Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $3 Million in Adult Education and Workforce Training Grants

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $3 Million in Adult Education and Workforce Training Grants 

Funds help over 600 residents gain the language skills they need to succeed in in-demand jobs, connect to career pathways, and fully participate in the state’s economy 

 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they have awarded $2.86 million in grants to 24 community organizations, public schools and higher education institutions to enable over 600 adult learners to learn English, earn a high school credential, or earn industry-recognized credentials this school year in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and more.  

These grants fund MassSTEP programs, which provide concurrent adult education, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training in in-demand industries. The programs create partnerships among education providers, occupational skills training providers, employers, and workforce partners, and focus on setting adult learners up for success in high wage/high demand career pathways. 

“By offering high quality adult education instruction simultaneously with rigorous occupational skills training, we’re helping more students be ready to gain employment in occupations that pay family-sustaining wages,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Grants like these are a win for our students, workforce and state economy.” 

“Adult education programs help families and our economy succeed. We are pleased to award these grants, continuing critical models that tie education and workforce together in support of families’ economic mobility and reflect current in-demand jobs,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.  

Guided by state’s workforce agenda to attract, retain, and develop talent, providers of adult education and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes collaborate with local MassHire Workforce Board and Career Centers on recruitment, career services and job placement activities. Through these collaborations, the MassSTEP programs focus on career pathways identified in priority occupations through local Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) plans. 

“These grants will help hundreds of Massachusetts residents strengthen their English skills, gain confidence, and open doors to good jobs in high demand industries,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This investment is about equity, empowerment, and ensuring everyone can contribute to and share in our state’s economic success.” 

“These programs are often marketed to the parents of children in our K-12 schools. The programs offer adults the opportunity to earn a high school credential, acquire English language skills and earn an industry-recognized credential,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. 

“This grant funding reflects the administration’s priorities outlined in the state’s workforce agenda and shared across the Workforce Skills Cabinet,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “MassSTEP combines education and training resources, helping to reduce barriers to employment and closing the skills gap among our untapped talent ready to work in Massachusetts.”  

These grants are part of the administration’s strategic workforce development investments to remove barriers to employment for work-authorized individuals and connect them with jobs and training in sectors such as health care and human services, hospitality, and manufacturing. The administration’s Workforce Skills Cabinet is working to create a coordinated statewide ESOL strategy, in addition to securing $10 million in state dollars to expand access to workforce training programs for 3,000-3,500 residents and to reduce the waitlist for ESOL services.  

“These grants will provide life-changing educational opportunities for adult learners,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the investments the Commonwealth has made in support of this vital program, and thank all the grantees, including Quincy Community Action Programs for their strong record of delivering adult education, job training, and family supports that help residents succeed in the classroom and beyond.” 

“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has allocated $2.86 million in critical adult education and workforce training grants. These highly impactful grants will help prepare individuals to meet the skill set requirements that industries like health care, hospitality, and manufacturing centers across the Commonwealth specialize in. These job training grants to Bristol Community College, the Bristol Sheriff’s Office, and UMASS Dartmouth will greatly assist constituents of my district to stand ready to meet the demands of an ever-changing global economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.   

“These grants will enable many more adults to receive a high-quality education in English and in in-demand fields which will help employers find qualified employees and help people to support their families,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Thank you to the Healey administration for continuing to support adult education and other initiatives that help build up our workforce.” 

“This is a win-win situation,” said Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “It is good for our students, for our workers, for our employers and therefore for our overall economy.  It is an example of how the government can be there to provide help where most needed.” 

The awardees include: 

· Ascentria Community Services, Inc.: $100,000 

· Boston Public Schools: $191,344 

· Bristol Community College: $180,000 

· Bristol County Sheriff's Office: $98,390 

· Brockton Adult Learning Center: $168,191 

· Cambridge Community Learning Center: $100,000 

· Community Action, Inc.: $59,187 

· Hampden County Sheriff's Office: $80,000 

· Holyoke Community College: $195,188 

· International Institute of New England, Inc.: $100,000 

· Jamaica Plain Community Center: $100,000 

· North Adams Public Schools: $39,852 

· North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc: $90,000 

· North Shore Community College: $150,000 

· Notre Dame Education Center-Lawrence: $98,346 

· Pathways Adult Education & Training, Inc: $100,000 

· Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc.: $143,520 

· Quinsigamond Community College: $239,587 

· Randolph Community Partnership, Inc.: $76,328 

· University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth: $100,000 

· Valley Opportunity Council: $184,560 

· Worcester Public Schools: $86,920 

· YMCA of Greater Boston: $90,000 

· YMCA of Greater Boston–Woburn: $90,000 

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks 

Healey Administration takes first-of-its-kind action to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of immediate measures to ensure that vaccines remain available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, while President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restrict access to vaccines and make cuts to public health across the country. 

