波士頓市急救醫療局26名新人畢業 Kwang Koo等8人晉升

（

波士頓急救人員合影。

Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭、波士頓緊急醫療服務局（EMS）及公共衛生委員會（BPHC）今（10） 日在芬紐廳（Faneuil Hall）舉行典禮，慶祝 26 名緊急醫療技術員（EMT）畢業， 8人晉升， 9-1-1的救護與調度服務更佳。

這些畢業生都已獲得州政府認證，並在全職有心中完成波士頓 EMS 招募學院（Boston EMS Recruit Academy）的密集訓練，包括處理大規模傷亡事件、主動射擊現場、危險物質接觸及人口販運等重大緊急狀況。這些學員在受訓期間累計回應超過 3,000 通 9-1-1 求救電話，處理包括心搏驟止、分娩、嚴重創傷及行為健康危機等狀況。

EMS 局長胡利（James Hooley）強調，隨著 FIFA 世界盃、波士頓帆船賽及美國建國 250 週年活動將至，城市將迎來史上最繁忙的春夏，新進人員對維持緊急醫療體系至關重要。

波士頓市府在典禮中同時宣佈，Kevin Pywell 等 6 名 EMT 晉升為高級救護技術員（Paramedics）；Brian Bailey 與 Randy Brinson, Jr. 兩名資深成員則晉升為巡官（Lieutenants），負責督導職責。

波士頓 EMS 每年處理超過 14.1 萬起案件。市長吳弭對此表示，EMS 作為第一線應變人員與醫療機構間的關鍵橋樑，對守護各社區安全具有不可取代的地位。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CELEBRATE NEW EMTS AND RECENT PROMOTIONS



Ceremony honors 26 graduating recruits and 8 promotions to enhance emergency medical services in the City of Boston

BOSTON - Friday, April 10, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today celebrated the graduation of 26 new EMTs and the recent promotion of eight EMS members in a ceremony held at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall. The graduates, all state-certified EMTs, successfully completed the Boston EMS Recruit Academy, an intensive training program that prepares recruits to deliver high-quality emergency care across the city. With this new class joining the ranks, Boston EMS continues to strengthen its 9-1-1 ambulance and dispatch services in response to growing demand. 

“Congratulations to the newest class of EMT graduates,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Today marks the beginning of your commitment to a profession rooted in service, compassion, and skill. As a critical link between our first responders and healthcare providers, EMS plays an essential role in delivering care across our city. Boston is deeply grateful for your dedication to keeping every neighborhood in Boston safe and healthy.”

 

“Today, we welcome a new class of EMTs who have already shown impressive dedication and heart,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “Your training has prepared you for exactly what lies ahead—real emergencies, fast-changing situations, and the responsibility of caring for people when they need it most. And we need you now more than ever. You are stepping into this role at an extraordinary moment. With FIFA World Cup events, Sail Boston, the Marathon, and 250th commemorations ahead, we are preparing for one of the busiest springs and summers our city has seen in years. Your commitment ensures we can meet these challenges head-on. We’re honored to have you join our ranks.”

 

The Boston EMS Recruit Academy is a full-time, paid program that combines classroom instruction with field training to prepare EMTs for a broad range of life-threatening emergencies—including mass casualty incidents, active shooter situations, hazardous materials exposure, and human trafficking response. During their training, the graduates collectively responded to more than 3,000 9-1-1 calls, treating patients experiencing everything from cardiac arrest and childbirth to serious trauma and behavioral health crises.

 

“Congratulations to all who are graduating today and to all who are advancing in their EMS careers,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Boston EMS is critical to health and wellness in our city, and your decision to serve ensures that lifesaving care reaches residents and visitors in every neighborhood. As first responders, you deliver skilled care at the moments when people need it most, and you do so with compassion and purpose. Your work is essential to building a healthier, more equitable Boston, and I am deeply grateful for your service.” 

 

During the ceremony, the department also celebrated the recent promotion of six Emergency Medical Technicians to the rank of Paramedic, following their successful completion of an intensive paramedic program, departmental promotional exams, and a demanding three-month field internship.

