MassVentures Announces $4.5 Million in Grant Funding to Help 26 Massachusetts Startups Grow and Create Jobs

MassVentures Announces $4.5 Million in Grant Funding to Help 26 Massachusetts Startups Grow and Create Jobs   START grants help companies turn cutting-edge research into new products, businesses and jobs in Massachusetts

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassVentures today announced $4.5 million in grants to 26 Massachusetts startups developing cutting-edge technologies in life sciences, robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, clean energy and other growing industries.  The funding is being awarded through MassVentures’ SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program, which helps Massachusetts companies turn federally funded research into new products and businesses. START grants provide companies with funding to grow their businesses, bring new technologies to market and create jobs in Massachusetts.     “Some of the most exciting new technologies in the world are being developed right here in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We want the entrepreneurs behind those ideas to start their businesses, create jobs and grow right here too. These grants will help 26 innovative companies take the next step and continue building their future in Massachusetts.”  “Massachusetts has incredible researchers and entrepreneurs with ideas that can change industries and improve people’s lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “START gives early-stage companies the support they need to turn those ideas into real products, attract investment and create jobs in communities across our state.”  "Massachusetts has long been a place where groundbreaking ideas become world-changing companies," said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "These START grants help companies move breakthrough research from the lab into the marketplace, creating jobs, attracting investment and helping the next generation of deep tech businesses start and scale here in Massachusetts." “The record number of applications we received this year tells us that demand for this kind of support has never been higher,” said MassVentures President and CEO Charlie Hipwood. “The companies we are announcing today represent some of the most exciting science and engineering coming out of Massachusetts — and with state support behind them, they are positioned to turn that research into jobs, capital, and lasting economic impact for the Commonwealth.”  Since launching START in 2012, MassVentures has awarded $46.2 million to 157 companies that have employed more than 3,400 and raised more than $5 billion in private capital. The businesses, 65 percent of which are outside Boston and Cambridge, cover more than 40 locations throughout the state.    START provides grants of $100,000 to $500,000 to help early-stage companies turn federally funded research into growing businesses. The funding supports critical needs not covered by federal research grants, including marketing, business development and intellectual property strategy, helping companies bring new technologies to market and grow in Massachusetts. START supports companies across industries including biotech, robotics, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and clean technology.   The recipients of this year’s Stage III Awards ($500,000) are:     Bloomer Tech (Boston) is making cardiovascular disease visible in women at its earliest, most treatable stages. Its clinically validated Bloomer TAG™ (a medical-grade wearable bra) and digital biomarker platform addresses one of the largest and most costly blind spots in cardiovascular care.  Emvolon (Woburn) is commercializing a platform technology that converts greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals today.   PhagePro, P.B.C. (Mansfield) is an early-stage biotech startup reimagining bacterial outbreak prevention with rapid-response, oral bacteriophage-based prophylactics.  The recipients of this year’s Stage II Awards ($200,000) are:    AutonomUS Medical Technologies (Cambridge) is developing “The Pocket Interventionalist™,” a handheld device that combines artificial intelligence, ultrasound, and robotics to perform critical medical procedures quickly, safely, and reliably across civilian, military, and point-of-care environments.   