MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES INITIAL $5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND CLOSE LIFE EXPECTANCY GAPS IN DORCHESTER, ROXBURY, AND MATTAPAN

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES INITIAL $5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND CLOSE LIFE EXPECTANCY GAPS IN DORCHESTER, ROXBURY, AND MATTAPAN   

In partnership with Atrius Health Equity Foundation and the Boston Community Health Collaborative, funding will advance economic mobility as part of the City and Boston Public Health Commission's Live Long and Well health equity agenda  

 

BOSTON - Monday, July 28, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Atrius Health Equity Foundation, and the Boston Community Health Collaborative today announced $5 million in grants for four community-led coalitions to build wealth and economic security in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, the neighborhoods with the greatest health disparities in Boston. This is part of the City and BPHC’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda to close the life expectancy gap in Boston by 2035. Atrius Health Equity Foundation committed $10 million in July 2024, representing the first multi-sector partnership to support this agenda. This $5 million is the first of two rounds of funding from Atrius Health Equity Foundation; the second is expected to be released in 2028. 

 

“We want every resident and family in Boston to live long, healthy lives,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “That’s why we’re investing in systemic change and in resources to strengthen families and individuals. I’m grateful to all our community-based organizations who are partnering with us to address disparities and improve economic mobility in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan.” 

 

“There are significant differences in life expectancy by race and by neighborhood throughout Boston,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Our goal is to ensure that all Boston residents can live long healthy lives. By investing in economic mobility, a key social determinant of health, we hope to close persistent disparities in health outcomes and improve quality of life throughout our communities.”  

 

BPHC's Live Long and Well population health equity agenda focuses on three leading causes of early death in Boston: cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, and unintentional drug overdoses. Cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and other related disorders, are among the top three leading causes of death before the age of 65 in Boston and disproportionately impact communities of color. Social and economic factors such as poverty, insufficient housing, and food insecurity make it significantly more likely for a person to develop poorer health outcomes, including cardiometabolic diseases. 

 

Economic security is a key driver to improving health, and Boston residents also identified it as a critical need in the 2025 Boston Community Health Needs Assessment, newly published by the Boston Community Health Collaborative (BCHC). BCHC is facilitated by the Boston Public Health Commission and convenes City departments, public health, healthcare, community-based organizations, and Boston residents to identify key health trends and priority issues that impact health and well-being. In this year’s assessment, residents self-identified economic insecurity as one of the top concerns that directly contributes to poor health outcomes and impacts their mental health. Some reported living day-to-day and paycheck-to-paycheck, making trade-offs to afford essentials and pay for housing, food, and groceries while being able to care for children. Many said affordable housing as well as access to good jobs and economic opportunities would improve quality of life and the health of their communities. 

 

According to recent data from the American Community Survey, as reported by the Boston Community Health Collaborative, Boston’s median household income between 2019 and 2023 was $94,755. However, stark income disparities remain across neighborhoods and racial and ethnic groups. Roxbury reported the lowest median income at $49,921, while South Boston and the Seaport area had the highest at $162,257. Median household income is highest among white residents ($131,953) and lowest among Black ($58,628) and Latinx residents ($53,873). Data also show 17% of Boston residents are living in poverty and immigrants and those with a disability are disproportionately impacted by economic hardship. Mattapan has the highest percentage of young children living in poverty with 34% of children under five years old living below the poverty line. 

 

“The mission of our Foundation is to close the gap in life expectancy across Eastern Massachusetts. We do this through bold investments that address the social and economic factors impacting health and that build collaboration and community leadership,” said Dr. Ann Hwang, President of Atrius Health Equity Foundation. “In Boston, we are delighted to be partnering with the City of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission and the Boston Community Health Collaborative to support collaborative, community-driven programs that tackle economic mobility as a key lever for improving health.”   

 

The $5 million in grants will go to four partnerships, totaling 12 organizations with additional support from several community-based organizations as part of the Live Long and Well Catalyst Program. The partnerships and their work include: 

 

·       Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Link Health, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center: In partnership with Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Boys & Girls Club alumni will be trained as Link Health certified patient navigators and screen up to 50,000 Dorchester residents for financial assistance benefits worth an estimated $11 million.