 

Promoted to Paramedics

·       Kevin Pywell

·       Kwang Koo

·       Matthew Derby

·       David Ramos

·       Sebastian Morales

·       Sam Cedrone

 

The department also honored two members promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, who together bring nearly 25 years of combined experience to the supervisory ranks.

 

Promoted to Lieutenants

·       Brian Bailey

·       Randy Brinson, Jr.

 

“These promotions mark a significant milestone in your careers,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “Each of you has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and readiness to lead. The confidence your peers and this department place in you is well earned. As you step into these roles, you will set the tone and standard for those around you—and your impact will be felt far beyond the walls of EMS, throughout every neighborhood we serve.”

Boston EMS is one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 141,000 emergency medical incidents per year. 

第23屆波士頓獨立影展4/22起放映106片 王藐「劉安妮」入選短片單元

王藐的「劉安妮：眼，心，子宮」，
入選本屆波士頓獨立影展短片單元。（圖片來自影展資料）

             (Boston Orange編譯) 2026年波士頓獨立影展（IFFBoston）訂4 月 22 日至 29 日舉行，在戴維斯廣場（Davis）尚莫維爾（Somerville）劇院，布魯克蘭鎮（Brookline）庫里吉角(Coolidge Corner)戲院，哈佛廣場布瑞托（Brattle）戲院等3家戲院放映約106部影片。門票今（10）日正式開賣。

影展為期八天，共有38部劇情片，29部紀錄片，分11組單元放映的39部短片，以及開幕，閉幕，中心焦點影片等。

開幕影片為4 月 22 日在戴維斯廣場尚莫維爾劇院（Somerville Theatre）放映的《I LOVE BOOSTERS》，導演Boots Riley 將隨片出席，與觀眾互動。首映後，在戲院二樓水晶宴會廳（Crystal Ballroom）有開幕派對，持票觀眾可參加。

閉幕片為4 月 29 日在布魯克蘭鎮的庫里吉角戲院（Coolidge Corner Theatre）放映，以 35mm 膠卷格式拍製的《THE INVITE》。導演Olivia Wilde 也將出席回答觀眾提問。

影展的兩大重點影片都在尚莫維爾劇院放映，分別為4 月 24 日Daniel Roher 執導的劇情片「Tuner」，以及4月25日Ross McElwee 執導的紀錄片《REMAKE》。

今年選映的影片中，有多部知名影人作品，包含 John Carney 執導、Paul Rudd 與 Nick Jonas 主演的《激昂情歌（POWER BALLAD）》；Greg Araki 執導、Olivia Wilde 主演的《我要你的性愛（I WANT YOUR SEX）》；以及由 Willem Dafoe、Gretta Lee 與 Jake Lacy 主演，描述老詩人與年輕藝術家交集的《遲來的名聲（LATE FAME）》。

紀錄片部分有描述4名女童軍在銷售餅乾季節情況的《COOKIE QUEENS（餅乾女王）》、記錄在韓國上學北韓學生的《SCHOOL FOR DEFECTORS（叛逃者學校）》，以及由 Itab Azzam 與 Jack MacInnes 耗時十年拍攝、記錄敘利亞難民往返德、敘兩國心路歷程的《ONE IN A MILLION（百萬分之一）》。

今年的影展，特地收錄新英格蘭地區紀錄片，包含Bestor Cram的《天安門今夜（TIANANMEN TONIGHT）》、Tim Jackson的《馬爾伯黑德之晨（MARBLEHEAD MORNING）》、Tim O’Donnell的《最後的伊茲塔里（THE LAST YZTARI）》、Sara Robin的《請你注意（YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE）》，以及Amy Jenkins的《亞當的蘋果（ADAM’S APPLE）》。

影展還有 11 組短片單元，包括收錄 Don Hertzfeldt 最新作品《紙痕（PAPER TRAIL）》的動畫短片單元，以及華裔導演王藐(Miao Wang)的短片《劉安妮：眼，心，子宮（Ani Liu: Eye Heart Womb）》。

