The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce invites healthcare leaders, service providers, public administrators, nonprofit partners, and community advocates to an important session of the Healthcare Roundtable.
 

In 2025, the Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) was awarded the Diversion to Care grant, a groundbreaking initiative designed to reduce criminal legal involvement for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders while strengthening infrastructure and coordination for addiction resources across Worcester.

The first year of the grant has focused heavily on community engagement, data collection, and capacity building. As part of this process, WDPH prioritized listening to individuals with lived experience, conducting surveys throughout the summer of 2025 and hosting a Community Data Analysis Night to review results alongside participants. This collaborative approach has ensured that the perspectives of those directly impacted remain at the center of the project’s evolving strategy.

At the December Healthcare Roundtable, featured speakers:

• Ilaria Fiorenza, MA – Diversion to Care Grant Manager, Worcester Division of Public Health

• Aimee Edmondo, MPH – Staff Epidemiologist, Worcester Division of Public Health

will present the grant methodology, highlight data findings to date, and discuss how these insights will shape the next phase of implementation. This session will offer attendees an opportunity to learn about an emerging public health model rooted in meaningful community partnership.

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce's Healthcare Roundtable is Presented by Saint Vincent Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and supporting sponsor Assumption University.