Enigma Aerospace (Burlington) is redefining logistics with ultra long-range, autonomous cargo aircraft designed for dual-use applications.    Highland Instruments (Cambridge) is innovating ESStim™, a novel noninvasive brain stimulation platform to help patients address Parkinson's Disease.   Nanopath (Cambridge) is a diagnostics company pioneering the use of plasmonic biosensing to enable point-of-care molecular diagnostics for women's health applications.   Optigon (Somerville) is developing high-speed research instruments and manufacturing inspection tools to accelerate the deployment of solar photovoltaics and other advanced material technologies.   Qunett (Boston) is building the foundational hardware stack for scalable, platform-agnostic quantum networks, paving the way for global quantum connectivity.   Sangtera (Lowell) is developing a breakthrough electrostatic actuation system, delivering high performance in an ultra-compact form factor, for applications from robotics to semiconductor advanced packaging.   The recipients of this year’s Stage I Awards ($100,000) are:   AiRANACULUS (Lowell) is building the future of adaptive, high-performance communications for the world’s most demanding environments with intelligent RF, passive sensing and networking technology that senses, adapts, and reconfigures in real time.  BioDevek (Cambridge) is building the next generation of minimally invasive bleeding control with a sprayable liquid bandage that instantly seals and protects tissue during endoscopy.  CranioSense (Bedford) is building the first noninvasive platform to measure intracranial pressure, delivering a fast, accurate, and low-cost alternative to today’s invasive, high-risk methods.  EvoDenovo (Andover) is developing a breakthrough, rapid-acting biologic to transform the standard of care for severe and treatment-resistant depression.  GelSight (Waltham) is commercializing high-resolution tactile sensing technology for robotics and manufacturing.   InnoTech Precision Medicine (Natick/Cambridge) has developed a pioneering liquid biopsy platform that integrates cancer-risk and host-response biomarkers with AI decision support.  Koi Biotherapeutics (Boston) a spinout of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is developing a protein-based technology designed to improve the activity, persistence, and durability of engineered cell therapies such as CAR-T.  Limax Biosciences (Boston) has developed a hydrogel-based tissue adhesive platform that delivers rapid, durable bonding to wet tissue surfaces, up to 100–1000× stronger than competing products, to transform biosurgery and integrated drug delivery.  Matrisome Bio (Cambridge) By unlocking the tumor matrix as a powerful therapeutic platform, Matrisome Bio is tackling the largest unmet need in oncology: metastatic solid tumors that often evade traditional cell-targeted therapies.  Myrias Optics, Inc. (Amherst) focuses on metaoptics, diffractive optics, and AR waveguides, delivering wafer-level optical solutions that integrate advanced nanostructures with cost-efficient, high-throughput manufacturing.  Optical Waters (Amherst) is developing patent-pending ultraviolet optical fiber solutions that emit germicidal UV light along their entire length to disinfect small channels, complex geometries, and narrow-diameter tubing where traditional disinfection methods cannot reach.  RISE Robotics (Somerville) is electrifying heavy machinery by replacing traditional hydraulics with high-efficiency, fluid-free actuation systems.  rStream (Somerville) deploys AI-driven waste sorting systems to help the largest events in the world recycle effectively.  SpaceRake (Watertown) is building software-defined laser mesh networks for drones, ground vehicles, and satellites to deliver secure and interference-free connectivity for military and industrial platforms.   Valis Insights (Worcester) is building AI-powered solutions that make recycling more profitable, material supply chains more sustainable, and close the loop on a circular economy for metal production.  Venova Technologies (Cambridge) is developing a novel female contraceptive device designed to be highly effective, long-acting, and side-effect-free.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces First Statewide Heat Resilience Officer