影展門票在18元至45元之間，包括所有影片及派對的套票450元，包括10張兌換券的電影愛好者套票(Film Buff Package)150元。

查詢影展詳情可上網https://www.iffboston.org。

INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL BOSTON (IFFBOSTON)

FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCED & TICKETS ON SALE TODAY

Boston (April 10, 2026) – Tickets are on sale TODAY for The Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston), running April 22–29! Explore the full lineup and purchase tickets directly on the festival website: https://iffboston.org/series/the-festival/

With more than 100 films screening this year, IFFBoston will once again span three of Greater Boston’s most iconic venues: the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square, and the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline. Festival events will feature filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and parties, all part of a week‑long celebration showcasing the best in contemporary American and international cinema. Some notable titles are listed below:

Opening Night Film: “I LOVE BOOSTERS” Directed by Boots Riley, “I Love Boosters” will open the festival on Wednesday, April 22 at the Somerville.
Director Boots Riley is expected to be in attendance. Film courtesy of Neon 

*The Opening Night Party will be open to all attendees of the Opening Night Film. It will take place immediately following the screening in the Crystal Ballroom, upstairs from the Somerville Theatre.

Closing Night Film: “THE INVITE” Presented on 35mm film! Directed by Olivia Wilde,”The Invite” will close the festival on Wednesday, April 29 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Director Olivia Wilde is expected to be in attendance. Film courtesy of A24 

Narrative Centerpiece Spotlight: “TUNER” directed by Daniel Roher will screen on April 24 at the Somerville Theater. Film courtesy of Black Bear 

Documentary Centerpiece Spotlight: “REMAKE” directed by Ross McElwee will screen on April 25 at the Somerville Theater. Director Ross McElwee is expected to be in attendance.

Press kits for these films can can be downloaded at:

https://tinyurl.com/kaj2b7er

Other notable films screening at the festival include:

• Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas star in POWER BALLAD, the latest film from John Carney (SING STREET, ONCE). Film courtesy of Lionsgate

• Greg Araki’s I WANT YOUR SEX, starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. Film courtesy of Magnolia

• Willem Dafoe, Gretta Lee, and Jake Lacy star in LATE FAME, about a poet who published a book long ago who meets with young artists and is toyed with by a talented theatre actress. Film courtesy of Magnolia

• COOKIE QUEENS, Alysa Nahmias documentary following four Girl Scouts during cookie selling season. 

• North Korean students study in a South Korean School in SCHOOL FOR DEFECTORS, from SECRET MALL APARTMENT director Jeremy Workman.

• Co-directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, and filmed over ten years, ONE IN A MILLION follows a Syrian war refugee from childhood to adulthood on an extraordinary journey from Syria to Germany—and back again. Film courtesy of PBS Distribution

• New documentaries by New England filmmakers Bestor Cram (TIANANMEN TONIGHT), Tim Jackson (MARBLEHEAD MORNING), Tim O’Donnell (THE LAST YZTARI), Sara Robin (YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE), and Amy Jenkins (ADAM’S APPLE).

• IFFBoston will be screening 11 short film programs this season, including a program of animated shorts featuring PAPER TRAIL, the latest film from Don Hertzfeldt.

• IFFBoston will team up with the Mass Production Coalition to present the Ninth Annual Student Short Film Showcase, where short films selected by and representing local colleges and universities will be screened. This program is free and open to the public.

Festival memberships, including options with priority access to films and parties, are available now at www.iffboston.org. Individual tickets will go on sale on the festival website on or about April 8.

麻州政府撥款 $247,000 支持5所社區學院陪培訓成人學生職業技能e

 (Boston Orange編譯)麻州政府今(10)日宣布，撥出247,000 美元「大學橋樑」（Bridges to College）補助金給5所社區學院，及1家醫療保健人力機構，幫助約200 名成人學習者加強技能，順利過渡至高等教育與職業培訓課程。

「大學橋樑」計畫主要優先支持以成年、低收入及入門級勞工為對象，並幫助他們克服障礙，取得學位，投身熱門職業的機構。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）表示，這筆經費旨在掃除成年學生上大學的障礙，為尋求經濟與職涯成長的居民創造機會。

