第127屆波士頓馬拉松賽將有世界紀錄保持者和6名波士頓冠軍參加

World Record Holder, World Champion, Six Boston Winners to Square Off at 127^th Boston Marathon

 

• Historic lineup to include Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, 2022 World Athletics Marathon gold medalist Gotytom Gebreslase, defending Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet plus five additional Boston winners.

 

• Media availability with Eliud Kipchoge on Monday, December 5; Details & RSVP below

 

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) proudly announced today that marathon world record holder and double Olympic marathon gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge, as well as reigning World Athletics Marathon champion Gotytom Gebreslase, will each make their Boston Marathon debuts in April, joining six distinguished Boston Marathon champions on the starting line of the 127^th Boston Marathon. Among the Boston Marathon champions set to race are reigning winner Evans Chebet of Kenya and Des Linden, the most recent American open division champion.

 

The 127^th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 – Patriots’ Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—and will feature 30,000 participants.

 

“The B.A.A. is bringing the world’s best to Boston to compete on the renowned 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston,” said Mary Kate Shea, B.A.A. Director of Professional Athletes & Technical Support. “World record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, World Champion Gotytom Gebreslase and six Boston Marathon winners will challenge themselves, each other and a deep field of accomplished athletes on our sport’s famed stage.”

 

Defending Boston Marathon champion Chebet, 2021 winner Benson Kipruto, and two-time victor Lelisa Desisa (2013 and 2015) will be part of an historically deep men’s open division. Among the returning champions in the women’s field are Linden (2018), Edna Kiplagat (2017) and Atsede Baysa (2016). 

 

As the fastest marathoner in history, Kipchoge will take on the challenging Boston Marathon course with hopes of earning his eleventh win at an Abbott World Marathon Majors event. Kipchoge’s last marathon resulted in a new world record when he timed 2:01:09 for the win at September’s Berlin Marathon. Kipchoge’s lifetime best is 1:59:40, run at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge exhibition event in 2019 where he became the first man ever to cover 26.2 miles in under two hours. The 38-year-old looks to become the only man in history to have established a marathon world record, won two Olympic marathon gold medals, and break the tape first in Boston over the span of their career.

 

“I am happy to announce in April I will compete in the Boston Marathon, a new chapter in my Abbott World Marathon Majors journey,” said Kipchoge. “Good luck to all the runners running Boston in 2023.”

 

Joining Kipchoge among the contingent from Kenya is Evans Chebet, who stormed to a 2:06:51 win at April’s Boston Marathon then ran to victory at the TCS New York City Marathon in November. In 2022, Chebet became just the sixth man in history to win the Boston and New York City Marathons in the same year.

 

“To be a champion in Boston is something very special and for me it has even more meaning because it took me quite some time during my career to be competitive enough to finally win the oldest marathon in the world,” said Chebet. “I can’t wait to be back and to enjoy the great atmosphere of such a unique and historical race!”

 

Chebet’s training partner, Benson Kipruto, also returns; he won the 2022 Chicago Marathon in addition to claiming Boston in October of 2021.

 

“Boston is more than simply a place for me to race,” said Kipruto. “It has become so familiar to me that just the idea of making the journey there once again gets me kind of emotional. Even now, in these months to come, I promise to concentrate and dedicate my time and training to be at my best and to ensure that I will honor this special opportunity, once again. Thank you Boston for having me back!”

 

Desisa enters Boston with vital experience, having placed in the top-two four times at the Boston Marathon (wins in 2013 and 2015 and second-place finishes in 2016 and 2019). April marks the ten-year anniversary of his victory in 2013, one in which he donated his champion’s medal back to the City of Boston in recognition of the tragedy of April 15, 2013.

 

“There is no one in athletics who will be more focused than me this spring in racing, as I look to once again win the Boston Marathon,” said Desisa. “Ten years since my first victory – I understand what this anniversary means and I would love nothing more than to put my name into the history of the race again. I stand with the people of Boston and I will be running the race of my life for you all. We are Boston Strong!”

 

While this will be Gotytom Gebreslase’s first Boston Marathon, it is far from her first time racing in Boston. The Ethiopian world champion has finished runner-up at the B.A.A. Half Marathon twice and has placed in the top-five three times at the B.A.A. 5K on Patriots’ Day weekend. Beyond winning a world title in 2022, Gebreslase placed third at both the Berlin Marathon and New York City Marathons this year.

