The Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) Annual Convening 2025: Boston, our largest convening yet, kicked-off with a powerful conversation exploring the historical and present-day dynamics of Massachusetts and Greater Boston—a region with a high concentration of healthcare systems. Over 350 people joined us for an energizing experience filled with connection and learning about and beyond our host city of Boston.
Read all about the event in the HAN Convening Highlights or download the PDF!
At the HAN Convening, local esteemed experts discussed how anchor institutions can boost the resilience of communities and contribute to meaningful, people-centered change. The Power of Place-Based Collaboration panel was moderated by Dr. Thea James, Vice President of Mission and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Boston Medical Center, who shared “HAN convenings are like a revival, not a conference. We invest in communities and in people so that all can thrive.”
Participants told us they left the convening more excited and committed than ever to furthering the movement towards anchor strategies and health equity!
Save the date for the HAN Convening 2026 in Denver, October 14-16, 2026!
Much appreciation to our HAN Convening Presenting Sponsors!
Immersive Learning Experiences
At the HAN Convening 2025, the neighborhoods of Greater Boston replaced the convening conference rooms for a series of Immersive Learning Experiences that demonstrated the resilience of communities and showcased anchor strategies in action. Food access, food systems, and agriculture were prevalent in immersive learning experiences to City Fresh Foods, La Colaborativa, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative’s Greenhouse and Urban Farm, and Nubian Market.