人生一定要有的八個朋友：
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
*******************
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Baker-Polito Administration Submits Revised Fiscal
Year 2021 Budget Proposal
BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today submitted a revised
Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget recommendation. The $45.5 billion proposal
is fiscally disciplined and makes substantial investments in economic
development and education, while protecting core government services amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic. The balanced proposal does not rely on new taxes and
protects substantial financial reserves for the future
The revised FY21 budget
proposal includes over $100 million to support economic development and small
business efforts as the Commonwealth continues to recover from the impact of
COVID-19. With the Administration’s revised budget submission, the Commonwealth
is supporting historic investments in local schools during these challenging
times, including a $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment in
this budget proposal, and at least $442 million in federal supports for K-12
schools.
“Our revised FY21 budget
proposal enables the Commonwealth to make significant investments to promote
economic growth, support our schools, and maintain essential services without
raising taxes on our residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Thanks to
our careful fiscal management over the last five years, the Commonwealth is
well-positioned to address the budget challenges associated with this pandemic.
This responsibly balanced budget protects local aid funding for cities and
towns across the Commonwealth, recognizes record investments in Massachusetts
students, recommends over $100 million in additional funding for economic and
small business recovery efforts, and sustains eligibility and benefit levels in
social safety net programs. We look forward to working quickly with the
Legislature to adopt a full spending plan for FY21.”
“Our revised budget
recommendation provides critical support for every municipality in
Massachusetts and continues funding key priorities that matter to the people of
the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The
Administration’s proposal continues making significant investments to address
many priority issues, including sexual assault and domestic violence
prevention, substance abuse treatment, public safety and first responders, care
for senior citizens, and support for children and families.
“By maximizing the use of
available revenue from the federal government, and maintaining fiscal
responsibility, this balanced recommendation protects core government services
without relying on new taxes,” said Administration and Finance Secretary
Michael J. Heffernan. “The FY21 revised budget proposal continues our
strong, productive relationship with the Legislature by funding critical
programs and services while limiting future budget exposure to ongoing economic
uncertainties related to the COVID-19 public heath epidemic.”
Fiscal Overview
The revised FY21 budget,
known as Revised House 2, is built on the revised FY21 $27.592 billion tax
revenue forecast. This figure was revised from the consensus revenue agreement
announced in January and reflects the budgetary and economic impacts of
COVID-19.
The budget proposes a total
of $45.5 billion in gross spending, excluding the Medical Assistance Trust Fund
transfer, which reflects approximately 3.8% growth in spending over Fiscal Year
2020 (FY20). This represents an increase over the original House 2 spending
proposal, primarily as the result of increased caseload costs at MassHealth
related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revised House 2 authorizes a
withdrawal of up to $1.35 billion from the Stabilization Fund, which would be
reduced should tax collections or new federal revenue exceed the
Administration’s current conservative assumptions. The $1.35 billion withdrawal
represents under 3% of the budget and is consistent with the Administration’s
focus on flexibility and discipline during the COVID-19 emergency. This
proposal would leave the fund with a balance of approximately $2.21 billion, a
significant buffer in the event of future budgetary constraints in Fiscal Year
2022 and beyond. Thanks to sound fiscal management by the Administration and
the legislative partners, the balance of the Stabilization Fund has increased
threefold since 2015 and is currently $3.5 billion.
COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 has infected
millions of people worldwide, devastated public health systems, and resulted in
over 200,000 deaths across the United States. This novel, highly contagious
virus has created an unprecedented public health crisis and impacted nearly
every aspect of life for people in Massachusetts and throughout the world.
The state response to this
pandemic has included emergency measures and funding to address a wide range of
critical priorities – including health care, transportation, education,
unemployment insurance, and more. To ensure the health, safety, and well-being
of residents throughout the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration, in
partnership with state, local, and federal officials, has already committed
nearly $3 billion in funding since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, largely
from off-budget federal funds. This includes significant resources in key areas
such as food insecurity, housing, public health, healthcare, and human
services, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), education, support for local
cities and towns, and economic development.