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces First Statewide Heat Resilience Officer

New statewide role will strengthen efforts to protect residents, support communities, and prepare Massachusetts from extreme heat

WORCESTER — As Massachusetts experiences hotter summers and more frequent, long-lasting heat waves, Governor Maura Healey today announced the appointment of Katie Schlick as Massachusetts’ first statewide Heat Resilience Officer. 

Massachusetts is the second state in the nation to establish a statewide position dedicated to extreme heat. Schlick will lead coordination across state government and work with communities to prepare for rising temperatures, protect public health and reduce the impacts of extreme heat.

The announcement was made at Clark University, home to the Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO) Program. For more than two decades, HERO researchers have studied how communities experience environmental change and how local planning can reduce climate risks. 

“Extreme heat is becoming more common, more intense and more dangerous in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We need to be ready for what that means for our families and communities. This new role will lead our work to prepare for extreme heat and make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep Massachusetts and our residents safe.” 

“Cities and towns are already seeing the impacts of hotter summers, and we want to make sure they have the support they need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This new role will help communities plan ahead, reduce the risks of extreme heat and put solutions in place that make a real difference for residents.”

“Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the U.S., killing more Americans than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other weather hazards combined,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the U.S., and an estimated 20,000 people died in the European heat wave in June. Extreme heat and droughts have caused global crop losses this year and threaten water supplies, as well as infrastructure, like railways and runways, that was not built to withstand these temperatures. Ecosystems like forests, that can help us mitigate the effects of extreme heat are stressed. This is what climate change looks like. As we fight to zero out the dangerous fossil fuel pollution causing climate change, we must simultaneously make the changes that will keep our residents safer. Our whole-of-government approach is working, and we are thrilled to welcome Katie to the team to lead this critically important work.”

“This summer was another reminder that climate change is making extreme heat more common across Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We need to adapt just as quickly. The new Heat Resilience Officer will help us build on the important work already underway across the state. Katie will be looking out for workers, seniors, students, and neighborhoods with extreme temperatures.”

"Extreme heat is a predictable public health threat, and that recognition gives us an opportunity to prepare and act before people get sick," said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "As the inaugural Massachusetts Heat Resilience Officer, Katie Schlick will help us turn what we know into what we do, bringing public health data, climate science, and the experience of communities together into a clear, coordinated statewide approach that will help protect people from the dangers of extreme heat."

 

Schlick will report jointly to Climate Chief Hoffer and Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. She will also work closely with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and all state agencies to improve preparedness for extreme heat events and support communities across Massachusetts. The position is funded through generous support from The Boston Foundation. 

Schlick brings extensive experience advancing climate resilience at the federal, state, and regional levels. Most recently, she worked on federal and external affairs and led the resilience portfolio at the U.S. Climate Alliance, supporting states in developing and implementing resilience and extreme heat strategies. Previously, she served as Special Assistant to the White House National Climate Advisor, where she helped advance national climate policy and coordinate major initiatives, including the first White House Summits on Extreme Heat and Building Climate Resilient Communities. Earlier in her career, she worked as an environmental planner in Connecticut. She is a graduate of Yale University and has dedicated her career to developing climate solutions that protect public health and strengthen communities.

“Amidst another record-breaking year of heat and smoke, Massachusetts is taking bold, coordinated action to protect and uplift our communities,” said Heat Resilience Officer Katie Schlick. “I am grateful to Governor Healey and the Boston Foundation for establishing our Commonwealth’s first Heat Resilience Officer position and kickstarting a government-wide, community-centered partnership to tackle extreme heat—everywhere from schools and summer camps to health centers, workplaces, and our electric grid. I am thrilled to join the Massachusetts team to work alongside state and local leaders to broaden our understanding of the heat challenge and equip ourselves with diverse solutions that will leave the Commonwealth more prepared and more resilient."

Since taking office, Governor Healey has made climate resilience a priority, investing in communities and strengthening the state’s ability to prepare for the impacts of climate change. She has expanded support for local climate resilience through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program and filed the Mass Ready Act to strengthen infrastructure and help communities prepare for flooding, extreme heat and other climate risks. This year, Governor Healey also launched the Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop), making it easier for communities to access state funding for climate resilience and environmental projects.

Governor Healey has also established the Office of Climate Resilience and Innovation and designated Climate Officers across state secretariats to strengthen climate planning and coordination across state government. The new Heat Resilience Officer will build on this work by bringing dedicated expertise and coordination to Massachusetts’ efforts to prepare for extreme heat.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $45 Million to Protect Massachusetts Communities from Flooding, Extreme Heat and Climate Impacts

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $45 Million to Protect Massachusetts Communities from Flooding, Extreme Heat and Climate Impacts 

New “ECO One Stop” combines major state environmental grant applications to make it easier for communities to move resilience projects forward 

SALEM – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $45 million in grants to support 97 projects that will help communities across Massachusetts better withstand flooding, extreme heat, coastal erosion, and other climate impacts. The funding, awarded through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA’s) new Environment & Climate (ECO) One Stop program, will help strengthen infrastructure, restore and enhance natural resources, and improve public safety while making it easier to access state funding for climate resilience projects. 

The administration announced the first round of ECO One Stop grant awards at Winter Island Park in Salem, where funding will support coastal bank restoration that protects the shoreline from storm damage and erosion. The project will improve public safety and pedestrian access, restore native vegetation, and preserve archaeological and historic resources dating back 6,000 years.

