behavioral Health Services: Includes both inpatient and outpatient programs, focusing on substance use disorders and mental health support for all ages[4].
• Child and Family Services: Offers educational and support services for families with children from birth through age five, including Early Head Start and Head Start programs[3][4].
• Inpatient Substance Abuse Detoxification and Rehabilitation: The center is a leading provider of acute treatment services, operating a medically monitored detoxification unit. It is one of only two such facilities in Greater Boston[3].

Recognition and Legacy

The Dimock Community Health Center Complex is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1991[2]. The Zakrzewska Building, part of the complex, was built in the Stick style of architecture in 1872 and is a testament to the center's historical significance[2].

Impact

The Dimock Center serves over 19,000 people annually, providing essential services to a diverse community that includes a large number of impoverished, homeless, and medically underserved individuals[1][3]. Its programs are designed to meet the needs of the community by addressing a broad spectrum of health and social challenges.

Leadership and Development

Under the leadership of President and CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan, M.D. & MBA, the organization continues to evolve and expand its services to meet the growing needs of its community[3]. Recent initiatives include the "Building the Road to Recovery Campaign," aimed at renovating and expanding inpatient treatment facilities to increase capacity for substance abuse recovery programs[3].

[1] https://dimock.org/about/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimock_Community_Health_Center_Complex [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/04-3487835 [4] https://dimock.org/services/ [5] https://www.bidmc.org/locations/the-dimock-center