The Administration is
continuing to pursue aggressive measures, both on and off-budget, through a
variety of funding sources, to minimize transmission of the virus, address a variety
of needs exacerbated by the public health emergency, and support the ongoing
economic recovery.
The Administration’s balanced
and fiscally responsible plan submitted today builds on the ongoing COVID-19
response and off-budget supports by making investments across key areas
including:
Supporting Record
Investments in Massachusetts Students
Despite the fiscal challenges
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baker-Polito Administration is continuing
to support record investments in Massachusetts students and ensure they have
the opportunities and resources to grow and succeed.
Revised House 2 protects
education funding and, after recognizing the significant level of federal
funding available to cities, towns, and school districts, total year-over-year
K-12 education spending is more than what was originally proposed in House 2,
which fully funded the first year of the Student Opportunity Act. This includes
a $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment in this budget, and
at least $442 million in federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with
educating our students during the public health crisis.
Protecting Essential
Government Services
This revised FY21 budget
sustains eligibility and benefit levels for social safety net programs such as
MassHealth, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC),
child-care vouchers, Prescription Advantage, HomeCare, Chapter 115 veteran benefits,
and the Turning 22 program. The proposal also preserves Chapter 257 rate
increases using a new rate methodology that better reflects the cost of
benchmarking direct care and clinical staff wages.
This budget proposal
continues support for the Community Compact Cabinet Program, which is chaired
by Lieutenant Governor Polito and provides municipalities with meaningful
assistance and resources in delivering quality services to the Commonwealth’s
citizens. The revised FY21 budget recommends $4 million in funding for
Community Compact related programs including best practices and regionalization
and efficiency grants. Additionally, the budget includes $4.8 million for the
Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public
Safety and Security, as well as $3 million for district local technical
assistance.
Promoting Economic
Development and Small Business Recovery
To generate economic growth
amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and support Main Streets across Massachusetts,
Revised House 2 recommends over $100 million in additional funding for economic
recovery and development efforts. This new initiative will be supported by the
sales tax acceleration and will assist local communities and small and diverse
businesses throughout the Commonwealth as they navigate the COVID-19 economic
landscape.
This $100 million initiative
complements the Administration’s $275 million economic recovery package, which
was announced in June as an update to the Administration’s Act Enabling
Partnerships for Growth, the economic development legislation originally filed
on March 4, 2020.
Health and Human Services
Since taking office, and
throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Baker-Polito
Administration has championed significant investments and improvements in
health and human services programs to strengthen the health, resilience, and
safety of individuals and families across Massachusetts.
Revised House 2 continues the
Administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for patients and increase access
to care. The proposal recommends funding the Executive Office of Health and
Human Services (EOHHS) at $25.254 billion, excluding supplemental payments to
hospitals, a $1.430 billion (6%) increase over the FY20 budget.
This includes $160 million for
Chapter 257 human service provider rate increases under a new rate methodology
that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care and clinical staff
wages. These significant rate increases reflect the Administration’s ongoing
commitment to supporting and strengthening human service programs so they can
deliver meaningful service to citizens throughout Massachusetts.
Caring for Seniors
The Baker-Polito
Administration has put age-friendly policies at the forefront of its agenda
since taking office. Given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on seniors and
high-risk individuals, the Administration is redoubling its efforts to pursue
significant investments in supporting older adults and ensuring they have
adequate care during this challenging time.
Revised House 2 proposes
funding the Executive Office of Elder affairs at $575.5 million, which furthers
the Administration’s commitment to supporting older adults in Massachusetts to
remain active, contributing and engaged members of their communities.
The revised FY21 budget
includes $16.5 million in support of grants to Local Councils on Aging and an
increase of $9.7 million above the FY20 budget to support consumer growth in
the state Home Care Program, which provides care management and in-home support
services to help eligible elders age in place. The proposal also includes a
$4.7 million increase for the Community Choices Program, which provides
MassHealth-eligible elders with nursing facility levels of need with home care
support.