“Massachusetts needs infrastructure that can withstand flooding, extreme heat and severe storms,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This $45 million investment will help communities protect residents, strengthen roads, dams, coastlines and other critical infrastructure and lower costs. ECO One Stop is making it faster and easier for communities to access the funding they need to get these important projects moving.” 

“Every community has projects that can make neighborhoods safer, healthier, and more resilient to climate change, and local leaders know where those investments are needed most,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “ECO One Stop gives municipalities, Tribes, nonprofits, and regional partners a simpler way to access state funding so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering projects that benefit Communities.”

The inaugural ECO One Stop pilot round includes seven state grant programs supporting projects that reduce climate risks and strengthen communities, including Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action, Dam & Seawall Repair or Removal, Coastal Resilience, Coastal Habitat and Water Quality, Cooling Corridors, Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance, Culvert Replacement Training Site, and Planning Assistance. A total of 97 projects received awards, including 71 municipal projects, 14 regional planning agencies, seven nonprofit organizations, two Tribes, and three other public entities. 

Funded projects span every region of Massachusetts and address some of the state’s most pressing climate challenges. Projects include: 

South Hadley: Removing outdated dam control structures and restoring wetlands to reduce flood risk 
Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians: Designing a Community Climate Resilience Hub  
Plymouth: Adding green infrastructure and tree plantings downtown to reduce flooding and extreme heat
Westborough: Designing replacements of three undersized culverts to improve stormwater management 
Devens: Planting trees near critical community facilities to provide relief from extreme heat
Haverhill: Developing a sustainable water supply plan to support future housing and economic growth 
Revere: Launching a residential flood resilience retrofit program 
Boston: Restoring wetlands and streams at the Boston Nature Center 
Martha’s Vineyard: Creating a comprehensive salt marsh restoration strategy across the island
To see the full list of projects and communities funded, visit the ECO One Stop grants page.

“We’ve seen firsthand this summer how heavy, sudden rainfall can overwhelm aging dams and culverts, how extreme heat can harm vulnerable populations, and how storms can drive bacteria to our beaches and strain our wastewater systems,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The ECO One Stop program combines the power of many of the state’s major environmental grant programs in one place, so municipalities can act quickly and think creatively about how to invest in their communities. Through this investment, we’re making sure that water has a safe place to go during downpours, that communities can cool down when temperatures rise, and that our most treasured natural resources are preserved for generations to come.”

As part of this pilot round, EEA sought extensive feedback from applicants about their experience using the new system. EEA will be working to incorporate improvements into the next 2027 grant round. 

Climate readiness is also a core piece of Governor Healey’s proposed Mass Ready Act, which includes $642 million to prepare for inland and coastal flooding and $388 million to invest in climate preparedness. The administration is also working to ensure communities have the resources to strengthen critical water infrastructure. The Governor recently called on the Trump administration to fully fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving funds, which help communities finance drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Massachusetts. 

ECO One Stop is a key initiative under ResilientMass, the statewide climate adaptation plan to reduce risk and strengthen communities in the face of climate change impacts.  The program is modeled on the success of Community One Stop for Growth, a similar combined grant program that focuses on economic development and housing.

波士頓市長吳弭任命蔡欣蓓接任創新與科技資訊長

蔡欣蓓。（波士頓市府檔案照片）

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（ 13） 日宣佈，任命蔡欣蓓（Shin-pei Tsay）接替離職的加西亞斯（Santi Garces），出任創新與科技局（DoIT）資訊長（CIO），以強化全市數位基礎設施與公共服務。

    蔡欣佩原任波士頓市研究與數據長，曾領導市長城市力學辦公室（Mayor’s Office of Urban Mechanics），並推動首個全市數據戰略。她擁有倫敦政經學院（LSE）碩士學位，歷任 Uber 全球城市與永續政策主管、Gehl 研究院執行董事及 TransitCenter 副執行董事，在跨領域科技與交通創新領域經驗豐富。

    創新與科技局近年推動多項革新，包括簡化線上房產查詢與納稅流程、頒布首個全市生成式 AI 政策、與 Google 合作推動 Project Green Light 第二期，並升級 Wicked Free Wi-Fi 服務，造訪學校、圖書館等公用設施，惠及逾 13 萬名居民。