 

“I am very happy to compete in the Boston Marathon 2023, as Boston is one of the most famous races in the world,” said Gebreslase. “It has long been a dream of mine to win the race. When I was a young track athlete, I raced many time in Boston in indoor races and then on the roads in the B.A.A. 5K. So, I am very excited and happy to bring my career full circle and come back to Boston now as the World Champion with a chance to add the Boston Marathon Champion to my resume! See you on the start line!”

 

Representing America is Linden, racing in her tenth Boston Marathon. April’s race will mark the five-year anniversary of her memorable 2018 victory in the torrential rain, when she ended a 33-year American women’s drought in the open division. Linden has five top-five finishes, a win and a runner-up placing to her name in Boston.

 

“I’m excited about where my fitness is relative to last year,” said Linden. “Now it’s time to get the result to validate the work. I look forward to returning to the Boston Marathon, getting on the course I know and love, gaining momentum from the best fans in the sport, and recapturing some magic from the greatest marathon in the world.”

 

Edna Kiplagat set a new Masters Division record en route to finishing fourth at the 2022 Boston Marathon in 2:21:40, and shows no signs of stopping. Kiplagat plans to return and contend at the age of 43; she won the 2017 Boston Marathon in 2:21:52 and crossed the line second at both the 2019 and 2021 editions of the race.

 

Atsede Baysa rounds out the women’s open division returning champions. After finishing eighth at last year’s Boston Marathon, Baysa placed fifth at the Houston Marathon and looks to return with high hopes of another podium in 2023.

 

“Each year, the B.A.A. prides itself on bringing the best runners in the world together to battle on the famed course from Hopkinton to Boston,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “History and heritage are two cornerstones of the Boston Marathon. This year’s race brings those elements to the forefront as world record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and six Boston Marathon champions battle on Patriots’ Day. The world will be watching Boston with great anticipation to see how the competition plays out.”

 

The complete 127^th Boston Marathon professional field –including additional Boston Marathon champions, Abbott World Marathon Majors winners, global medalists, and Paralympic champions—will be announced in the coming months. Since 1986, John Hancock has served as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

CONGRESSMAN LIEU ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

 CONGRESSMAN LIEU ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

 

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) was elected Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, the number four position in House Democratic Leadership. Congressman Lieu is the first Asian American elected as Vice Chair. He issued the following statement after his colleagues elected him:

 

“I want to thank my colleagues for entrusting me with the role of Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to serving our Caucus and our country in this new capacity. I want to recognize my colleagues Debbie Dingell, Joyce Beatty and Madeleine Dean, all of whom are exceptional Members of Congress. I look forward to continuing to work with them in the 118^th Congress. 

 

“As I said in my letter announcing my candidacy for Caucus Vice Chair, I am beyond proud to be a part of the House Democrats. We have managed, in turbulent times, to draw from the spirit of American ideals to achieve legislative and electoral wins for the people. Democrats have shown the American public what is possible when the rational lead. We will continue to do so in the new Congress.

 

“I cannot wait to build on the progress that Speaker Pelosi ushered in with our Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. His election, as well as the elections of Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, represent a historic, generational turn for our nation. They are a leadership team of which all Americans can be proud.

 

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to serve in the House and represent my wonderful constituents in Los Angeles County. I am buoyed by the determination that we will build on the progress of the last few years and continue to put people over politics.”

英國皇室魅力大 波士頓市民不畏風雨來眺望 (市府視頻)

 波士頓市長吳弭，以及英國王子和候任麻州長Maura Healey，在波士頓市府視頻中，
從50分以後才陸續發言。

(Boston Orange 綜合報導) 麻州、波士頓今年頗有貴族氣，4月才歡迎了比利時公主Astrid，11月底又迎來英國威爾士 (Wales)王子威廉 (William)和王妃Kate Middleton抵埠，頒發環保「射地獎 (Earthshot Prize) 」。

            「射地獎 (Earthshot Prize) 」是由英國王子William和David Attenborough於2019年創辦，2020年10月正式推出的環保獎，從2021年起，每年獎勵不同類別的5名對環境有貢獻人士或機構，各獎給100萬元。2022年7月起，原本由英國皇家基金支持的這一獎項，改為獨立慈善團體，預定每年舉辦，直到2030年為止。

