Island Health Care, with Haley Dolan as the Vision Fellow, and Island Grown Initiative, with Merrick Carreiro as the Vision Fellow

Island Health Care (IHC), with Haley Dolan as the Vision Fellow, and Island Grown Initiative (IGI), with Merrick Carreiro as the Vision Fellow, are implementing the Island Nourish Network project through a 2025 Vision Fellowship award. This project builds on successful prior ‘Food is Medicine’ initiatives led by IHC and IGI. Studies have shown that produce prescription programs increase access to fresh, nutritious foods, leading to better dietary quality and reductions in chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. During the three year award, the goal of the Island Nourish Network project is to ensure Islanders in need of food and nutrition support are referred to the appropriate resources and are empowered with tailored tools, education and support. The overarching aim is to reduce food/nutrition insecurity, prevent and improve the control of diet-related chronic conditions, and ultimately enhance the community’s health and resilience. As part of this project, IHC, in collaboration with Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, has completed a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment, whose findings are directly shaping the project. Together, IHC and IGI will reimagine the screening process for participation, create tailored intervention plans, and improve coordination among Island organizations to create greater impact.

Haley Dolan

Merrick Carreiro