“Massachusetts has the best health care in the world,” said Governor Healey. “We won’t let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts.” 

Today, the Governor announced three steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts. 

First, at Governor Healey’s direction, the Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans all support this action. This will ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations. These include respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. This action follows legislation filed by Governor Healey last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations. 

“We are so fortunate to live in Massachusetts where we prioritize science and support patients,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “With Governor Healey's leadership and collaboration between DPH and DOI, those who want to get vaccinated will be able to without added cost or confusion because of decisions made at the federal level.” 

“As an infectious disease physician, I have seen the extraordinary impact vaccines have had in saving lives and preventing serious illness. Limiting access to vaccines is not just shortsighted – it is reckless,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Massachusetts will not allow ideology to override evidence. We must continue to be guided by science and data. And we must do what is right, even when it is hard, because protecting public health is not optional, it is a responsibility – a promise – we make to every resident of our Commonwealth. Today we are keeping that promise.” 

“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one and their insurance will cover it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Our collective commitment – state government working with our health insurance companies – is important as we enter the fall season.” 

Second, Governor Healey’s administration has also taken steps to ensure that Massachusetts residents who want to receive the COVID vaccine can do so at pharmacies. Last week, it was reported that CVS and Walgreens could not offer the COVID vaccine in multiple states, including Massachusetts, because the federal government was no longer recommending it for adults. In response, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician. Additionally, this morning, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them only to vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. 

Third, under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is also leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Wins $6 Million for Registered Apprenticeship

Healey-Driscoll Administration Wins $6 Million for Registered Apprenticeship 

Funding will support 275 early childhood educator apprenticeships 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) has been awarded more than $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to support Registered Apprenticeship and early childhood educator apprenticeships. This award builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to expand Registered Apprenticeship, a proven workforce strategy that combines technical and on-the-job training for workers, delivers industry-recognized credentials, and increases access to progressive wage increases and good-paying jobs.  

The Division was awarded two grants, a formula grant for $1,008,964 to support the Registered Apprenticeship program and a competitive grant for $5 million to support 275 early childhood educator apprenticeships. The competitive grant is the largest grant the apprenticeship program has received to date.  

For the $5 million competitive grant, DAS will engage with projects that seek to provide incentive funding to new and existing employers to rapidly scale early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship Programs, as well as create a Technical Assistance Hub for early childhood education apprenticeships. Additionally, identified projects will partner with Massachusetts community colleges to develop an early childhood education pre-apprenticeship program for high school students.  

“Our administration is committed to expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support business growth, create a stronger workforce, and strengthen our economic competitiveness across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will provide funding to rapidly scale childhood education Registered Apprenticeship programs and help lower the cost of child care in the state.”  

“Registered Apprenticeship is a proven workforce development model that we have been expanding,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help us not only achieve our goals but further our efforts and reach even more individuals and businesses.”

Through the USDOL, State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants support states to engage industry partners, create post-secondary education career pathways and develop the talent pipeline needed to meet the skill needs of their local labor markets. The investments are part of the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. The State Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive grant will help support the launch, scaling, and sustainability of early childhood educator apprenticeships statewide, with an emphasis on “child care deserts” in the state.  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is focused on expanding pathways for untapped talent to pursue meaningful careers and Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model to achieve this goal,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “As we scale Registered Apprenticeship to build the workforce among early childhood educators, we have registered 269 apprentices in this field and this grant position Massachusetts for building on this momentum to meet as we increase access to affordable, quality child care in Massachusetts.”  

Expanding registered apprenticeship for early childhood education is a priority among the Administration’s “whole of government” Early Education and Child Care Task Force recommendations. The Division of Apprentice Standards and the Department of Early Education and Care have work collaboratively over the past year to engage and scale registered apprenticeship. 