The proposal also includes
language from an FY20 supplemental budget that provides the Department of
Public Health with greater authority to take action against a nursing facility
in order to protect resident health and safety. This includes authorizing the
Department to restrict or suspend a license for cause rather than only when an
imminent risk of harm exists.
Housing and Homelessness
The Baker-Polito
Administration recognizes that the challenges of COVID-19 have exacerbated
existing housing concerns and disproportionally impacted vulnerable
populations. The Administration recently announced a comprehensive set of
resources, known as the Eviction Diversion Initiative, to support tenants and
landlords during the financial challenges caused by the pandemic. This Eviction
Diversion Initiative comprises a $171 million total commitment this fiscal
year, of which $112 million was first announced this week to support new and
expanded housing stability programs during the remainder of the fiscal year.
The revised FY21 budget
proposal continues support for the most vulnerable populations, providing
$181.7 million for the Emergency Assistance family shelter system, of which
$1.8 million will help support 40 new family shelter units that are compliant
with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to accommodate homeless
families that include a person with disabilities. The budget recommends $53.4
million to maintain an estimated 3,036 beds, services, and day programs at
homeless shelters for individuals.
The Administration has
decreased the number of families temporarily sheltered in hotels and motels
from approximately 1,500 families in January 2015 to just 12 families as of
October 2020. This significant achievement has been made possible in part due
to the availability of additional housing and shelter options through budgetary
resources.
Revised House 2 also
recommends $122.7 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP),
$72 million for local housing authorities, and other significant investments.
Workforce Development
The COVID-19 global health
emergency and the related economic challenges have impacted the livelihood of
employers and workers across the Commonwealth. Revised House 2 proposes a total
of $8.4 million in funding to transform vocational high schools into Career
Technical Institutes running three shifts per day. This initiative is designed
to train 20,000 new workers over four years in skilled trades and technical
fields including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics. This will consist
of a combination of enrolling more high school students in high-impact
vocational trade programs and expanding capacity for adults to earn
industry-based credentials, aligned to apprenticeships and post-secondary
degrees.
The plan to develop Career
Technical Institutes utilizes a multi-pronged approach to increase student
demand, boost business involvement in program development and credentials,
reduce licensure barriers to enable mid-career professionals to become
vocational teachers, and create incentives for completion and post-graduate
employment through a pay-for-performance funding model
Black Advisory Commission
and Latino Advisory Commission
As the Administration
continues to support communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic, the recommendations of the Governor’s Black and Latino Advisory
Commission remain critically important. Governor Baker created the two
commissions in 2017 to guide the Administration’s work to promote racial equity
and support diverse communities, and the Administration has been committed to
implementing the commissions’ recommendations. Revised House 2 continues
supporting the recommendations of the Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and the
Latino Advisory Commission (LAC) with numerous significant investments which
are especially important in the context of this pandemic.
This includes funding several
key programs including:
$5.9
million for Adult Basic Education (ABE) to continue to provide integrated
workforce development training programs for adult learners, including
English for speakers of other languages
$3.1
million to continue recruitment efforts to enroll more Black and Latino
youth in Youth Works Summer Jobs
$2.5
million to fund a grant program which invests in local entrepreneurs and
support workforce trainings through the Executive Office of Housing and
Economic Development
$1.5
million for the STEM Pipeline Fund to expand applied learning through
student internships, evidence-based curriculum and professional
development, establish STEM teacher externships, and grow early career
Innovation Pathways in order to help increase participation in STEM by
under-represented student groups
$750,000
to expand the “Learn to Earn” initiative, a career pathway model that
connects unemployed or underemployed individuals receiving public
assistance to high-demand career pathways
Addressing Sexual Assault
and Domestic Violence
In some circumstances, the
COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing have increased risks for
survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. This includes instances
where survivors must isolate or quarantine at home with an abuser and
experience physical, emotional, or mental challenges. Revised House 2
recognizes this critical need and continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s
ongoing efforts to strengthen and improve sexual assault and domestic violence
prevention services.
