Governor Maura Healey convened a pivotal roundtable on May 9, 2024, focusing on the intersection of housing and health care in Massachusetts. The meeting brought together health care leaders who underscored a pressing issue: the inability to recruit and retain health care professionals due to housing affordability challenges.

Participants highlighted that many patients are unable to prioritize their health because they are grappling with housing instability. "We can't recruit and retain them because they can't afford it," one leader stated, emphasizing the urgent need for bold solutions to address these disparities. The discussion centered on innovative approaches to housing, reminiscent of historical figures like Jack Geiger, who advocated for health care as a social determinant.

A key proposal involved co-locating housing with health care facilities and educational institutions, aiming to create supportive environments for both patients and health care workers. Leaders stressed the importance of engaging local communities and leveraging the influence of large employers to foster a culture of advocacy for housing solutions.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of housing on health care delivery. With 19,000 open positions in Massachusetts hospitals, the workforce crisis is closely tied to housing issues. "If we can't get people to live here or work here, we can't serve the needs of our patients," one participant warned.

The roundtable concluded with a call to action for health care leaders to think creatively about integrating housing solutions into their operational strategies. By addressing housing instability, the administration aims to improve health outcomes and create a healthier community overall. The meeting marked a significant step toward collaborative efforts to tackle these intertwined challenges, with leaders expressing optimism for future initiatives.