Community Support Line 1-800-882-1435

The Division for Perinatal, Early Childhood, and Special Health Needs' toll-free statewide* Community Support Line offers information in English and Spanish, technical assistance and resources for families with children with special health needs and providers serving these families. Experienced Community Resource Specialists are available to assist families Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.. Resource Specialists answer questions, provide training to families and providers, and provide information and assistance about, a broad range of programs including:

  • Public benefits information and eligibility (SSI, CommonHealth, MassHealth, etc.)

  • Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

  • Hearing Aid Program for Infants and Children

  • MASSTART program

  • Care Coordination services

  • Family-to-family supports (Family TIES, etc.)

  • Other programs within the Department of Public Health, or other agencies (MassHealth, DDS, DMH, MCB, MRC etc.)

Families and providers are welcome to call the Community Support Line for assistance. The Resource Specialists' goal is to help answer specific questions and requests, as well as to ensure that families are informed about all the public programs they may be eligible for, and community resources that might provide additional assistance. Resource Specialists are available for follow-up assistance with families, and often have multiple contacts with a family. If a child's and family's needs are found to be appropriate for DPH Care Coordination, the Resource Specialist will refer to that program.

For more information about the Community Support Line, contact Sandra Broughton, Director of Community Support at 617-994-9819.

*Note: the 800 line is toll-free only within the state of Massachusetts.

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Contact Information

Sandra Broughton, Director, Community Support
Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
250 Washington Street, 5 th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: 617-994-9819
Fax: 617-624-5990
TTY: 617-624-5992
Email: sandra.broughton@state.ma.us

This information is provided by the Division for Perinatal, Early Childhood, and Special Health Needs within the Department of Public Health.