In April 2015, Governor Baker
re-launched the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic
Violence and elevated the Council to the Governor’s Office. Over the last five
years, with Lieutenant Governor Polito as Chair, the Council has successfully
worked to help individuals, children, and families of the Commonwealth live a
life free of sexual assault and domestic violence. The Council has advanced
several important initiatives such as undertaking a 2018 Action Plan to address
five priority areas including assessment and response, human trafficking,
military veterans and families, housing stability and self-sufficiency, as well
as prevention and education.
The revised FY21 budget
proposal recommends a total investment of $82.8 million to address this key
priority, a $2.4 million (3%) increase over the FY20 budget and a nearly 30%
increase from FY15.
THE BAKER-POLITO
ADMINISTRATION’S REVISED FY21 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS BY NUMBERS
Core Services
Increases
Chapter 70 education aid to local municipalities by $108 million – for a
total investment of $5.284 billion
Maintains
the FY20 Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) investment of $1.129
billion to local cities and towns
$4
million in funding for Community Compact related programs including best
practices and regionalization and efficiency grants
$4.8
million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
$3
million for district local technical assistance
Economic Development
Over
$100 million in additional funding for economic recovery and small
business relief efforts
$35
million for grants for small businesses, particularly businesses in
underserved markets, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned
businesses, and those who have not yet received federal aid
$35
million for community development financial institutions (CDFI) grants
and loans
$15
million for matching grants for capital investments by businesses with
twenty or fewer employers
$7.7
million for technical assistance and grants, including for small business
online and digital tools
$6
million total for regional recovery planning grants, an increase of $5
million over FY20
$3
million increase over FY20 for small business technical assistance, which
translates to a $6 million total investment
Education
Protects
education funding and, after recognizing the significant level of federal
funding available to cities, towns, and school districts, total
year-over-year K-12 education spending is more than what was originally
proposed in House 2, which fully funded the first year of the Student
Opportunity Act
$108
million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment
Recognizes
at least $442 million in federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with
educating our students during the public health crisis
Early Education
$775
million for Early Education and Care
$85.2
million for a new trust fund to support future caseload increases and
initiatives to improve early education and care
$10
million for future revisions to the sliding parent fee schedule reductions
in parent contributions
Higher Education
$1.298
billion investment for the Department of Higher Education, University of
Massachusetts, and state universities and community colleges, representing
a $14.8 million (1.1%) increase over the FY20 budget
Approximately
$900,000 increase above the FY20 budget for financial aid and fee waiver
programs at college campuses to maintain support for students currently or
previously in the custody and care of the Department of Children and
Families (DCF), or who have been adopted through DCF
Health and Human Services
$25.254
million for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS),
excluding supplemental payments to hospitals, a $1.915 billion (8%)
increase over the FY20 budget
$160
million for Chapter 257 human service provider rate increases under a new
rate methodology that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care
and clinical staff wages
Caring for Seniors
$575.5
million for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
$16.5
million in support of grants to Local Councils on Aging and an increase of
$9.7 million above the FY20 budget
$4.7
million increase for the Community Choices Program
MassHealth
$18.261
billion gross, $6.617 billion net funding for MassHealth, a change of
10.1% gross, 0.1% net, versus the FY20 budget
These
changes incorporate COVID-19 related increases in caseload support and
members, as well as costs for the public health response and provider
relief
This
investment also includes the conclusion of the temporary, enhanced
Employer Medical Assistance Contribution that was completed at the end of
calendar year 2019, per statute
Children and Families
$1.063
billion for the Department of Children and Families, marking a $236
million increase since 2015
o$9 million to support continued progress
toward a maximum caseload level of 15 clients per caseworker
o$7.1 million to sustain investments made
in FY20 for the expansion of support and stabilization services for foster
parents, and services and supports for transition-age youth
$10
million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative
Individuals with
Disabilities
Fully
funds the Turning 22 Program at the Department of Developmental Services
(DDS) and other agencies
$2.112
billion for DDS, an increase of $20.7 million over the FY20 budget
Behavioral Health
$904.2
million for the Department of Mental Health
$91 million
for Adult Community and Clinical Services
$4.5
million for DMH’s jail and arrest diversion programs
Housing and Homelessness
$181.7
million for the Emergency Assistance family shelter system
$122.7
million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
$72
million in funding for local housing authorities
$53.4
million to maintain an estimated 3,036 beds, services, and day programs at
homeless shelters for individuals.
