Carney Hospital Crisis

A Glaring Example of Racism and Gentrification at Work

A medical fixture in Dorchester is shutting down. Carney Hospital, located in the Lower Mills section of Dorchester, will close on Saturday, August 31st.

The hospital has been a hub for area residents for generations. It is infamously nicknamed “Killer Carney.” for the high percentage of deaths the hospital accumulated from the 1970s through the 1990s. Despite its reputation, the hospital has been a vital part of health services for the area's predominantly Black and Brown residents.

One thousand two hundred employees of Carney Hospital are set to lose their positions. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff will hopefully find jobs at different hospitals in the city. Thankfully, Boston is known for its medical facilities, and many hospitals still need skilled doctors and nurses.

Carney’s closure is a glaring example of racism and gentrification. The City was able to save St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton by eminent domain. Yet, we were unable to do so for Carney. Why? St. Elizabth’s is located in a predominately white area — that’s why.

Residents who live near St. Elizabeth’s will still have access to its services. Brighton, a neighborhood that was gentrified in the early 2000s, has become one of the hottest areas to live in in recent years. It is also in the shadow of Harvard University, contributing to its revitalization.