“Through Governor Healey’s Child Care Task Force, we have been working to support job seekers passionate about early childhood education to gain the skills and experience they need to join the field and meet their economic mobility goals. We have made progress, increasing educator compensation by almost 20%, reducing the number of vacant positions, adding more child care seats and opening more programs. This $6 million investment will accelerate this work, helping us to continue reducing child care costs for families and strengthening the early education and care workforce,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

“This record investment in apprenticeship is a game-changer for early childhood education employers in Massachusetts,” said Undersecretary Josh Cutler. “With these funds, we can partner with providers to launch and expand registered apprenticeship programs that strengthen their workforce, stabilize staffing, and ensure more families have access to high-quality care.” 

“Early education and care apprenticeships provide practical, hands-on experience and a clear career pathway — allowing participants to learn while earning,” said Department of Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This grant will help grow and strengthen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the early education and care workforce while ensuring greater access to high-quality learning experiences for children and their families.” 

"Apprenticeships are hands-on experiences that help people build careers and strengthen our workforce,” Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Few people work harder than early childhood educators, and I know these dollars will be put to good use creating new opportunities and making a positive impact for families and businesses across Massachusetts." 

Massachusetts is recognized in scaling apprenticeship as an innovative workforce strategy in expansion industries, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized registered apprenticeship to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled labor and build a robust talent pipeline for future workforce needs. The investments not only support the immediate needs of employers, but also foster long-term economic growth by providing individuals with the skills necessary for high-demand occupations.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts include expanding apprenticeships in fields such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences. As a result of these, since January 2023, the Division of Apprentice Standards has: 

• Leveraged state and federal funds to award more than $10 million in apprenticeship grants. 

• On track to register more than 10,000 by the end of the year 

• Registered 1,927 new apprentices in expanded industries 

• Registered 269 new apprenticeship programs 

• Expanded registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATC) to industries like clean energy and approved $480,000 in registered apprenticeship tax credits to employers who hired 100 apprentices, more than double the number in previous years 

• Reestablished the Apprenticeship Council 

「左撇子的女孩」將代表台灣角逐2026奧斯卡最佳國際影片

 

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 中華民國台灣文化部影視及流行音樂產業局8月28日宣佈，「左撇子女孩」將代表台灣角逐 2026 奧斯卡最佳國際影片。

台灣大約是在1957年時第一次選送影片角逐奧斯卡獎，然後從1985年起，才由文建會，後來是文化部，每年選送影片參加，但過去以來，只有李安執導的「喜宴」，「飲食男女」，「臥虎藏龍」曾經入圍，迄今也只有「臥虎藏龍」一片，曾經得獎。

「左撇子女孩（Left Handed Girl）」一片，是由台灣，美國，英國和法國合拍，由鄒時擎執導，由鄒時擎和Sean Baker共同編劇，講述一名單親媽媽和兩名女兒從鄉下回到台北，在夜市擺攤，從女兒視角，展現個人成長與家庭，傳統父權之間的衝突，也捕捉了台灣夜市文化的生命力。

文化部指出，「左撇子女孩」將於9月17日在法國上映，10月31日全台灣上映，預定11月28日到美國上映。

這部片已入選了第78屆坎城影展的國際影評人週單元，拿下「甘氏基金會獎」，「金鐵道獎」，也入圍了釜山影展主競賽單元，受邀參加多倫多，加拿大溫哥華等國際影展。

根據網路查得的資料，臺灣選送參加奧斯卡最佳國際影片（前稱最佳外語片）獎，較爲人知的影片有，1982年的「悲情城市」，1993年的「喜宴」，1994年的「飲食男女」，2000年的「臥虎藏龍」，2008年的「海角七號」，2011年的「賽德巴克萊」，2017年的「大佛普拉斯」，2019年的「陽光普照」，2024年的「老狐狸」。

即將於9月19日至25日推出第七屆影展的波士頓台灣影展協會，在過去這些年間，曾至少選映過「賽德巴克萊」，「大佛普拉斯」，「老狐狸」等片。

時代雜誌2025人工智慧100大 華裔14人

         （Boston Orange 綜合編譯） 時代雜誌（Times）日前公佈2025「時代人工智慧100人（TIME 100 AI）」名單，分領袖，創新者、塑造者，思想者4個類別，其中14人為華裔，加上其他數名非華裔，亞裔約佔20%。

