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BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- A program employed by a Boston hospital aims to join doctors and lawyers to improve people's health.

Boston Medical Center's family advocacy program enlists attorneys for families who lack the resources to obtain health insurance coverage.

"We have kids who aren't getting the health care they need because they aren't getting health insurance," said Dr. Barry Zuckerman of Boston Medical Center. "We have a lot of malnourished children here ... who live in environments that aren't safe at home."

VIDEO CNN's Bill Delaney has more on a unique partnership between doctors and lawyers (September 5) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

The program has helped families win coverage for medical treatment, win disability payments, tackle child custody issues and even improve their housing.

"They [patients] were getting prescriptions for ear infections when they were going home to a house that had no heat," said Ellen Lawton, project director for Boston Medical's family advocacy program.

The Boston hospital's program has spawned similar plans at other hospitals.

Watch CNN Boston Bureau Chief Bill Delaney's report.