·       Immigrant Family Services Institute, True Care Alliance Center, Massachusetts Association of Haitian Parents: The coalition will provide English-language instruction and career training for 50 community health workers and an additional 500 people in healthcare, biotechnology, early childhood education, and hospitality. Training will include language skills, job coaching, financial literacy, advocacy and health education, and wraparound support.

·       The Community Builders, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Talbot-Norfolk Triangle Neighbors United: Eligible Dorchester residents will receive help with economic mobility services including housing and credit-building support, financial coaching, workforce development, and resources for childcare, transportation, and food access. The coalition will also expand community services, including The Community Builders’ food pantry. In addition, neighborhood associations will advocate for housing policy and funding improvements and strengthen cross-sector partnerships.

·       Upham’s Community Care, Dorchester Food Co-op, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation: The coalition will expand Upham’s Community Care’s outreach vans to visit several Dorchester and Roxbury sites two days a week, with the goal of serving 3,480 people over two years. In addition to basic primary care services, the vans will provide access to economic mobility coaches and community food services.  

 

“We are dedicated to creating better health and better living for all who call Dorchester’s Greater Codman Square neighborhood home,” said Stephanie Garrett-Stearns, Senior Vice President of Communications and Fund Development for The Community Builders. “We are thrilled to be selected for the Live Long and Well Catalyst Program. Powered by resident leaders, this partnership will activate personal economic mobility, increase heart healthy opportunities, build lasting community power and catalyze the built environment. We are grateful for the leadership and generous support of Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the Atrius Health Equity Foundation and the Boston Community Health Collaborative.”  

 

“When people tell us what they need to be healthy, it’s important to listen and take action– and that is exactly what is happening here in Boston. We are so thankful to see significant resources invested to transform community priorities into meaningful change to build healthier, thriving communities,” said Magnolia Contreras, Vice-President of Community Health at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Co-Chair of the Boston Community Health Collaborative. 

 

The four partnerships were selected through a competitive call for proposals. For the first year, each partnership will receive $200,000 and technical assistance for program development. After the first year, they will implement their programs with the rest of the funds over an additional two years. 

MAJOR AUDIT OF DOWNTOWN BOSTON AND CHINATOWN SIDEWALKS, CROSSWALKS, AND RAMPS COMPLETE

 MAJOR AUDIT OF DOWNTOWN BOSTON AND CHINATOWN SIDEWALKS, CROSSWALKS, AND RAMPS COMPLETE 

Efforts intended to support resource allocation and improve public safety

 

BOSTON, Monday, July 28, 2025, 7:15pm ET - This past Saturday marked the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As part of broader efforts to enhance public safety in and around Downtown Boston, the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association and other stakeholders are stepping up efforts to ensure that area streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps are safe and accessible for all.

 

The Streets & Sidewalks Working Group of the One Downtown Task Force audited nearly every crosswalk, ramp, handicap ramp, and sidewalk / areaway across Downtown Boston and Chinatown over the past 2-weeks. This massive undertaking has led to the creation of a robust database with nearly 1,000 images. AI-enabled models are being used to create “current condition scores” for every major sidewalk / areaway issue that was discovered (see map below). The most pressing crosswalk and ramp issues have been identified and are being triaged in partnership with city agencies. Roadway and signage issues will be added to the database in the near future. An interactive map of the work that has been done to date is available here and is included below.

 

Over the past few months, the City’s Street Lighting team has replaced nearly 400 light fixtures across the neighborhood, resulting in significantly improved lighting conditions. The worn edges of Winter Street have been rebuilt and repaired. And thanks to resident advocacy, the concurrent walk signal — where cars are turning at the same time as pedestrians are crossing — at Boylston Street and Tremont Street has been removed, resulting in a safer pedestrian experience.

 

While we have made some progress, much work remains to be done. The maps below highlight the numerous unresolved issues with our sidewalks and areaways, which disproportionately impact those who are mobility impaired and disabled. The handicap ramp and crosswalk at West Street and Washington Street (see below), which have been in a state of disrepair since the summer of 2023 and impact visitors and residents daily, serve as a visible reminder of the challenges that remain — we expect this specific set of issues to be fully resolved in the very near future.

 

We remain intensely focused on ensuring that everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits Downtown Boston and surrounding neighborhoods is safe and feels safe. The health of our streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps is critically important in achieving this mission. A world-class city like Boston must have world-class infrastructure without exception - we look forward to continuing to partner with city agencies and other stakeholders to make this a reality.