            威廉王子選擇來波士頓頒發第2屆「射地獎」。

            波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)指出，美國總統甘迺迪當年提出的「射月 (Moon Shot)」計畫，證明了當人們團結起來，就能做到大家原本以為做不到的事，也啟發了拜登 (Joe Biden) 總統的「癌症射月計畫」，引領世界各國效尤，以改善全世界為目標，辦理各種計劃。

            吳弭指出，波士頓致力成為世界上最環保城市，大約2週前，才剛慶祝完成波士頓市政府廣場的環保韌性翻修工程。她上任以來也陸續推動許多有助於保護環境的措施，包括學校巴士電動化，綠化街道基礎設施，協助居民安裝太陽能板，培訓綠色就業機會等等。她們非常興奮能向威廉王子夫婦展示波士頓的成績。

            麻州候任州長Maura Healey表示，氣候變化對人類社會的電力、公共衛生都造成極大壓力，世界各地面對了許多火災、水災，而英國王子夫婦帶來的樂觀精神，讓人能夠更加積極的面對各種挑戰。麻州刻正積極採取大膽措施，希望到2030年時，能夠100%使用清潔電力，2040時，所有的公共交通系統電動化，到2050年時能夠零排放。

            威廉王子表示，選擇到波士頓頒發第2屆「射地獎」有2個原因，一是60年前，美國總統甘乃迪的一席”射月”講話，為美國的創新、平等墊下基礎。二是波士頓市的學校、研究中心及活躍的創業氛圍，使得波士頓在科學、創新及大膽上都是全球佼佼者。他和甘迺迪總統，凱薩琳 (Caroline Kennedy)大使一樣，都堅定相信自己能夠成就偉大。

            11月30日這天，威廉王子夫婦抵埠，參觀了茶黨當年把茶倒進海港的地方，和波士頓市長吳弭喝了杯咖啡，再來到波士頓市府廣場前，和把皇族當明星，不畏天雨，興致勃勃擠在波士頓市府所安排講話活動場地欄杆外的民眾見面。

整個活動的時間長達1個多小時，但是絕大部分都是波士頓市府的環境、能源及開放空間長Mariama White-Hammondy在侃侃而談原住民、少數族裔在波士頓的歷史際遇，稱許波士頓市長吳弭的各項環保努力。其他人的講話都很簡短。

這天，波士頓市長吳弭，麻州後任州長Maura Healey還和威廉王子夫婦一起看了場凱爾特人球隊的比賽。

Governor Baker, Attorney General Healey and State Auditor Bump Appoint Lauren Peters as Executive Director of the Center for Health Information and Analysis

 Governor Baker, Attorney General Healey and State Auditor Bump Appoint Lauren Peters as Executive Director of the Center for Health Information and Analysis

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and State Auditor Suzanne Bump announced that Lauren Peters, current Undersecretary for Health Policy for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, has been appointed Executive Director of the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) effective January 3, 2023. Ray Campbell, current Executive Director of CHIA, is stepping down after completion of his 5-year term.

 

"Lauren Peters has been an integral part of our administration’s efforts to develop health care policy that promotes quality, affordable care for residents and families across the Commonwealth, and she will bring extensive knowledge and expertise to CHIA in this new role,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I also want to express my appreciation to Ray Campbell for his dedicated service to CHIA and the Commonwealth.”

 

“CHIA plays a critical role in promoting transparency and data-driven policy in our health care system,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “Lauren Peters’ breadth of health policy experience positions her to be an effective and terrific leader of CHIA’s mission to inform policymakers and help improve health care outcomes for patients and families.”

 

“Ms. Peters brings extensive experience in healthcare policy and administration which will undoubtedly advance CHIA’s mission of informing policy makers interested in improving healthcare services and containing costs,” said State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump. “Mr. Campbell is to be commended and thanked for the foundation that he has built and the insights he has provided.”

 

“Lauren’s expertise in health care policy and commitment to public service have been an invaluable asset to EOHHS and make her uniquely suited to lead CHIA’s important work in supporting policy development,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “I am deeply appreciative to Ray for his leadership and collaboration as he pursues his next professional chapter.”