    前資訊長加西亞斯在位四年後離職，轉赴哈佛大學任教並研究政府未來與 AI 應用。吳弭市長指出，蔡欣蓓將在既有良好基礎上，繼續打造以市民為中心的科技服務。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES SHIN-PEI TSAY AS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER FOR CITY OF BOSTON

BOSTON - Thursday, August 13, 2026 -  Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Shin-pei Tsay as Chief Information Officer for the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), a key senior role focused on strengthening City’s digital infrastructure and service delivery across neighborhoods. Santi Garces, who served as CIO for the past four years, has joined Harvard University to work on research and teaching related to the future of government, artificial intelligence, and innovation.  

“Our team is driven by innovative leaders who bring creative solutions to improving City services and better serve our community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Shin‑pei Tsay will lead the Department of Innovation and Technology’s work to strengthen the digital tools and infrastructure that residents rely on, building on the strong foundation laid by Santi Garces. I’m excited to welcome her to the role to continue advancing the technologies that help the City better serve residents. ”

“As we continue modernizing City services, these appointments ensure we have trusted, experienced leadership in place,” said Clare Kelly, City of Boston Chief of Staff. “Shin-pei will help us build on the City’s strong foundation and we look forward to her leadership of this critical cabinet that ensures our city workforce, residents, businesses, and families are connected to high quality services and resources.”

DoIT plays a critical role in enabling the effective delivery of public services, programs and products for residents, families, businesses, and visitors. Over the past years, DoIT has implemented a wave of advancements that are reshaping how people access services, data, and technology infrastructure to do everything they need to do. Building on City efforts to improve service delivery, DoIT has overhauled the City’s digital infrastructure and websites, including assessing information online, making it easier for residents to look up property information online and pay taxes. Additionally, DoIT recently adopted the first citywide generative artificial intelligence policy and released a second phase of Project Green Light in partnership with Google. DoIT has also improved Wicked Free Wi-Fi to deliver high quality internet for the public in schools, libraries, police stations, fire stations and other municipal buildings, serving over 130,000 residents. 

“I’m deeply honored to continue serving the City of Boston and support the vision of Mayor Wu at this critical time when nearly everything is technology enabled,” said Shin-pei Tsay, Chief Information Officer. “Great technology infrastructure can immensely improve and scale public service so that it centers people. The everyday experiences people have from taking their kids to school, looking up property information, or reporting issues on the street is the work of local government, and I’m excited to continue building on all the resident-centered innovation Boston has done so that we can meet future challenges and expand access so that everyone can thrive.” 

Shin-pei Tsay currently serves as the City’s Chief Research and Data Officer, where she launched the first city-wide data strategy, and formerly led the Mayor’s Office of Urban Mechanics. Tsay has devoted her career to making cities work better for people at the intersection of public space, transportation, climate, and civic technology. Her past leadership roles include head of global cities and sustainability policy at Uber where she drove the policy initiative behind the company’s global sustainability commitment; founding executive director at the Gehl Institute where she launched the Public Life Data Protocol with San Francisco, Seattle, and Copenhagen; deputy executive director of Transit Center where she established pillars of public transportation reform including transit board capacity building, emerging technologies, and bus network redesign; director of cities and transportation program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace where she researched demand-side policies that supported stronger connections between federal transportation and climate policy arenas; and deputy director at Transportation Alternatives where she was a leader in an all-sector movement to accelerate urban transportation innovations from safe pedestrian street designs and bike lane networks to Vision Zero. She was recognized as a Local IT Leader by State Scoop in 2025 and as a Sustainability Star by AdWeek in 2022. 

Tsay holds a Master of Science in Cities, Space & Society from the London School of Economics, a B.A. with Distinction in Government from Cornell University and has served on the New York City Public Design Commission; multiple non-profit organizations, most recently as Vice Chair of SPUR, the Bay-area civic planning institution; and taught urban design at Parsons School of Design and Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. She is currently a member of the Harvard Extension School’s Sustainability Master of Liberal Arts Advisory Board. 