Transportation
$1.269
billion in total operating budget transfers for the MBTA, an increase of
$64 million over FY20
$386
million in the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), an
increase of $40 million over FY20 to fund snow and ice operations
$90.5
million for Regional Transit Authorities
$800,000
increase for the Merit Rating Board
Black Advisory Commission
and Latino Advisory Commission
$5.9
million for Adult Basic Education (ABE)
$3.1
million to continue recruitment efforts to enroll more Black and Latino
youth in Youth Works Summer Jobs
$2.5
million to fund a grant program which invests in local entrepreneurs and
support workforce trainings through the Executive Office of Housing and
Economic Developmen
$1.5
million for the STEM Pipeline Fund
$750,000
to expand the “Learn to Earn” initiative
Sexual Assault and
Domestic Violence
$82.8
million to address this key priority, a $2.4 million (3%) increase over
the FY20 budget and a nearly 30% increase from FY15
$46.9
million in funding for the Department of Public Health to carry out
domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as
well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and
their children
$31.2
million for providing shelter, services, and housing assistance for
individuals and families who are victims or at risk of domestic abuse in
their current living situations
$6
million to support statewide sexual assault nurse examiner programs for
adults and adolescents in hospital settings, and pediatric sexual assault
nurse examiner programs in child advocacy centers
Criminal Justice and
Public Safety
$747.1
million for the Department of Correction, including $203.3 million for
medical and mental health contract costs
$411.4
million for State Police public safety and crime lab operations and
includes support for the 86th RTT class
$62.9
million to continue funding for the clinical contract at Bridgewater State
Hospital
$11
million in funding for the Shannon Grant program to fund anti-gang and
youth violence prevention efforts
$10.4
million to fully fund tuition and fee waivers for National Guard members
$5.4
million for the Municipal Police Training Committee which develops,
delivers, and enforces training standards of municipal, University of
Massachusetts, and Environmental police officers
Modernizing and Security
Government IT
$135.6
million for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security to
support
Managing
a new cybersecurity operations center which provides 24/7 monitoring
capabilities of systems to identify and help mitigate potential cyber
threats
Implementing
a security incident event management software platform for threat
monitoring and analytics
Centralized
software and IT contract compliance program
Energy and the Environment
$288.5
million for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
(EOEEA)
$98.9
million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation
$62.4
million for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
$31.8
million in funding for the Department of Fish and Game
$20.8
million for the Department of Public Utilities
$4.5
million for the Department of Energy Resources
$1.4
million to address the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern
Equine Encephalitis
To access the Governor’s
filing letter, budget message, and specific account information click here.
Governor Baker, New England Governors Call for
Modernization of Regional Electricity System
Five Northeast
Governors Seek Reform of Market Design, Transmission Planning, and Governance
Needed to Achieve States’ Mandates for Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Power
BOSTON — Recognizing the critical role that New
England’s regional wholesale electricity market plays in addressing
climate change and cost-effectively reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas
emissions, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Governors from four
Northeast states today issued a statement
calling for reforms needed to achieve their states’ respective goals for clean,
affordable, and reliable electricity.