 

“I am deeply grateful to Governor Baker, Attorney General and Governor-elect Healey, and Auditor Bump for the opportunity to lead CHIA at a time when data is more important than ever as our healthcare system is faced with unprecedented challenges,” said Lauren Peters. “I look forward to joining the exceptional team at CHIA and building off Ray’s many accomplishments to ensure our healthcare system has the data it needs to respond to the pressing issues of today and inform key policies of tomorrow.”

 

“I congratulate Undersecretary Peters on her appointment as the next Executive Director of CHIA. Lauren has been a great partner to CHIA throughout my tenure, and her deep knowledge of healthcare and state government make her uniquely qualified for this role,” said Ray Campbell. “I know she will do an excellent job leading the agency and continuing CHIA’s important work providing meaningful data and analyses on the Massachusetts healthcare system.”

 

As Undersecretary for Health Policy at EOHHS, Peters has been responsible for overseeing key policies and initiatives across the Secretariat, including the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and MassHealth. Since joining EOHHS in 2017, Peters has advanced strategic policy priorities, including reforming the long-term care system, modernizing health information exchange, integrating physical and behavioral health care, and was a key architect in the policy formation of Governor Baker’s two omnibus health care bills. Peters also led initiatives related to the state’s COVID-19 response and state efforts to address the addiction and homelessness crisis in the city of Boston.

 

Prior to joining EOHHS, Peters served as Associate General Counsel and Director of Healthcare Policy at the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) where she served as an advisor on healthcare finance, policy, and legal matters. Peters’ service to the Commonwealth also includes prior roles at the Health Policy Commission and the House of Representatives.

 

Peters is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School, where she concentrated in health and biomedical law, and holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from William Smith College.

Jack Fleming Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Athletic Association

 Jack Fleming Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Athletic Association

 

BOSTON (30-Nov) – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that Jack Fleming has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective immediately. Fleming brings more than three decades of experience at the B.A.A. to his new leadership role. His appointment follows a five-month-long national search.

 

“After a thorough process featuring a group of diverse candidates from across the country with various backgrounds, our Board decided that Jack was the best person for our organization based on his in-depth knowledge of the industry, the B.A.A. in particular, our athletes, and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Michael P. O’Leary, Chairman of the B.A.A. Board. “We are confident in Jack’s ability to take on this next challenge and thrive, moving our mission forward.”

 

“It is an honor to guide the Boston Athletic Association as we embark together on our next chapter, building upon our 135-year history,” said Fleming, who had been serving as acting Chief Executive Officer since May 1, 2022. “The B.A.A. has long been a leader in the sport of running and within Greater Boston. I have witnessed the unifying power that running can have in our community and look forward to a renewed and reenergized focus on our events, community initiatives, and programming. The entire B.A.A. team is committed to finding new and innovative ways we can lead and grow the sport as one.”

 

Prior to serving as acting Chief Executive Officer, Fleming was Chief Operating Officer of the B.A.A. from 2017 through 2022. Since 1992 Fleming has held a variety of roles within the organization, most notably within the communications, marketing, and sponsorship departments. As COO Fleming was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the B.A.A. and built a strategy that centered around the organization’s vision statement: Committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle.

 

O’Leary added, “Jack’s contributions to the organization have been unprecedented, and we fully appreciate and understand his dedication and commitment to the B.A.A. as a whole. We have witnessed Jack’s continued growth since 1992, and his vision, enthusiasm, and knowledge make him perfect for this role.”

 

Prior to Fleming, Tom Grilk served as CEO/Executive Director from 2011 through 2022 as well as President from 2020 to 2022, while Guy Morse was Executive Director from 2000 through 2010.

Baker-Polito Administration’s Commission on Clean Heat Issues Final Report

 Baker-Polito Administration’s Commission on Clean Heat Issues Final Report

Report Provides Recommendations to Aid State in Pursuit of Net Zero Emissions

 

BOSTON – The Commonwealth’s Commission on Clean Heat, established by Governor Charlie Baker through Executive Order 596 in September 2021, issued its final recommendations and report today. The recommendations include the adoption of core principles and practices focused on ensuring an equitable approach to decarbonization of both existing and new buildings, including appropriate resourcing, institutional coordination and alignment; the development and implementation of a Clean Heat Standard, joint natural gas and electric system planning, and analyses of the potential impact of other associated regulatory changes; the reorganization of existing energy efficiency and clean energy transition programs to be more user friendly for residents, businesses, and contractors; and investments in innovation, workforce development, consumer education, and market development to help accelerate the building decarbonization transition.

