Wu directing grants to these 3 Boston neighborhoods to target life expectancy gaps

Mayor Michelle Wu announced a $5 million grant initiative to address life expectancy disparities in Boston's Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan neighborhoods. The initiative funds four partnerships made up of 12 organizations focused on promoting economic security in areas facing significant health challenges. This effort is part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Live Long and Well agenda, which aims to close life expectancy gaps by 2035. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that Back Bay residents have a life expectancy of 92 years, while those in Roxbury face a starkly lower average of 69 years. Dr.

Bisola Ojikutu, Boston's public health commissioner, stated that longevity should not be influenced by race or zip code. Wu stressed the importance of investing in housing, food access, and economic mobility in light of recent federal Medicaid funding cuts. The initiative addresses early death causes such as cancer, drug overdoses, and cardiometabolic diseases. Future funding rounds are planned for 2028, supported by Atrius Health Equity Foundation’s $10 million commitment.