Non-profit pediatric private practice unveils new space

Boston Community Pediatrics (BCP), Boston's first and only non-profit, pediatric private practice, is doubling its footprint with three new exam rooms, a care navigation suite, and expanded community space on an additional floor at their 527 Albany Street location.

The high demand for care rooted in equity has validated the concept founded by Dr. Robyn Riseberg in 2020. As the organization approaches its third anniversary, they have served more than 1300 patients, held a number of community events and partnered with critical partners to improve access to healthcare and other services to improve the social determinants of health. A special event on October 12 will officially unveil the space.

"This new space will help deliver on our mission to increase access to high-quality health care for Boston's neediest families," said BCP Founder Robyn Riseberg. "In addition to seeing more patients, we'll be able to create better community connections and meet important needs such as navigating complex systems, housing issues and food insecurity which all ultimately affect a child's health and development."

BCP sees patients regardless of their insurance plan — and doesn't offer bifurcated levels of care based on the disparities of reimbursement by MassHealth and private insurance. Patients get what they need — and the philanthropic support for BCP fills the gap. A committed board has helped the non-profit raise more than $8.5 million over the past 3 years to support the mission. This model has been hailed as replicable and could address these same challenges in other cities throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

BCP Board Chair Lori Whelan noted, "In just three years, Dr. Riseberg's vision has transformed the healthcare experience for so many Boston families and we are committed to not only increasing Boston Community Pediatrics' reach, but sharing our successes and hope to inspire others to innovate in the same and similar ways."
In addition to well-visits, vaccinations and urgent care, BCP aims to address additional challenges that families face. At every visit, patients are given grocery bags and meals when available, a hygiene kit, diapers and wipes, menstrual products, and age-appropriate books in a dignified manner.

Throughout the year, the organization hosts events such as Thanksgiving Food Distribution, Holiday Shop and a Back-to-School Celebration where families can access needed items to make sure they can create a safe and happy home. Additionally, BCP is working with the practice-based care management (PBCM) program at MassHealth. Through BCP's success with this program, MassHealth has embarked upon a pilot with BCP to support some of their work with families who are homeless or housing insecure.