 

“As we work to reduce the release of carbon emissions and achieve Net Zero in 2050, the creation of the first-in-the-nation Commission on Clean Heat served as a critical step forward in engaging with a diverse group of experts to provide recommendations that will help Massachusetts decarbonize the building sector,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This set of recommendations is the result of hard work and commitment from the commission members, and we thank them for their dedication to this process.”

 

“The Commonwealth continues to take important climate action measures to achieve our emissions goals by utilizing an equitable and affordable approach that benefits all of the state’s residents and businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The members of the Commission on Clean Heat worked tirelessly to develop this substantial and detailed report, which identifies significant strategies to reducing building emissions and we appreciate their work.”

 

On September 20, 2021, Governor Baker signed the Executive Order to establish the Commission on Clean Heat to provide recommendations on the strategies and policies to achieve deep emissions reductions from the use of heating fuels in the Commonwealth. The Commission’s recommendations offers a framework for a long-term decline in emissions from heating fuels.

 

“By creating the Commission on Clean Heat, Massachusetts was able to utilize expertise from a diverse group of respected professionals and stakeholders,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The thoughtful work of the Commission members in developing innovative policies and strategies provides critical support to our work to implement affordable and equitable solutions that reduce emissions from homes and buildings throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

“We are grateful for the members of the Commission on Clean Heat, who shared their time and expertise over the past year to develop this report,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “As Massachusetts continues to build to create much-needed new housing and support economic growth, prioritizing energy-efficient practices across our building sector is key to advancing the Commonwealth’s goal of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

 

The Commission on Clean Heat’s report aligns with the Baker-Polito Administration’s 2050 Roadmap report and the 2025/2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan by providing policy directions that seek to accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency programs and clean heating systems in new and existing buildings, and transition current distribution systems to clean energy. Recommendations contained within the commission’s report include:

• Implementation of a Clean Heat Standard as a regulatory approach to meet the sublimits for the building sector, focusing on electrification and energy efficiency measures.
• Coordinated joint energy system planning across Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and municipal gas and electric companies, and in conjunction with key stakeholders and communities, to ease the transition from gas to electric heating by identifying geographic priorities for investment in and/or strategic retirement of energy infrastructure.
• Development of a Building Decarbonization Clearinghouse to serve as a central point of contact and technical assistance provider for customers for all clean energy solutions- including weatherization, heat pumps, energy efficiency measures, along with solar, storage, and EV charging.
• Establishing climate finance mechanisms through a Climate Bank to de-risk and mobilize private sector investments for buildings pursuing deep decarbonization measures.
• Expansion of workforce development programming to address existing gaps in our decarbonization workforce as well as conduct research, develop best practice guidance, and set standards to fill knowledge gaps with respect to decarbonization of the building sector in Massachusetts.
• Conducting a comprehensive public outreach and awareness campaign and implementing community-level engagement strategies to educate and build the necessary momentum for building electrification across the Commonwealth.
• Development of a statewide building benchmarking and labeling program to increase transparency on building emissions profiles and encourage building retrofits that improve the climate, health, and economic outcomes across Massachusetts’ building stock.
• Accelerating strategies for decarbonizing the affordable housing sector in Massachusetts through convening key stakeholders, including representatives from multiple state agencies.
• Development of an analysis and reporting structure for fossil fuel equipment metrics, as well as conducting an analysis of the design of a schedule for phasing out new fossil fuel heating systems in the Commonwealth.
• Evaluation of opportunities for addressing operating cost barriers to the adoption of clean heating technologies, including programs or credits to help defray costs from electrification, as well as evaluation of cost-reflective rate structures to encourage conservation and reduce operating costs of electric heating systems.

 

“Building decarbonization is imperative to our long-term decarbonization goals as well as saving households and businesses from reliance on expensive fossil fuels,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “The Commission on Clean Heat’s recommendations build on the Administration’s efforts to advance new construction that is aligned with our long-term climate goals along with the effort to promote electrification of heating throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

“Decarbonizing existing and new buildings will substantially reduce the Commonwealth’s GHG emissions and is central to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s work,” said MassCEC CEO Jennifer Daloisio. “The Commission’s work is charting the path for our Commonwealth to reduce and eliminate emissions from our buildings and ultimately achieve our net zero goals. We look forward to incorporating the Commission on Clean Heat’s relevant recommendations into our programming.”