MAYOR WU ADVISES CAUTION AMID HIGH TEMPERATURES

MAYOR WU ADVISES CAUTION AMID HIGH TEMPERATURES

BOSTON - Monday, July 28, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today issued a heat advisory for the City of Boston beginning today, Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 30 due to the current weather forecasts. The heat index for this period of time is forecasted to range from 90 degrees to 97 degrees. The threshold for a heat advisory in the City of Boston is three or more days with a heat index of 90 degrees. 

“As we experience another round of hot weather, our top priority is ensuring that residents and families, especially children and seniors, have the resources they need to stay cool, healthy and safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We encourage residents to take advantage of the pools and splash pads that are open, take breaks, stay hydrated and check on each other during the next few days of extreme temperatures.”

“Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. As temperatures rise, we’re urging all residents to take heat advisories seriously, check on neighbors, and use available cooling resources across the city. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of every Bostonian, especially our most vulnerable,” said Chief of Emergency Preparedness Adrian Jordan.

The City of Boston is taking critical immediate action to provide heat relief, including short-term, actionable steps toward relief during heat waves. The City of Boston has been engaging in a variety of projects to support extreme heat mitigation and improved health for residents. Anyone, regardless of their medical conditions, can feel the impacts of extreme heat. During a heat wave, Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experiences a 10-15% increase in calls to 9-1-1 for people of all ages. 

Splash pads are open at various parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Several city pools are also available for swimming. Find splash pad locations, and pool locations and operating hours at Boston.gov/pools. Learn more about how to create a free membership and register for a swim session at the indoor pools at Boston.gov/BCYF-registration. Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) centers are available today through Wednesday during their normal operating hours for people to come in and cool off. Boston Public Library locations are also available for residents to seek relief from the heat.  Patrons are always welcome to participate in BPL’s summer programming for kids, teens, and adults.

Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat (including videos of the tips in American Sign Language) and by following @CityofBoston on X. Residents can sign up for AlertBoston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email, or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available City services.

The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips:

• Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
• Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. More tips for cooling down at home can be found here.
• If you can’t avoid being outside, it’s critical to take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you’re not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
• Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. 
• Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
• Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.

Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness:

• If you notice individuals who seem unable to move or disoriented, or families living in vehicles, please ask them if they need help and call 9-1-1 immediately.
• The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St (men’s shelter) and 794 Massachusetts Ave (women’s shelter). These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty will be called at temperatures of 90 degrees or above, so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter out of the heat.
• The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat.
• Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing water on outreach routes.

Playground Safety:  

• Shoes should be worn outdoors, including playgrounds and turf athletic fields, as  surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even on splash pads and spray decks.

Outdoor Fires and Grilling:

• No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires.
• Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.
• Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.
• Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

The City of Boston’s work is guided by the Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston framework to prepare for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston. Visit boston.gov/heat regularly to learn more about the latest strategies for staying cool and to access the most up-to-date resources available. Each individual, family, and community’s plan may look different: from accessing one of Boston’s public pools or parks, or requesting a pop-up cooling kit for use at an outdoor event. You can read more about the strategies to stay cool this summer in the Summer Cooling Guide. In all extreme heat situations, please look out for your community, specifically heat-sensitive residents like elders, children, or unhoused people. 

ILF第26屆年會表揚12名領袖 討論籌建美國亞裔歷史文化博物館

國際領袖基金會頒獎表揚企業領袖。（周菊子攝）

(Boston Orange 周菊子華府綜合報導) 國際領袖基金會（International Leadership Foundation, 簡稱ILF）7月24日在華府（DC）舉辦2025年會，請政要分享經驗，邀專家討論人工智能，介紹美國亞太裔歷史文化博物館，台灣當代藝術家陳智權，頒獎表揚12名企業領袖。

ILF創辦人董繼玲（左五），美國前交通部，勞工部部長趙小蘭（右五）和
新英格蘭分會由共主席葉超（左四），以及左起章賢信，王曉元，
學生代表Sam，黃曉晴，萬寅生，甄牧師，才旭等人合影。（周菊子攝）

