When the Massachusetts Attorney General’s community benefit guidelines were issued in 1994, MGH launched an effort to build upon its decades long history in Chelsea, Revere, and Charlestown. Community Benefit Advisory Committees were formed in each community comprising local government, schools, police, citizens, health and human services providers. The charge to the committees was to identify a key community health concern to address collaboratively. Using available data and drawing upon the concerns expressed by communities, the groups identified substance abuse among youth in Revere and Charlestown, and violence in Chelsea as priority and urgent issues requiring a broad-based response. Today, the work has grown and addresses many additional issues. These community health assessments are updated regularly to assure community benefit work remains focused on the most pressing social and health concerns.