“To meet to our
Administration’s goal of net zero emissions in Massachusetts by 2050, the
Commonwealth needs a regional electricity system that can support the delivery
of clean, affordable, and reliable energy to residents and businesses,” said
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “My administration looks forward to
working with our partner states, ISO-New England and stakeholders to build a
more transparent, modern and cost-effective power system that will allow New
England states to meet our ambitious climate change and clean energy goals
while creating a better future for our residents.”
The statement, signed by
Governor Baker, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Maine Governor Janet Mills,
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott, calls for
reform of the regional electricity market design, transmission planning
process, and the governance of the ISO-New England, the independent system
operator for the New England power system. A Vision document outlining
specific areas for reform will be released later this week through the New
England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE), a non-profit entity that represents
the collective perspective of the New England states in regional electricity
matters.
“When Connecticut deregulated
our electricity sector, we were promised competition, lower risk for
ratepayers, more affordable electricity, and a system that respects and
accommodates our clean energy mandates,” said Connecticut Governor Ned
Lamont. “What we got is a system that has actively hindered our efforts to
decarbonize the grid, and imposed burdensome costs on Connecticut ratepayers to
fix market design failures. Working together with our neighboring states, I’m
committed to achieving a regional electricity grid that provides the
affordable, clean, and reliable electricity that Connecticut families and
businesses deserve.”
“It is far past time
that New England reforms how its electric grid is managed,” said
Maine Governor Janet Mills. “The wholesale electricity markets
must advance and support clean energy laws and policies, as the
states demand decarbonization and markets and consumers support more renewables.
ISO-New England must keep pace with state priorities and it must be
more transparent and accountable in its decision making, broadening its focus
to include consumer and environment concerns as well as reliability and cost.”
“Here in Rhode Island, we're
committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonizing our
future. I’m proud that we're on track to achieving 100% renewable energy by
2030,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “In order to meet
our shared clean energy goals and aggressively combat climate change, it’s
clear we need to take a regional approach.”
“I’ve long said our work to
address climate change can and must also work to make energy more affordable
for Vermonters, so I’m pleased to be a part of this regional approach to
achieving both of these priorities,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott.
“With a strategic, multi-state approach we can have a greater impact on both
climate change mitigation and energy affordability.”
In the coming months, the
states will convene open and accessible forums to ensure that all interested
stakeholders have an opportunity to participate in further refinement of the
principles of the shared Vision.
MAYOR
WALSH ANNOUNCES COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING SITE RETURNS TO EAST BOSTON;
CREATES SECOND SITE TO SERVE MORE RESIDENTS
Second
mobile site will be in partnership with Whittier Street Health Center,
starting at Nubian Square in Roxbury
BOSTON
- Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh yesterday announced a
new partnership with Whittier Street Health Center, adding a second team to
the City of Boston's COVID-19 mobile testing capacity. This new site is now
located in Nubian Square, in the Blair Parking Lot onPalmer Street and
Harrison Avenue. Additionally, the first COVID-19 mobile testing team, in
partnership with East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, has returned to
East Boston at Central Square Park on Border Street across from Liberty
Plaza Shopping Center. Both testing sites are available for everyone
through Saturday, October 24, 2020.
"Making
COVID-19 testing accessible for more Bostonians must continue to be one of
our top priorities as we respond to the ongoing pandemic. This gives
residents clarity and the data guides our cautious, phased reopening,"
said Mayor Walsh. "Thank you to East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
for remaining our partner in keeping residents healthy and bringing vital
resources where they are needed. We are looking forward to working with
Whittier Street Health Center to expand our mobile testing capacity, which
will directly fill in testing gaps where needed."
"We
are thrilled to partner with the City of Boston to expand access to testing
for all - regardless of whether they have symptoms - and whether they are
at risk of spreading the infection to others," said Frederica M.
Williams president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center. "Testing
plays a critical role in the efforts to contain and mitigate the COVID-19
pandemic by identifying infected individuals to help prevent further
person-to-person transmission of COVID-19."