           ILF的這第26屆企業高峰會和領袖頒獎典禮，24日在美國白宮北邊的首都希爾頓酒店（Capital Hilton）舉行，有來自白宮，國會，州政府，全美各地及台灣分會的理事們，以及來自全美23所大學「青年領袖公民學者」，33名「青年領袖學院」高中生，共400多人出席。

「創辦人榮譽圈（Founder’s Circle）」成員和ILF創辦人董繼玲，Joel Szabat，
主席徐紹欽合影。（周菊子攝）

ILF新英格蘭分會由共主席葉超領隊，今年有9人參會。

一整天的會議，在午餐會議，爐邊座談之外，還有晚上的接待酒會與頒獎晚宴。

在午餐會時，還介紹了ILF在25週年慶時特別成立「創辦人榮譽圈（Founder’s Circle）」，邀請了陳智權、周筱玲、林月鏡、鍾莊惠玲、傅國彰、胡立民、何玲瓏、何俐俐、侯秀玉、李學海、劉效宏、盧蔓菁、羅麗芬、梅毅端、王榮玫、吳垣等人加入，今年（2025）再新增黃百齡、蘇哲生、谷季柔、Ebrahim Maghsoud 等4人，現共有20名各界翹楚。

ILF創辦人董繼玲表示，ILF從創辦以來，致力鼓勵年輕人參與公共事務，學習領導能力，建立人脈關係，以成為有能力，有理想的下一代亞裔領導人。

出席政要，左三起，方文思，趙美心，ILF創辦人董繼玲，劉雲平，金映玉等人
合影。（周菊子攝）

她說，ILF深感榮幸，創立迄今，已在全美設有約20個分會，發獎學金給1萬多名年輕人提供進入聯邦政府實習的機會。她們不但串聯起商界、民間、青年和基層社群力量，還透過青年公民獎學金，青年創業計畫，全球交流活動，商業計劃比賽，職涯輔導等許多項目，幫助青少年成長，培植其實力。

都來自加州的國會議員趙美心、劉雲平、金映玉（Young Kim），方文思（Vince Fong）等人在午餐會議中，一一致詞，發表感言。

趙美心表示，這些年來，亞裔國會議員包括3名參議員，21名眾議員，總人數已增至24，在國會中佔到4.4%，比起早年的屈指可數，大有進步，但是距離聲音要被全美聽見，仍有待努力。

ILF個分會會長合影。（周菊子攝）

劉雲平則指出，近年來亞裔學者遭遇有針對性的調查，檢驗，讓許多人的學術生涯與生活，發生天翻地覆轉變，亞裔必須更加團結，導正這現象。

爐邊座談有2場，一場談人工智能，一場談美國亞太裔歷史文化博物館。

ILF新英格蘭分會會長葉超（左）獲頒傑出社區服務獎。（周菊子攝）

人工智能座談由Jupiter One董事長鄭爾康(Erkang Zheng)主持，曾在川普總統第一屆任期內出任白宮亞太裔顧問委員會主席的徐氏教育基金會創辦人徐紹欽博士（Paul Hsu），FANUC高階研究實驗室顧問蔡啟庚（Jason Tsai）。

蔡啟庚指人工智能發展迅速，如今已漸深入人們生活的每一個層面。徐紹欽則強調，人工智能固然帶來效率與便利，但並無法取代人類的獨立完成所有工作，人們需要的是學習使用，駕馭人工智能。

國會議員劉雲平（又）送上一份表揚狀給國際領袖基金會。（周菊子攝）

美國亞太裔歷史文化博物館座談由前白宮亞太裔顧問委員會執行主任魏郁婷 （Tina Wei Smith）主持，美國第18任交通部長和第24任勞工部長趙小蘭（Elain Chao）和舊金山亞洲藝術博物館名譽館長許杰（Jay Xu），國家亞太裔歷史文化博物館之友會聯合創始李景漢（Handel Lee）與談”國家亞太裔博物館的重要性：不只是一個地方，一個傳承（The Significance of a National APA Museum: More Than a Place, a Legacy）”。

美國總統拜登（Joe Biden）在2022年6月簽署了H.R. 3525法案，授權國會成立一個8人委員會，研議建立一個美國亞裔歷史文化博物館的可行性，並在18個月之內，交出一份包括行動計劃，收藏品，費用，潛在地點，經費計劃的評估報告。