 

For more information regarding the Commission on Clean Heat, its members, and the final report, please visit the Commission’s webpage.

Baker-Polito Administration Joins Recovery Community Leaders to Reflect on Progress Confronting Opioid Epidemic

Snippet from livestream.

From City of Quincy's facebook page.

Baker-Polito Administration Joins Recovery Community Leaders to Reflect on Progress Confronting Opioid Epidemic

 

 

QUINCY – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Attorney General Maura Healey, and leaders from the recovery community for a roundtable discussion on the Baker-Polito Administration’s collaborative progress in confronting the opioid epidemic over the past eight years. The roundtable discussion was held at A New Way Peer Recovery Center in Quincy and included reflections from individuals and family members impacted by the opioid epidemic, as well as substance misuse providers and organizations. Roundtable participants included members of Governor Baker’s 2015 Opioid Working Group.

 

Watch the roundtable here.

 

Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has worked with the Legislature to support a fivefold increase in spending across the state budget to address substance misuse, with the Commonwealth investing nearly $600 million in these initiatives in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget signed by Governor Baker. The Administration also worked with the Legislature to pass two landmark laws to address the opioid epidemic: The first law, passed in 2016, instituted a first-in-the-nation 7-day limit on first time opioid prescriptions and instituted new requirements around prescription monitoring and substance misuse screenings. The second law, passed in 2018, improved access to treatment from settings such as emergency departments and the criminal justice system, and strengthened education and prevention efforts.

 

“The opioid epidemic has impacted thousands of families and communities across Massachusetts, and we have partnered with many organizations, leaders and families over the past eight years to make the Commonwealth a national leader in responding to this challenge,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud that our Administration and the Legislature have dramatically boosted funding that has increased access to treatment and recovery and enacted major laws that have become a model for other states and the nation. Most importantly, we have worked together to change the conversation and reduce stigma, which will help more people seek help and get the resources they need.”

 

“Our administration has made tackling the opioid epidemic a priority since day one, and we have been proud to work with so many partners to expand access to treatment and support recovery and prevention efforts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Over the past eight years, Massachusetts has led the way in expanding substance misuse initiatives and getting people access to the help that they need.”

 

The Baker-Polito Administration has worked with a wide range of partners including treatment and recovery providers, advocacy organizations, individuals, families, the courts, law enforcement, educational institutions and many others to confront the opioid epidemic. After peaking in 2016, opioid-related overdose deaths fell for the next several years, with the November 2019 report showing 99 fewer deaths than the same period from a year earlier. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a nationwide increase in overdose deaths, but Massachusetts’ numbers have continued to trend lower than nationwide figures, and the most recent report from the Department of Public Health (DPH) indicated that initial 2022 data showed overdose deaths decreasing again.

 

“Over the past eight years, we have made enormous strides in raising awareness and improving access to quality, equitable substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment across the Commonwealth,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “We have invested strategically in evidence-based resources and promising practices including peer recovery, clinical treatment, harm reduction, outreach programs and low-threshold housing, recognizing that every individual’s path to recovery is unique.”

 

“Combating the opioid crisis has been and will remain a top priority in Massachusetts,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “Together, with the Baker-Polito Administration, we have made meaningful progress in the fight against this epidemic and will continue to work toward justice, accountability, and improved access to treatment and recovery for our communities.”

 

“A New Way Peer Recovery Support Center, hosted by Bay State Community Services, welcomes everyone impacted by substance use disorders,” said Daurice Cox, Executive Director, Bay State Community Services. “We are a safe place that offers all pathways for recovery. Our staff use their lived experience, as people in recovery or as an ally in recovery, to provide support, compassion, understanding, and connection.”

 

Baker-Polito Administration’s Collaborative Record to Confront the Opioid Epidemic:

 

5X Increase in Substance Misuse Funding: Since taking office in 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has worked with the Legislature to support a fivefold increase to state spending to address substance misuse. The FY23 budget signed by Governor Baker invests $597 million in funding for substance misuse prevention, treatment and recovery programs across multiple state agencies, compared to $119 million in FY15.

