OUR STORY
History
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) established the Community Health Network Area initiative in 1992 to build healthier communities throughout the state. The original initiative involved all 351 towns and cities represented by 27 CHNAs. Since then, some CHNAs have become inactive while others have morphed into different areas.
With the support of our fiscal partner, the Cape Cod Foundation, The Cape & Islands CHNA (CHNA 27) represents the counties of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket.
Today, CHNA 27 partners with over 45 health and human service agencies throughout the area.
Mission and Purpose
CHNA 27 is committed to improving the quality of life and health on Cape Cod and Islands through education, discussion, and community networking with special attention to the social determinants of health.
Our region is an incubator for philanthropic culture with over 1000 non-profit organizations working to meet many needs in the community - from academic assistance, clothing needs, to feeding and empowering those less fortunate.
CHNA 27 brings these agencies together to learn from each other and explore solutions to our region's challenges.
The purpose of the Community Health Network of Cape Cod and the Islands is:
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To learn about agencies and services and other members of the continuum of care
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To support and collaborate with members around issues and problems
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To make recommendations to County, State, and Federal governments on policy and legislation
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To acquire new information and skills