麻州州長奚莉保護民眾染毒癮頒緊急命令 限制銷售卡痛草產品

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（13）日下達緊急命令，限制卡痛草（Kratom）產品在麻州各地銷售，麻州公共衛生廳也已發出緊急命令，暫時把將所有形式的卡痛草暫列為第一類管制藥物（Schedule I），期以保護青少年及麻州居民的安全。

    這命令將在公告 14天 後正式生效，最長實施期限為 一年。

    卡痛草（Kratom）是一種原產於東南亞的熱帶植物，含有天然活性成分如帽柱木鹼（Mitragynine）和7-羥基帽柱木鹼（7-OH）。根據使用劑量和配方的不同，它會產生類似於興奮劑或阿片類的藥理效果。

    由於坊間有業者高倍濃縮7-OH，有的甚至高到其類鴉片強度達到嗎啡的13倍，還包裝成色彩鮮艷的軟糖，能量飲料，口香糖，還打出「提升專注力」，「天然止痛藥」等口號，在便利店，煙草店，加油站銷售，以致許多年輕人或一般居民在毫無警覺下食用，因而上癮。麻州各地警政系統與醫院診所都接獲越來越多使用卡痛草產品導致的精神異常，或過量中毒個案。

    在卡痛草暫列為第一類管制藥物（Schedule I）後，地方市鎮的衛生局和警察將取得執法權，直接處罰違規商家，並把相關產品從煙草店、便利店及加油站等場所下架。

    麻州公共衛生廳指出，麻州居民如果發現有人使用卡痛草產品，出現呼吸減慢或停止的情況，應立即使用納洛酮（Naloxone）。目前人們不需要處方，就可在麻州各地藥房，以及許多零售點購買納洛酮。若有居民需要戒斷或治療支持，可隨時致電或發送簡訊 “HOPE” 至 800-327-5050 聯繫馬薩諸塞州藥物濫用求助熱線。

    查詢卡痛草相關健康指南，可上麻州政府官網mass.gov/kratom 。

Governor Healey Takes Action to Protect Young People and Residents from Dangerous Kratom Products

State will restrict sale of kratom, a largely unregulated substance with opioid-like effects, and expand public education and treatment outreach

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced new actions to protect Massachusetts residents from dangerous and largely unregulated kratom products, including an emergency order restricting the sale of kratom across the state and new efforts to educate the public about the health risks and connect people with treatment and recovery services.

Kratom is widely sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations in the powders, tablets, capsules, gummies, dissolvable strips, and other forms. Kratom products have, to-date, been largely unregulated and products can vary significantly in their potency and ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are purchasing or the potential health risks. Regular kratom use can also lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal.

“Dangerous kratom products are being sold in stores across Massachusetts with little oversight, and people – including children – often have no way of knowing what they’re buying or how potent it is,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Customers should be able to trust that the products being sold in stores are safe. We’re taking action to protect young people and residents, give communities the tools to get dangerous products off store shelves and make sure anyone struggling with dependence can get the treatment and support they need.”

“Kratom is increasingly available in stores and comes in many different forms and potencies, but many people may not realize the serious risks associated with these products,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re making sure residents understand those risks, know how to respond in an emergency and can access treatment and recovery services if they need help.”

Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, has issued an emergency order temporarily placing all forms of kratom into Schedule I under Massachusetts law. The order will take effect following a 14-day notice period and remain in effect for up to one year. It will give local boards of health and other municipal officials additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products.

As part of the statewide effort, DPH is also providing information and guidance to local boards of health, health care providers and substance use treatment programs about the new restrictions, the health risks associated with kratom and available treatment and recovery services. DPH will also hold an informational webinar for local public health officials to support implementation of the order.

“In public health, we need to be nimble, responding to new and emerging threats with evidence-based actions,” said DPH Commissioner Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Kratom is increasingly being used by youth and adults, and many are unaware of the risks, including overdose, dependence, and serious health consequences. Our goal is to protect the public while getting those who need treatment or support the care they deserve.” 