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll則強調，這計畫藉著和社區合作，提供學術準備與諮詢，增加學生重返校園的信心。

這是麻州提升州民勞動力競爭水平的一系列行動之一。麻州州長奚莉和州議會合作，，把州級的財務援助撥款增加了一倍，包括為符合培爾獎助金（Pell Grant ）資格的學生提供免費公立大學教育，為所有符合資格州民提供免費上社區學院機會等。

根據政府數據顯示，MassReconnect 計畫啟動兩年來，25 歲以上成年學習者的人數增加了 2 萬。麻州政府去年 10 月還曾撥款 150 萬美元 TRAIN 補助金，近期還與 ReUp Education 合作招睞失學成人。

獲得麻州政府這筆補助的5所社區學院，分別為：

·       羅克斯伯里社區學院 (RCC)： $50,000。用於擴展「The Fort」計畫，針對受司法影響之成年學習者提供諮詢與輔導。

·       Caring Medical Staffing： $50,000。用於醫療保健職能銜接計畫，協助學生取得 CNA、CPR、急救、失智症及家庭健康助理證照。

·       米德爾塞克斯社區學院 (MCC)： $41,870。開發醫療與技術銜接倡議，協助非學分學員於 2026 年秋季轉入正式學分課程。

·       霍利約克社區學院 (HCC)： $40,524。與 Western Mass CORE 合作開發大學與職涯準備模組。

·       昆西加蒙社區學院 (QCC)： $38,208。用於夏季計畫，提供外展服務、學術準備及職涯就緒支援。

·       布里斯托社區學院 (Bristol)： $26,398。強化現有的「過渡至大學」（TTC）計畫，協助學生從成人教育進入學分課程。

麻州叫育廳廳長Stephen Zrike和高等教育專員Noe Ortega都指出，麻州政府11 月發佈的報告稱，公立大專院校畢業生在畢業五年後的年收入，比未接受高等教育的同儕高出 2 萬至 3 萬美元。這計畫對家庭、社區及整體經濟具有正面連鎖反應。

Healey Driscoll Administration Awards $247,000 To Help Adult Students Transition to College and Develop Workforce Skills  

Funding supports 200 entry-level adult students earning college degrees 

BOSTON—The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today it awarded $247,000 in Bridges to College grants to five community colleges and a health care staffing agency to help nearly 200 adult learners strengthen their academic skills and successfully transition into higher education and career training programs.  

The Bridges to College Program supports community colleges and organizations that prioritize helping adult, low-income and entry level workers overcome obstacles that may prevent them from completing their degree and launching in-demand careers.  

“Every Massachusetts resident deserves the opportunity to continue their education and build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These Bridges to College grants are making it easier for adult learners in the state to get back into the classroom and earn a degree by helping remove barriers, strengthen pathways to college, and create opportunities for Massachusetts residents looking for economic and career growth.” 

“Adult learners often face unique challenges when returning to school,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Bridges to College supports community partnerships that provide the academic preparation, advising and encouragement students need to take the next step with confidence.” 

The Bridges to College Program builds on efforts by the administration to help more students access college while boosting the state’s workforce and competitiveness. Working with the Legislature, Governor Healey has doubled state funding for financial aid programs – including offering free tuition and fees to Pell Grant eligible students at all public two- and four-year colleges and making community college free regardless of income level. Data from the first two years of MassReconnect show consecutive year-over-year enrollment growth of adult learners ages 25 and older, a growth of 20,000 adult learners alone over two years.  

In October, the administration awarded $1.5 million in Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants to provide essential training opportunities to more than 500 unemployed and under-employed residents. Massachusetts also recently launched a partnership with ReUp Education to bring adult learners who previously began, but did not complete, degrees and certificates at the state’s public colleges and universities back to college. 

“Bridges to College programs play a critical role in supporting adult learners as they transition into postsecondary education,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “These partnerships help ensure that adult students have the academic preparation, advising and support they need to succeed in college and beyond.” 

“Bridges to College is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s successful efforts to help adult learners overcome the barriers of returning to college,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “When residents of Massachusetts get well-deserved opportunities to grow their careers, there’s a positive ripple effect on families, communities, our workforce, and our economy.” 