 

2016 Opioid Law: Shortly after taking office, the Administration worked with the Legislature to pass landmark legislation to tackle the opioid crisis. Key components include:

 

• A first-in-the-nation 7-day limit on first time adult opioid prescriptions and a 7-day limit on all opioid prescriptions for minors
• New requirements for clinicians to check the Prescription Monitoring Program database before prescribing
• New requirements for schools to conduct substance misuse screenings and strengthen addiction education

 

2018 Opioid Law: In 2018, the Administration worked with the Legislature to pass a second major law that strengthened the state’s education and prevention efforts, expanded the role of recovery coaches, and improved access to treatment. Key components included:

 

• Additional requirements for prescribers around data reporting and the institution of a new, statewide standing order for naloxone from pharmacies
• Created additional pathways to treatment from the emergency department, including more timely SUD evaluations and requirements to admit patients more quickly to treatment services
• Expanded the use of medication-assisted treatment in emergency departments, section 35 inpatient facilities and correctional facilities

 

Medical Education: The Baker-Polito Administration partnered with the Commonwealth’s medical,  dental and social work schools to develop core competencies and require increased education on opioids for students.

 

Expanding Access to Life-Saving Naloxone: The Administration has expanded access to Naloxone including through a standing statewide order at pharmacies. The Commonwealth has distributed over 663,900 doses of naloxone and received over 34,800 reports of successful overdose reversals. In May 2022, the Administration launched a Community Naloxone Purchasing Program, which has already shipped 1,132 doses to community organizations.

 

Housing-Focused Harm Reduction: In the last two years, the Administration has provided $22 million in funding to date for housing-focused harm reduction and recovery support initiatives. This includes initiatives designed to help people transition from street and shelter settings to housing opportunities that provide stability supports, helping individuals maintain their recovery and housing stability. The state maintains an open procurement to add additional low threshold housing capacity across the Commonwealth.

From governor's office

華埠社區議會2023年度議員 七人同額當選

CNC 2022選舉結果。 (雷國輝提供)

              (Boston Orange綜合報導) 波士頓華埠社區議會 (CNC) 11月27日改選新屆議員，7名候選人在112人出席投票中，同額當選，其中的Ming Yen、湯瑞雲 (Karen Wong) 、翁偉健 (Derick Yung) 為首度當選的新人。

               湯偉雄多年前已當選過，這次是重回社區服務。

               波士頓華埠社區議會共有21名議員，每年改選7人。過去這2年，礙於新冠病毒疫情，未辦理改選，今年恢復辦理選舉，但參選及投票情況均不熱絡。

共同主席雷國輝11月29日公佈了選舉結果，機構類有中華耆英會的梅伍銀寬 (Ruth Moy)得97票，管理公路村的三一管理公司Ming Yen得73票；商戶類有東方銀行的阮愛玲(Irene Ruan)得87票，恆業地產的翁偉健 (Derick Yung)得97票；團體類的李洪文 (Paul H. M. Lee)得101票，一聯慈善社的湯偉雄 (Wilson Tong)得89票。其他類有華商會的湯瑞雲 (Karen Wong)得92票。

波士頓華埠社區議會共同主席梅伍銀寬(後右起)、雷國輝、曾雪清，以及議員余麗媖 (前右)、
李有香(前左)在選舉現場監票。 (雷國輝提供)

波士頓華埠社區議會是個歷史悠久，波士頓市政府認可，但已長年不受民間重視的組織，雖然照例每年改選7人，但過去20多年來，參選者同額當選的比率之高，用令人咋舌來形容，也不為過，有服務熱心的人，似乎也總是同樣的那批人，今年的新人人數之”多”，已算近年少見。

紐英崙中華公所明年7月慶祝成立百年 1/23辦農曆春宴

               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 紐英崙中華公所11月29日舉行2022年度最後一次董事大會，主席雷國輝宣佈，2023年7月將慶祝中華公所成立100週年，農曆新年春宴訂1月23日在帝苑酒樓舉行。

                              11月28日時，中華公所主席雷國輝以電子郵件發送了7月份和9月份的董事會會議紀錄，以及主席報告給45名董事及職員。

                     雷國輝的主席報告共分中華公所事務和中華公所物業2項。

中華公所事務部分，已發生的有僑委會贊助了10月9日，由中華公所乒乓球會與安良工商會和華僑協會合辦的乒乓球賽，以及11月28日舉行了中華公所中國象棋會的象棋大賽。未來將發生的有中華公所將於2023年1月23日在帝苑酒樓舉行農曆年春宴，7月慶祝中華公所成立100週年。中華公所將組織慶祝委員會籌辦慶祝事宜。