Kratom is a leafy plant native to Southeast Asia containing naturally occurring substances, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Depending on the amount and potency, kratom can produce stimulant-like or opioid-like effects. Some newer products contain highly concentrated or laboratory-modified compounds that can have significantly stronger opioid-like effects. 

Kratom use has been associated with a range of health effects, including seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. 

Kratom also carries a risk of overdose, particularly when highly potent products are used, products contain unknown substances, or it is combined with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives. While uncommon, kratom-related deaths have been reported, particularly when kratom is used with other substances or by people with underlying health conditions.

If someone who has used kratom has slowed or stopped breathing, naloxone should be administered immediately. Naloxone is available without a prescription at pharmacies and many retail locations across Massachusetts.

Treatment is available for people experiencing kratom withdrawal or dependence, including medications, counseling, peer support and behavioral health services. Individuals seeking help for themselves or a loved one can call or text “HOPE” to 800-327-5050 to reach the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

DPH has also launched new resources at mass.gov/kratom to help residents understand the risks, recognize the signs of an overdose, learn how to respond to an overdose and access treatment and recovery services.  

華林功夫太極館慶20週年 余翠梅，陳玉燕，蘇靜恩攜手闖出女性一片天

華林功夫太極館創辦人余翠梅 （Mai Du，中）和陳玉燕（Amy Tran ，右），
蘇靜恩（Andrea So，左)攜手慶祝20週年。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子麻州昆士市報導）華林功夫太極館 8月9日晚在昆士市龍鳳酒樓慶祝20週年，20頭醒獅，2條祥龍，200多學生和親自來賀的昆士市，摩頓市2名市長，以及來自四面八方的許多師父們，在15面大鼓與鑼鈸喧天聲中歡聚一堂，場面壯觀，喜氣飛揚。

華林派蘇靜恩，余翠梅，陳咪咪，Bob Robson，Amy Tran和學生們
一同慶祝20週年。（周菊子攝）

在波士頓已多年不見的武術擂台，這天又重現人們眼前，舞台上從年僅3歲的小娃兒到70、80歲白髮蒼蒼的耆英，掄拳踢腿，舞刀弄劍，棍戟交錯，著實讓人目不暇給，各門派師父上台示範時展現的沈穩功力，更是讓許多人激動得站起來欣賞。

昆士市長Tom Koch (左）和摩頓市市長Gary Christenson 雙雙親自出席道賀。
（主辦單位提供）

華林功夫太極館創辦人余翠梅（Mai Du) 自己也沒想到，12歲時磨著父母帶她去學功夫，跟隨她的師父Bob Rosen ，以及師公陳培習武後，竟就此一頭栽進武俠世界，不但成為華林北派探腿螳螂拳第八代傳人，還從20年前在摩頓市自家門前車道開班授徒，收了9名學生後，陸續在摩頓市，昆士市，然後在波士頓市的西洛士百利（West Roxbury）先後開出3家武館，成為大波士頓最龐大的武館之一。

余翠梅笑說「飲水思源」，尊師重道，追求正義都是必修武德，在她習武38年，執教25年的生涯中，強身健體和修身養性一樣重要，傳承文化時，更講究服務社區。

余翠梅請嘉賓為瑞獅點睛前致詞。（主辦單位提供）

    獲有塔芙茨大學（Tufts）教育碩士學位的余翠梅，在過去這些年中，不僅帶學生們南征北討的參加武術大會，砥礪武技，領回無數獎牌，還開班教人自衛防身，致力組織社區，推廣草根運動，和熱心人士於2014年共同創辦了大摩頓市亞裔社區聯盟（GMAACC），於2020年創辦了公平及反種族歧視聯盟（CARE），鼓勵人們建立正確的人生態度，積極的為亞裔社區找回聲音。

雙龍送上“龍虎精神”，“天下太平”的賀詞。（周菊子攝）

這天瑞獅太多，舞台站不下，分批來。（周菊子攝）

    當然，華林功夫武館能夠不斷擴張，重要原因之一是余翠梅有2名得力助手默默支持。一是和她一樣都是華林北派探腿螳螂拳第八代傳人，熱愛國華及書法，師從黃煥堂的華林太極功夫武館總教練陳玉燕（Amy Tran），以及華林北派探腿螳螂拳第九代傳人，如今已是勒星頓鎮（Lexington ）公校系統小學教育主任的蘇靜恩（Andrea So）。