In November, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released a first-of-its-kind state report on post-college earnings that shows that, five years after graduation, graduates of Massachusetts public colleges or universities make $20,000 to $30,000 more per year than their peers who did not pursue higher education. The report followed the administration’s launch of “Go Higher,” a new brand and awareness campaign designed to increase exposure to higher education, improve the information pipeline, and build awareness of financial and institutional supports that help students see themselves in college.  

Grant Awardees   

Bristol Community College (Bristol): $26,398 

Funding will enhance Bristol’s existing Transition to College (TTC) program, a comprehensive, equity-centered initiative designed to support adult learners as they move from adult education into developmental or credit-bearing coursework.  

Caring Medical Staffing: $50,000 

The Healthcare Workforce & College Transition Pathway is a comprehensive program designed to prepare learners for immediate employment in the healthcare field while creating a bridge to postsecondary education. Students will earn their Certified Nurse Assistant certificate, CPR and First Aid certificate, Dementia certificate and Home Health Aid certification. 

Holyoke Community College (HCC): $40,524 

In partnership with Western Mass CORE, HCC will develop enhanced college and career preparation modules to address key challenges that face adults seeking access to college and workforce programs.  

Middlesex Community College (MCC): $41,870 

MCC will develop Middlesex Bridges to Credit: Health & Technical Pathways Initiative, a program designed to transition adult learners who have completed non-credit workforce and adult education programs into Fall 2026 enrollment in credit-bearing certificate and degree pathways aligned with in-demand, living-wage careers. 

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC): $38,208 

QCC will register and enroll low-income and entry-level adult workers into the Bridges to College summer program, including outreach, academic preparation, support services and career readiness. 

Roxbury Community College (RCC): $50,000 

The program will expand The Fort at RCC’s structured transition model for justice-impacted adult learners, providing coordinated intake, individualized advising, case  management, and coaching to address both academic readiness and non-academic barriers.   

麥家威：麻州眾議會將撥款400萬元助力改善美沙酮英里

波士頓市長吳弭表示在州市及警察各方合作下，美沙酮英里情況已大幅改善。（周菊子攝）

（Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）等人宣佈，麻州眾議會版本的2027會計年度預算，將編列400萬美元，改善「美沙酮英里（Mass & Cass）」一帶的濫用藥物危機，提升周邊社區生活品質。

這筆資金將重點用於增加康復床位、臨床人員，以及實時監控高風險區域。麻州議會將在本月稍後討論財政年度預算時，進一步評估細節。

麻州眾議會財政委員會主席Aaron Michlewitz宣佈州議會將撥款400萬元
協助改善美沙酮英里。（周菊子攝）

麻州眾議員麥家威計劃把這400萬元的其中一半，直接用於資助為期一年的 200 個康復計畫床位。其餘資金則用於協助康復機構聘請額外的護理師與心理健康專家，另外資助薩福克郡地方檢察官辦公室的一項轉向計畫，輔導被逮捕的涉毒個體接受治療。該預算還包含撥款15 萬美元給波士頓市的行動營運中心，以加強該中心監控和即時援助「美沙酮英里（Mass&Cass）」的能力。

薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden正在競選連任。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市南端（South End）社區與企業領袖組成聯盟，在今年二月向市府施壓，要求加強執法，打擊公開吸毒行為。儘管部分公衛專家擔心這麼做可能破壞警方和露宿者之間已取得的互信，但吳弭市長在9日的記者會中強調，目前由市府協調反應小組（CRT）主導的公衛、安全與問責機制已見成效。她指出，該地區的人群聚集、報案電話及廢棄針頭數量均有下降，證明「公共衛生第一」的協作模式正在發揮作用。

波士頓警察局長Michael Cox（右起）和波士頓公共衛生委員會Dr. Bisola Ojikutu。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓公共衛生委員會與警察局的數據顯示，波士頓藥物過量死亡人數和往年相比，下降 38%，創9年新低。自去年九月起，市府透過現場轉介模式已主動接觸過 890 多人，其中有600 多人順利進入住院治療計畫。治安數據也顯示，從2026 年初至今，該地區的暴力犯罪較去年同期大幅下降 33%，生活品質相關的報案電話也減少了 20%。

