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CHA was created in 1996 by the Massachusetts Legislature as an independent public authority and public safety‑net hospital system. This brought together Cambridge Hospital and Somerville Hospital to meet the healthcare needs of people across Boston's metro‑north region and to fulfill a shared community health mission.
In 2001, CHA expanded its service area with the acquisition of Whidden Memorial Hospital (now CHA Everett Hospital), along with associated services in Malden and Revere. This growth strengthened CHA’s ability to serve even more individuals and families who rely on access to high‑quality, affordable care.
CHA was founded to ensure that everyone living in the Boston metro-north communities has access to healthcare. Our role has always been to serve the community, not to generate profit.
Because of our history and mission as a public hospital, we place special emphasis on helping the underserved. This includes people with financial, social, economic, or language barriers to care:
Inclusion and access are foundational to who we are and how we serve. That's why our vision is equity and excellence for everyone, every time.
As a public health system, CHA is deeply accountable to our patients, our communities, and our partners. Transparency and responsible stewardship of public resources guide how we operate and how we measure success.
We are committed to using our resources wisely and in ways that best support patient care, community health, and long‑term sustainability.
CHA is a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School and the Tufts University School of Medicine that is helping the next generation of providers become expert clinicians and compassionate caregivers.As the founding site of the Harvard Integrated Clerkship, CHA faculty created a revolutionary new model for education that is now being used in medical schools worldwide.As a research hub, CHA is working to advance the knowledge of health conditions, treatments, disparities, and the delivery of care. These insights are leading to more effective healthcare, in Massachusetts and across the nation.
CHA cares for people of all ages during one million visits a year, treating them when they are sick and providing support to keep them well.> Primary care and behavioral health care at 15 locations> Convenient surgical and specialty care from some of Boston's Top Doctors> 24-hour emergency care at community hospitals in Cambridge and Everett, MA> Award-winning pregnancy care from one of America's Top Maternity Hospitals> Wellness and prevention services, such as community vaccine clinics, cancer screenings, and education
CHA has invested to meet the increasing Behavioral Health needs of its communities.> A major expansion (74%) of psychiatry beds, including a new child/adolescent campus in Somerville. This made CHA the largest provider of inpatient psychiatry care for youth in Massachusetts.> A Community Behavioral Health Center in Cambridge and Malden to expand access to routine and urgent care, with walk-in visits and 24-hour crisis services.> New addiction programs, like a Bridge Clinic with walk-in services. This lets people access care where and when they are ready to accept treatment.
CHA works with and within its communities to build a strong foundation for people to live, learn, and grow.> Teen Health Centers in four local high schools> A WIC nutrition program for young families> A mobile market to reduce food insecurity> A Healthcare for the Homeless program working in shelters and on the streetsMuch of this work is done by its regional Department of Community Health and municipal Cambridge Public Health Department (operated on behalf of the City of Cambridge for 30 years).
CHA continues to invest in specialty and diagnostic services in the Boston metro-north region. This gives patients access to expert care closer to home, keeps care in lower-cost settings, and reduces pressure on downtown Boston hospitals.
Opened a new multispecialty care center in Medford in 2025 (CHA One Cabot)
Increased primary care access by streamlining operations, improving phone systems, and launching online scheduling. This has led to significant patient growth (15%) and improvements in patient satisfaction.
Invested in surgery to provide expert care, with fewer wait times - leading to a 30% increase in surgical volume year over year. With new specialists, new technologies, and high reliability methods, CHA earned Surgical Quality Partner status from the American College of Surgeons, a testament to our high quality care.
Built a world-class bone & joint team. With some of Boston's Top Doctors, a regional center for foot/ankle surgery, and robotic technology for joint replacements, CHA is becoming a destination for expert orthopaedic care.
Launched a Comprehensive Weight Management Program to address obesity, a leading cause of illness/premature death. As other health systems have closed programs due to declining profits, CHA is filling the gaps with a new Bariatric Surgery program led by a leading weight loss surgeon, pharmacology support for patients on GLP-1 drugs, and a Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP) to help patients navigate options and stay on track.
Invested in radiology, including new MRI equipment to accommodate larger people and reduce exam times. Radiology has now achieved accreditation in eight testing modalities.
Invested in its midwife-led CHA Birth Center, reopening for deliveries in July 2026. As one of America's Best Maternity Hospitals, CHA is responsive to community and patient feedback and is working to reduce maternal health disparities.
Enhanced its nationally-accredited cancer and breast health services. Its new Breast Center director previously served as Director of Oncoplastic Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Achieved Age-Friendly health system recognition for both Cambridge and Everett Hospitals to better serve older adults, the fastest growing age group in our communities. It is also expanding its PACE program to help low income older adults with serious health issues live safely in their own communities rather than in nursing homes. (CHA now has more than 700 PACE participants.)