Whittier Street Health Center: Nubian Square in Roxbury
In
Nubian Square, testing is now available through Saturday, October 24, 2020
during the dates and hours listed below in the Blair Parking Lot
on Palmer Street and Harrison Avenue. Anyone can be tested at no cost
and regardless of COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals are asked to register by
calling 617-858-2406.
The
dates and hours of operation are:
Wednesday, October 14 - Friday,
October 16: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17: 10:00
a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20 - Friday,
October 23: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24: 10:00
a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
East Boston Neighborhood Health Center: Central Square in East
Boston
In
East Boston's Central Square, testing is now available through Saturday,
October 24 on Border Street across from Liberty Plaza Shopping Center.
Testing is available at no cost for everyone. Individuals are asked to
register by calling 617-568-4500.
The
dates and hours of operation are:
Wednesday, October 14: 8:30
a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 15 - Friday,
October 16: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17: 10:00
a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20: 1:00 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21: 8:30
a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 22 - Friday,
October 23: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24: 10:00
a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
"We
thank Mayor Walsh and his team for prioritizing East Boston and welcome the
opportunity to provide additional testing capacity to residents in our
community. Our sites are safe, convenient, and operated by trusted
resources in East Boston," said East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
president and CEO Manny Lopes. "We are asking community members to get
tested to protect themselves and their loved ones. Together, we can control
the spread in this community and across this area."
The
mobile site testing initiative was announced by Mayor Walsh in May as a way
to help fill any gaps in testing availability, prioritizing neighborhoods
and populations that need dedicated testing efforts to create equitable
access to testing. The first mobile testing team has previously been
located in Roxbury, Allston, South Boston, Mattapan, East Boston, and
Dorchester. At the Dorchester mobile site in Grove Hall, there were 702
COVID-19 tests ordered. Of results received, 2.86 percent tested positive
for COVID-19.
In
addition to the City's two mobile testing sites, COVID-19 testing is
available at nearly 30 locations across the city. Individuals can call the
Mayor's Health Line with any questions using 617-534-5050. For a complete
list of all testing sites, visit here.
The
City of Boston has been partnering with community health centers to
increase access to testing, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing
higher rates of COVID-19. As of Monday, October 5, 2020, there were 297,125
COVID-19 tests of Boston residents. Out of 297,125 total tests, 6.2% have
tested positive. For all Boston residents, the positivity for tests
increased from 3.9% for the prior week (September 22 - 28) to 4.1% for the
current week (September 29 - October 5). The latest numbers of cases from
the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) by neighborhoods are available here.
Mayor
Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee have dedicated over
$1,794,825 to expand COVID-19 testing and conduct culturally appropriate
outreach and education to community health centers across City of Boston
neighborhoods, including Bowdoin Street Community Health Center, Codman
Square Community Health Center, The Dimock Center, DotHouse Health,
Mattapan Community Health Center, Uphams Corner Community Health Center,
Whittier Street Community Health Center, Charles River Community Health,
Fenway Health, Greater Roslindale Medical & Dental Center, Harbor
Health, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Harvard Street Neighborhood
Health Center, Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, South Boston Community
Health Center, NEW Health Charlestown, South End Community Health Center,
and Brookside Community Health Center. The Fund has also supported
telehealth services and equipment at those community health centers as well
to connect testing to safe treatment options at home.
Resources
and information about COVID-19 are available online. Resources available on
boston.gov and through City departments include support for renters and
homeowners; small businesses; free meals for Boston students; free
toiletries for Boston students; support for older residents; information on
homeless shelters; resources for those in recovery or those who have a
substance use disorder; and mental health resources. More information on
Boston's reopening can be found at boston.gov/reopening.
For
additional questions or programs, please visit our coronavirus website or
call 3-1-1, Boston's 24-hour constituent hotline. Text BOSCOVID to 888-777
to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in 11 languages.