吳弭市長指波士頓是房屋長Sheila Dillon（左二）在改善美沙酮英里上也有功。
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隨著氣溫回升，波士頓市府已於三月底啟動「暖和天氣倡議」，整合州政府及交通警察資源以防止再次出現非法營地。吳弭市長表示，市府將在向市議會提交的年度報告中，詳細說明未來在受影響區域的執法與轉介計畫。

十餘名政府官員及民代出席說明會。（周菊子攝）

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, CHAIRMAN AARON MICHLEWITZ, AND REPRESENTATIVE JOHN MORAN ANNOUNCE $4M IN FUNDING INCLUDED IN HOUSE WAYS & MEANS PROPOSED BUDGET TO SUPPORT COORDINATED EFFORTS TO ADDRESS SAFETY, HEALTH, AND QUALITY OF LIFE AT MASS & CASS 

BOSTON - Thursday, April 9, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and State Representative John Moran to announce $4 million in new funding that will be included in the House Ways & Means proposed budget in support of ongoing initiatives to end outdoor substance use in neighborhoods of Boston and connect individuals with treatment and recovery programs. Mayor Wu also highlighted progress made across various city departments and agencies, including the Coordinated Response Team (CRT), which leads cross-departmental efforts to address safety, health, and quality of life for residents with a goal to end outdoor substance use in neighborhoods of Boston and the criminal activity that supports it, and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), which leads a public health approach to supporting residents with substance use disorder. Today’s announcement builds on the City’s significant progress and highlights continued coordination between the City, state partners and community leaders to advance comprehensive, long-term solutions and ensure public health in the Mass & Cass area and citywide.

“Boston has made meaningful progress toward the goal of ending outdoor drug use in our neighborhoods through a sustained and coordinated effort grounded in public health, safety, and accountability,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re seeing fewer crowds, fewer calls for service, and more people connected to treatment, thanks to the ongoing collaborations with neighborhood working groups, service providers, and our City and State agencies. I’m grateful to Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Representative John Moran for their leadership in including significant funding in the House budget that would support even more of this critical work.”

To drive forward crucial efforts to address quality of life in the Mass and Cass for residents and families, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz announced that the House Ways & Means Committee will include $4 million in their proposed budget supporting various initiatives better connecting individuals with treatment options and recovery programs. Funding is aimed at bolstering supportive recovery housing options for individuals and additional clinical support services.

“By providing these additional financial resources, we will be able to better connect individuals with acceptable treatment options and effective recovery programs. With this partnership between the Commonwealth and the City, we will be able to not only improve the lives of the residents of Boston but also help people on the road to recovery,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank Mayor Wu and her administration for their tireless commitment to this issue, as well as Representative John Moran, and the other members of the working group for finding a reasonable and effective solution to this issue.”

“Sincere thanks to Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for his steadfast support of the South End/Roxbury/Newmarket Working Group on Addiction and Recovery and his commitment to advancing meaningful solutions for Mass and Cass. Together with city and state partners, we remain focused on balanced, humane, and effective solutions that strengthen public health, improve safety, and restore confidence in our neighborhoods,” said State Representative John Moran (9th Suffolk District). 

Last year, the City brought together the Coordinated Response Team (CRT), the Boston Police Department and their Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team (NEST), the Boston Public Health Commission, partner organizations and elected officials to advance coordinated efforts for the Mass and Cass area and improve conditions in various neighborhoods. This led to a series of recommendations being brought forward by the South End/Roxbury/Newmarket Working Group on Addiction and Recovery. These recommendations have informed the City’s ongoing strategy to end outdoor substance use in the area and across Boston neighborhoods.

 

“I want to thank Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for his unwavering commitment, Representative John Moran for his steadfast advocacy at the state level, and to Mayor Michelle Wu for recognizing the urgency and complexity of these challenges — working to improve quality of life for residents and business owners, while ensuring that those who are struggling receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve on their path to recovery,” said District 3 City Councilor John Fitzgerald.

