In 1968, several committed community residents joined forces to assess the health care needs of their neighbors in Allston/Brighton. The group, under the dynamic leadership of Allston resident Joseph M. Smith, took to the streets and talked with residents about their health care needs and their difficulties finding appropriate care. The results of the many conversations was the discovery that Allston/Brighton residents had no access to comprehensive health care services. The community lacked affordable providers and services for its residents; a very basic need in the community was unmet.
Armed with conclusive evidence, the group began planning a center which would provide residents with a facility for all of their health care needs. JMSCHC would provide the community with superior medical and dental services. The goal was to meet the needs of infants to elderly and everyone in between with an impressive array of services. The group's vision was realized in 1974 when the JMSCHC opened its doors to serve the community with compassionate, comprehensive services. In a similar response to a serious community need, in 2004 the Center opened a site in Waltham to fill the vacuum left by the closing of Waltham Hospital .
Since the Center opened in 1974, it has remained true to its mission but has changed to reflect the needs of its users and of residents of Allston/Brighton, Waltham and surrounding communities. The spirit and enthusiasm upon which the 'neighborhood' center was founded is evident in the Center's approach to its delivery of health care services to each individual who walks through its doors. The Center is committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to lead a full, healthy and productive life.
Our Mission
We provide the highest quality, comprehensive, culturally-competent and affordable primary health care services and selected specialties to families and individuals in Allston, Brighton, Waltham and surrounding communities. We provide this health care to children and adults, the insured and uninsured, the employed and unemployed, and to all who dwell within our communities; including long- and short-term residents and recently arrived immigrants.
We are committed to:
- Providing continuity of care no matter what happens in the lives of our patients.
- Eliminating health care disparities for our patients.
- Enhancing the health literacy of our patients and our communities.
- Encouraging and supporting our patients in their efforts to take charge of their own health.
- Advocating for our patients to gain access to appropriate specialty and hospital services.
- Collaborating with other organizations to link our patients to a broad array of community services.
- Being the provider of choice for all who value quality, continuity and diversity.