            這是時代雜誌第三年從全世界在人工智慧領域最有影響力的人中挑出100人。馬斯克（Elon Musk），奧特曼（Sam Altrman），祖克柏(Mark Zuckerberg)，Peter Thiel等人當然在列。

            在2025年人工智慧領域中，最受矚目事件，莫過於Meta的祖克柏斥資逾億元的9位數薪資，聘僱汪滔（Alex Wang）和 Nat Friedman，使得人工智慧領域人才霎時間變成美國籃球協會的明星球員一般。

            入選2025年AI人才名單的電腦科學家Stuart Russell估計，人類社會在人工智慧上的花費，估計即使加入了通膨調整，都仍高達曼哈頓計劃的25倍，而這些錢，很多都是由在這名單上的人決定花的。他們包括軟銀的孫正義，開放人工智慧（Open AI）的奧特曼，XAI創辦人馬斯克，白宮AI凱薩David Sacks，以及歐盟的Henna Virkkunen。

            時代雜誌也指出，人工智慧世界變得很快，今年的TIME 100 AI名單中，只有16人在去年的名單上。

            入選2025「TIME 100 AI」的華裔共14人。

領袖類6人，分別有輝達（Nvidia）創辦人黃仁勳，DeepSeek創辦人梁文峰，創辦Ｓcale AI，剛被Meta收購的汪滔，台積電董事長兼總裁魏哲家，華為創辦人任正非，宇樹科技創辦人王興興。

創新者類4人，分別為自動駕駛公司小馬智行（Pony.ai）共同創辦人兼執行長彭軍，Surge AI創辦人兼執行長Edwin Chen，曾是海豹突擊隊隊員的Shield AI 共同創辦人兼總裁Brandon Tseng。

塑造者類1人，被人稱為「人工智慧教母」，創立ImageNet資料庫的史丹佛大學教授李飛飛。

思想家類3人，分別為Open AI的模型行為部門負責人Joanne Jang，以「人工智慧帝國」，這本探討Open AI的崛起，以及該技術的倫理與社會影響而備受讚譽的記者兼作家郝珂靈（Karen Hao），以及清華大學蘇世民書院院長，被人視為人工智慧治理和公共政策領軍人物的薛瀾。

            在2025 TIME 100 AI名單中的其他亞裔，至少還有越南裔的日本人工智慧研究公司Sakana AI的共同創辦人兼執行長David Ha，韓裔的史丹佛大學教授崔藝珍（Yejin Choi），以及日裔的軟銀創辦人孫正義。

As School Year Starts, Senate Leaders Applaud English Language Learner Protections Amid Trump Attacks

 As School Year Starts, Senate Leaders Applaud English Language Learner Protections Amid Trump Attacks 

Supplemental Budget Provision Combats Federal Rollbacks 

 

(BOSTON—9/4/2025) As the school year begins for students across Massachusetts, Senate leaders are applauding newly codified protections for K-12 students who are English language learners. These protections were enacted in response to the Trump Administration's rollback of protections for students who are learning English.  

 

Thanks to a policy provision that was passed by the Legislature in July and signed into law by the Governor on August 5, 2025, English language learners in Massachusetts will be legally required to have educational supports. In addition, parents will have the right to have trained interpreters for school interactions and students with disabilities will be legally protected from being disciplined for disability-related behaviors.

 

This new law comes as the Trump Administration is rescinding federal guidance that requires schools to properly identify and serve English learners, provide trained interpreters for parents, and safeguard students with disabilities from inequitable discipline and exclusion. 

 

“It doesn't matter what language you speak or where you are from—if you are a Massachusetts resident and a K-12 student, you have the right to the resources you need to get a good education,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “President Trump is taking away opportunities for students because of the language they speak. In Massachusetts, we will protect our students, and we will not back down from this bully.” 

 

“With the swift passage of these critical provisions, the Commonwealth has moved decisively to ensure that long-standing educational rights for English language learners and students with disabilities are codified into state law, right from the start of the school year,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Fortunately, the federal government’s efforts to roll back the rights of students does not apply here in Massachusetts, the birthplace of public education in America. When justice demands, we will continue to step up and act whenever appropriate to safeguard important public education protections in law; while continuing to provide vital resources to school districts to meet the needs of all students in our state.” 