中華公所物業部分，雷國輝簡述了大同村、華福樓、喜露街 (Herald Street)、中華公所大樓等4處物業目前正在處理的事務。

大同村方面，由於中華公所正著手把大同村停車場改建為住宅大樓，一旦施工，現有停車位將無法使用，中華公所於11月5日和大同村管理處職員、大同村居民會，以及居民開會後決定，向附近停車場租用車位，替補施工佔用的車位。

這一發展計畫，目前預定12月7日簽署文件，12月中施工。

大同村商鋪的華埠餐廳位置租貸案，物業小組於11月1日開會，贊成接受Jason Huang提出的洽租條件。中華公所將據以和目前的承租戶商討條件。

華福樓已完成整修工程。

喜露街50號的中國超市租約，雷國輝表示，此事目前呈膠著狀態，無明朗進展。

泰勒街90號的中華公所大樓修繕冷氣系統一事，最新的工程報價超過100萬元。

中華公所的7月份和9月份董事大會，各有1名職員及6及7名董事缺席，不過出席議員總人數都超過38人，所以2次大會都仍能有效舉行。

在9月份的董事大會中，第77屆北美華人排球邀請賽主辦人阮浩鑾應中華公所主席雷國輝向董事會之邀出席。他感謝中華公所慷慨捐贈25,000元，使得這次在羅德島州的比賽，辦得非常成功，共有男生72隊，女生63隊的135支球隊參賽，約4000名觀眾到場觀賽。他期待7年後這一盛會將再次回到波士頓舉行。

關於來自大同村的租金收入已累積超過2000萬元，中華公所是否應修改章程，成立投資小組，充分利用這筆資金的提案，中華公所董事大會從今年初討論到今年底，董事們眾說紛紜，意見始終分歧。9月份董事大會請來為中華公所做核數的Daniel Dennis公司核數師Eric Mahoney闡述非牟利慈善機構辦理投資的做法及法規細節，並請公所董事陳家驊做即席中文翻譯，董事們再度激烈討論後，在21票贊成，13票反對，5票棄權的情況下，由於贊成票未達全體董事的三分之二，即31票，這一提案未能通過。

波士頓洪門致公堂從今年初提出的要求增加一名出席中華公所代表一案，9月份時在董事大會中的投票結果，也在18票贊成，5票反對，其餘棄權的情況下，未能通過三分之二這門檻。波士頓洪門致公堂原本的出席中華公所代表阮振強，七月下旬驟逝，其中華公所董事遺缺，在9月份時由洪門主席湯偉業補位。

在9月份的中華公所董事大會中，前任紐英崙中華公所主席，現為藝聯慈善社出席中華公所代表的鄭慧民，向現任主席雷國會提出3問，一問中華公所是否需為新聘的社工負起責任險，二問華埠信託基金會當年借給中華所的錢 (目前仍欠約34萬元)是否需還清，三問5月份中華公所主任辭職後，招聘新人的進展如何。

根據中華公所會議記錄，主席雷國輝的回應是，中華公所社工迄今已服務70多人，相關法律問題，將徵詢律師意見。華埠信託基金的借款一事，則將等到基金委員梅大衛回埠後再繼續聯絡。招聘新行政主任一事，目前已收到7份申請書，大都不合條件，董事們可向主席索取應徵者的履歷影本，他今後將注意增加公所處理事務的透明度。

目前以兼職身份繼續服務的前中華公所行政主任朱蘇珊，9月份董事大會舉行時，她報告道，位於夏利臣街288號的大同村停車場發展計畫，發展費用初估4500萬元，如果要把來自Motor Mart的2500萬元包容性發展計畫 (IDP) 經費從撥給大同村停車場發展計畫，轉移給喜露街50號的發展計畫，必須注意配合2項發展計畫的施工時程，以符合政府規定的撥款時限，否則中華公所將失去獲得這筆款項的機會。至於Davis公司承諾撥給喜露街50號發展計畫的IDP款項，沒有這樣的時間限制。喜露街50號的發展費用，估計為1億8000萬元。

朱蘇珊也報告了中華公所收到Beacon住宅物業管理的服務提案，刻正交付律師及中華公所顧問審核。Beacon管理公司同意把服務費率降至3.25%。