The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center buzzed with energy on a chilly Friday afternoon in December. Patients flowed through the doors with the cold air trailing behind them, greeted by the warmth from overhead heaters. The waiting area was packed with folks bundled in winter coats and blankets. Many were browsing eyeglasses in the optometry section or forming lines at the pharmacy.
Amid this hustle and bustle, Mary Katherine “MK” Hartigan had reasons to celebrate. Just that day, she finished her last requirement for her degree in cell and molecular biology from Northeastern University. But there was more. Hartigan and her fellow navigators from the Link Health program managed to help at least eight patients secure public benefits at the health center.
“We see a lot of rejections normally,” Hartigan, a senior patient navigator, explained. “Today was one of the busiest days we’ve had.”
Link Health, part of the nonprofit organization A Healthier Democracy, aims to provide equal access to cash assistance programs that tackle food insecurity, housing issues, childcare costs, and more. Dr. Alister Martin, the organization’s founder, emphasizes the link between poverty and health issues.
“When patients arrive with problems like homelessness or hunger, they’re often dealing with poverty,” said Martin, an emergency department physician. He understands this connection well and wants to address the root issues, rather than just the symptoms.
In 2021, Martin transitioned from hands-on medicine to a White House fellowship. There, he worked on initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program, which subsidized internet access for low-income households. “I realized my patients needed more than medical help,” he said. “They needed resources.”
Fast forward four years, and Link Health is now collaborating with 13 health centers throughout Massachusetts, five of which are in Boston. Students from Northeastern University and other local colleges play crucial roles, volunteering as patient navigators.
These navigators help patients enroll in vital public assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, MassHealth, and energy assistance. “We act as the bridge between patients and the benefits they need,” explained Annamarie Rapa, a student in Northeastern’s Health Sciences program. “We manage the application process so patients don’t have to face confusing paperwork alone.”
Since its inception, Link Health has screened over 45,000 individuals for benefits, distributing nearly $5.5 million and assisting around 4,000 families, Martin reported.
“Northeastern has been instrumental in our growth,” Martin said. Volunteers from various health and public health programs get hands-on experience that enriches both their education and the community’s wellbeing.
Patsy Dias Henriquez, a patient at the clinic, expressed her gratitude for the help she received, particularly during a challenging time when she struggled to provide for her family.
This environment also serves as a training ground for students. Rapa, during her co-op, focused not only on patient navigation but also on analyzing data and crafting local publications to raise awareness about public benefits challenges.
Some applications can be straightforward, while others, like SNAP, often require follow-ups and documentation, making the navigators’ jobs both vital and complex. They are trained to handle this with professionalism and empathy.
As Hartigan approached a young, pregnant patient in the lobby, the woman’s initial hesitation faded when Hartigan introduced herself in Spanish. By the end of their conversation, the woman was excited about the benefits available to her.
Technology has played a key role in Link Health’s expansion. Martin collaborated with Northeastern to develop an AI assistant named “Leo” that streamlines the benefits enrollment process. This innovation is crucial for patients who might need help outside of regular office hours.
“Health care often lags in adopting technology, but there’s so much potential,” said Emir Durakovic, a computer science student who interned with Link Health. “We’re at a good turning point for innovation.”
Recent changes in policies, including the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, pose challenges to public assistance, impacting SNAP and Medicaid eligibility. “It’s a tough time,” Martin acknowledged. “But that’s why we’re here—to help cut through the red tape.”
Mimi Gardner, vice president at NeighborHealth, values the partnership with Link Health. She highlighted how important it is for students to witness and understand the realities of community health needs firsthand. “These students are the future of healthcare,” Gardner said.
This blend of education, community service, and innovation is shaping a healthier future in East Boston—and beyond.
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