Dukes County faces persistent barriers to care. The county is federally designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary care and recognized as a Medically Underserved Population. Both Island Health Care and the Wampanoag Health Service have shortage designations for primary care, dental care, and mental health—reaffirmed in September 2025. These designations underscore an urgent need: more providers, expanded infrastructure, and strategic interventions to ensure every resident can access the care they need.

This assessment examines health indicators, service gaps, provider shortages, and community priorities across Martha’s Vineyard. It represents the Island’s first collaborative community health assessment, completed jointly by Island Health Care and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Both organizations share a belief that as health care leaders, we have a responsibility not only to provide quality clinical services, but to address the social and economic factors—housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, seasonal employment—that shape health outcomes.

The findings come from three sources: secondary data from federal, state, and local agencies; 10 focus groups and 5 interviews with 103 community leaders and residents representing vulnerable populations; and a community survey conducted between April and July 2025 that gathered responses from 1,021 Island residents. The survey was available in English and Portuguese and promoted across the Island to ensure broad participation, especially from those most affected by health disparities.

This report translates what we heard into action—informing solutions that promote equitable access and improved health outcomes for all residents of Dukes County.