    8月9日這天，昆士市市長柯奇(Tom Koch) ，摩頓市市長Gary Christenson，以及麻州眾議員黃子安（Donald Wong）親自到場為瑞獅點睛，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）等政要也發函致賀。

瑞獅送祝福是重頭戲之一。（周菊子攝）

20頭瑞獅同時疊人聳立，架勢震撼。（周菊子攝）

    華林功夫太極武館之外，有19家武館派代表出席，包括佛羅里達州奧蘭多的華林寺（Wah Lum Temple），麻州波士頓的新英格蘭華林功夫體育會，亞美文化中心，太極武藝協會，女媧（Nuwa ）體育俱樂部，麻州Berkley的華林功夫太極中心，牛頓市的陳耀祥武館，伍斯特市（Worcester）的Imperial Lion Dance，Methuen 的華林身心健康 （Wellness），Melrose的黃仁君（Rick Wong）的中國武術中心，貝爾蒙鎮（Belmont）的超武館（Woo’s Martial Arts），田納西州Knoxville的華林，佛羅里達州Melborune的華林，北卡羅萊納州Raleigh華林，緬因州Biddeford的九虎工夫 (Nine Tigers Kung Fu) ，德州修士頓的 No Limit Arts & Gifts, Shaolin Kung Fu，威斯康辛州（WI）Woukesho的少林中心，Madison的忠義工夫協會（Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association），以及德國的Kampfkunstschule華林派。

華林功夫太極館瑞獅獻吉。（周菊子攝）

    現場表演由20頭瑞獅和2條祥龍上台獻舞祝福開場，陸續有基本功，小洪拳，右手棍小組示範，青少年列隊排練，楊式太極24式等演練，特別嘉賓表演有佛羅里達州墨爾本華林功夫及太極的James DeFillips師父示範套路，德州休士頓Mark Vuong示範嵩山少林七星拳，威斯康辛州Madison的忠義功夫協會Nelson Ferreira師父示範等。

華林功夫太極館的蘇靜恩（錢左起），余翠梅，陳玉燕率學生謝幕。（周菊子攝）

    7月19日才從父親手中接下佛羅里達州華林派掌門人大印的陳咪咪，這天也余翠梅和Amy Tran，蘇靜恩等3個人，最後壓軸示範。

    這天在會場上，最高興的人莫過於余翠梅的姓氏宗親。余風采堂由全美元老余超群和本地主席余立昌率隊，出動了包括退休法官余達明在內的2桌宗親出席，與有榮焉的祝賀宗親余翠梅在社區發光發熱。（更新人名，Amy Tran為陳玉燕）

蘇靜恩（前左起），余翠梅，陳玉燕壓軸表演。（周菊子攝）

蘇靜恩（前）和陳玉燕（左）舞劍。（周菊子攝）

陳培師父的女兒陳咪咪率全女班示範功夫。（周菊子攝）

陳咪咪今年7月19日才從父親陳培手中接下佛羅里達州華林派掌門人大位。（周菊子攝）

陳咪咪示範功夫。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極館的幼兒班，最小的才3歲。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極館學生示範。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極館學生們舞棍。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極館耆英班示範打太極。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極館青年學生示範武術。（周菊子攝）

來自德州休士頓的師父 Mark Vuong 。（周菊子攝）

來自威斯康辛州Madison的Nelson Ferreiro。（周菊子攝）

佛羅里達州的Tu Truong師父。（周菊子攝）

示範盾牌。（周菊子攝）

來自不同州，不同武館的師父們。（周菊子攝）

南派武館的黃子安和黃雅亭（左）。（周菊子攝）

觀眾站起來鼓掌。（周菊子攝）

余風采堂宗親們到場祝賀。（周菊子攝）

余風采堂宗親道賀。（周菊子攝）

女媧體育會創辦人，剛宣誓就任波士頓地方法院法官的黃瑞瑜（左）。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極館 師生大合照。（周菊子攝）