趙美心是現今最資深的亞裔美國國會議員。（周菊子攝）

          ILF創辦人董繼玲以全國亞太裔總商會（National ACE）會長身份，和美國藝術與科學學院首位亞裔博物館館長院士許杰一起被任命為這委員會的共同主席，和魏郁婷等委員，今年6月在國會圖書館宣誓就任，正式啟動相關研，接著聘僱了Krystal Ka'ai Hetherington出任委員會執行主任。

韓裔的金映玉自從當選為國會議員，每年都來參加ILF年會。（周菊子攝）

        趙小蘭指出，從國家非洲歷史文化博物館的動議到建成，耗時數十年，甚至近百年，即使從國會立法授權到建成，都歷經13年來看，要建一座國家亞太裔歷史文化博物館絕對不容易，但以亞裔落腳美國已數百年，在美國主流社會中仍有如隱形族群，建這博物館的意義絕對重大，亞裔社區必須有耐心地堅持努力，她本人十分願意從旁出力。

趙小蘭還指出，亞裔不是單一族群，有著非常多元的文化背景，如何包容並蓄，將是研議委員們的一大挑戰。

魏郁婷表示，由於聯邦政府並未撥給研議經費，美國亞太裔歷史文化博物館的研議委員們必須自行籌款，來從事相關研議活動，也使此事更加任重道遠。

加州國會議員方文思。（周菊子攝）

           美國商務部政府事務主管，曾任聯邦眾議員的Rodney Davis也應邀出席分享經驗。他闡述了自己從農村小鎮出生，成長，一路踏進國會殿堂與聯邦政府的歷程，忠告年輕人待人以友善，才走得長遠。

當晚在頒獎晚宴上，ILF頒發6個獎項，表揚12人。

魏郁婷（左起）主持，徐杰，趙小蘭，李景漢與談成立美國亞裔歷史文化博物館
的重要性。（周菊子攝）

獲得企業領袖獎的有Enterprise Solutions創始人Roberto Llames，紐約房地產開發及建築公司New Empire的董事長兼執行長趙汝尚（Bentley Zhao）。

            獲得國際企業領袖獎的有名硯營銷執行長姜怡伶（Angela Chiang），國際農業永續發展協會(IAAS)創始人傅國彰（Michael Fu）。

獲得社區服務領袖獎的有Cary Raleigh Realty總裁及亞裔美國新聞網創辦人陳海娜(Hanna Chan) ，CQC高階護理系統總裁的長照與醫療管理專家楊逸鴻(Theresa Chang)博士，創辦北美大學的谷季柔（Jill Mattin），達拉斯教育諮詢公司創辦人孫聖 （Ivy Sun），王氏會計公司總裁王榮玫（Rosemary Wang）。

ILF各地分會會長與趙小蘭和ILF共同創辦人合影。（周菊子攝）

            獲得啟蒙獎的有Agape 牙科集團總裁暨愛加倍亞洲宣教團牧師吳怡明（Ye-Min Wu）博士。

獲得和平與藝術獎的有因創作「祝福熊貓」享譽國際的高資敏（Tzu-Min Kao）博士 。

獲得前鋒開拓者獎的金字塔系統公司董事長兼聯合創始人黃國清（Jeff Hwang）。

ILF學員們合影。（周菊子攝）

           在頒獎晚宴中，ILF創辦人董繼玲還特別介紹了來自台灣的當代藝術家陳智權（Aka Chen），播放了他在洛杉磯和休士頓自然科學博物館展出，呈現純鈦藝術創作哲思的紀錄片。根據ILF資料，陳智權以其個人英文姓名為品牌，融合宋代文人美學與現代雕塑理念的作品，曾在美國Bowers博物館，目前在休士頓自然科學博物館展出，並獲得英國V&A博物館永久典藏。

ILF主席，徐氏教育基金會創辦人徐紹欽致詞。（周菊子攝）

趙小蘭闡述亞裔在美國，仍需爭取發聲機會。（周菊子攝）

趙汝尚（右）獲頒國際企業領袖獎。（周菊子攝）

姜怡伶（左）獲頒國際企業領袖獎。（周菊子攝）

ILF新英格蘭分會主席葉超（右），黃曉晴（左一）等人
特地和來自布朗大學的公民學者（右二）合影。（周菊子攝）

ILF年會的今年行程，包括參觀白宮。（周菊子攝）