“What we see at Mass and Cass and nearby neighborhoods is a mix of enormously complex societal challenges,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. “It isn’t just one issue; it’s many all at once across public health, public safety, homelessness and quality of life. I thank everyone here for helping put forward solutions and look forward to continuing our efforts in partnership.” 

“I want to thank Mayor Wu, Chairman Michlewitz, and my committed recovery working group co-chairs for their thoughtful recommendations and steadfast support of the Mayor’s Coordinated Response Team (CRT) co-response diversion program in partnership with the Boston Police Department Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team (NEST),” said Kellie Young, Director of Coordinated Response Team. “Together, we are working to end outdoor substance use and improve quality of life for our residents, business owners, and individuals living with substance use disorder. Through our partnership with the Gavin Foundation, we are ensuring that individuals are rapidly connected to structured pathways to recovery that promote stability and long term support. We are already seeing clear, measurable improvements across our city streets, with consistent reductions in outdoor substance use and meaningful progress in restoring public spaces. We remain focused on building on that progress every day. This work reflects what’s possible when coordination, accountability, and compassion come together—and strengthens our commitment to advancing both public safety and public health across Boston.” 

“As Boston Public Health Commission prioritizes health and provides a wide continuum of prevention, care, and treatment services, more work is needed, and we’re thankful to the Mayor, our city and state partners, and our provider partners who do this challenging work with us on a daily basis,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Our city is a national leader in our response to the substance use crisis, and I’m proud of our legacy of crafting innovative, collaborative, evidence-based, and compassionate policy to ensure people living with substance use disorder have access to the full continuum of treatment services.”

Boston Public Health Commission works to promote the health and wellness of residents across Boston, including people with substance use disorder. Their data show a 38% decrease in overdose deaths in Boston, the lowest number of overdose deaths in nine years. BPHC’s Recovery Services Bureau focuses on preventing overdose, expanding treatment access, and supporting recovery through harm reduction services, outreach programs, and community partnerships. In 2025, BPHC had more than 45,000 client interactions through outreach services and programs, and they placed about 2,500 people on treatment pathways. BPHC’s Mattapan Recovery campus provides residential treatment beds with 24-hour care and alone had 850 enrollments in 2025. 

In an effort to improve quality of life and address unlawful behavior, the Boston Police Department continues to implement various strategies. In the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, quality of life calls for service have decreased by 20% and total violent crime has decreased by 33% year to date 2026 compared to 2025. Total violent crime in the Mass and Cass area decreased 7%, property crime decreased 6%, and arrests increased by 54% for 2025 compared to 2024.

To enhance real-time responsiveness and shift to more proactive, preventative engagement, the CRT worked closely with NEST to use a new, field-based diversion model which is effectively engaging more residents in high impact areas. This new effort has led to the CRT and NEST proactively engaging more than 890 people since September through their coordinated outreach efforts. This engagement has led to more than 600 people accessing inpatient substance use treatment. On March 30, City teams launched our Warm Weather Initiative, bringing additional BPD resources for NEST with support from state partners and the MBTA Transit Police. In the two weeks since launching efforts across agencies, the Coordinated Response Team has engaged more than 160 individuals and helped 90 people onto recovery pathways. 

With warmer weather approaching, the City of Boston will continue to advance and expand our efforts to end outdoor substance abuse, connect individuals to treatment and recovery programs, and build on our progress. Next week, the City will send the annual 2026 Warm Weather Plan and Coordinated Response Team Report to the Boston City Council. 

This announcement also builds on the City’s new partnership with the Gavin Foundation, supported by a grant from the Cummings Foundation, has expanded access to recovery and treatment services in the area. Although significant challenges remain, over the past four years, the City has succeeded in building clear pathways to recovery and stable housing, coordinating public safety and public health responses, and ending permanent encampments in Boston. To address persistent outdoor substantial use and quality of life challenges, the Boston Police Department has committed to increased presence and enforcement in impacted areas, focused on diverting individuals in treatment and recovery programs.  

For additional information on the City’s ongoing efforts, please visit the Coordinated Response Team’s webpage and this dashboard.