 

“As someone who came to this country as an English learner at a young age, I know firsthand the challenges students and families face when language becomes a barrier to receiving a quality education,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “Every student deserves the tools to succeed, no matter the language they speak at home. By codifying these rights into state law, we are sending a clear message that Massachusetts will continue to support all our students and their families regardless of their immigration status or English language proficiency.” 

 

“I am proud to be the lead co-sponsor of Senator Pavel Payano's legislation—now law—that maintains education rights for disabled and limited English proficient students across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), Assistant Senate Majority Leader. “As the Trump administration takes rights and funding away from our children, it is my highest priority to use every legislative and funding lever we have to fill the gaps and enshrine critical protections like these into state law. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Senator Payano, and my colleagues for passing this essential policy through the Senate.” 

 

“The Trump administration’s vile attacks on public education, immigrants, and students with disabilities are shameful and unpatriotic,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I was proud to work with my colleagues to quickly approve this bill in the Education Committee and to advocate for its final passage this summer. Everyone deserves access to a high-quality education in the United States, and in Massachusetts we follow through and actually stand up for our American values.” 

 

Key Protections Now Enshrined in Massachusetts Law:  

 

·                Maintaining Special Education Protections for English Learners with Disabilities. Codifies 2015 federal guidance ensuring that schools meet the needs of English learners with disabilities, whose educational supports too often go unmet. 

·                Ensuring Qualified Interpreters for Parents. Requires that school interpreters be fluent in both languages and trained in ethics, confidentiality, and educational terminology, so families are not forced to rely on untrained employees or unqualified interpreters. 

·                Protecting Students with Disabilities from Inequitable Exclusion. Preserves federal protections that prevent students from being unfairly disciplined or excluded when behaviors are directly tied to their disability, while still ensuring safety for all. 

·                Preserving the Right to Public Education Regardless of Immigration or Disability Status. Explicitly affirms the right to public education in Massachusetts for all children, regardless of disability or immigration status, strengthening state nondiscrimination law and aligning it with Plyler v. Doe. 

麻州出現第 2 宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案例

 State Health Officials Announce Season’s Second Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

WNV risk levels elevated in 10 additional communities

 

BOSTON (September 3, 2025) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the second human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year in a woman in her 60s who was exposed in Essex County.

 

This follows yesterday’s announcement of the first confirmed WNV infection in a person this season. As a result of these two cases and ongoing evidence of WNV in mosquitoes, risk levels have been elevated to high in Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Revere, Saugus, Somerville, Wakefield, and Watertown.

 

“Massachusetts is in peak season for the spread of West Nile virus,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “While the temperatures have dropped slightly, this is the time of year when most people get exposed to the virus. We encourage everyone to use mosquito repellent, to wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, and to empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”

 

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this year were announced on June 17. Since then, 364 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There has also been one animal case of WNV this year in a goat.

 

The risk for WNV is now high in 20 municipalities in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties and moderate in 183 cities and towns in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

 

In addition to WNV, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 21 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

 

Learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results on DPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance Information page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800

Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Community-Based Behavioral Health Services for Children and Youth

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Community-Based Behavioral Health Services for Children and Youth 

Statewide Network of Community Service Agencies Selected to Provide Critical Services for MassHealth Children 

 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that 36 community service agencies have been selected across the state to provide home- and community-based services for children who are MassHealth members – nearly half of all children in Massachusetts – with behavioral, emotional and mental health needs. The new network will be the first expansion of the provider network in over a decade.  

 

The new network will offer more options for families, increase access to high-quality behavioral health services, and ensure geographic coverage across the entire state, including for families seeking specialized cultural and linguistic care. 

  

MassHealth provides health care coverage for nearly half of all Massachusetts children. As part of the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative, the selected agencies will provide intensive care coordination, family engagement services, and new intensive team-based treatment services for families of children and youth with particularly complex needs.  

 

Childhood mental health conditions affect many children and families across the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five children ages three to seventeen have, at some point, been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. 

 

"This expansion will strengthen the behavioral health system of support for hundreds of thousands of children and their families here in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through this important work, we are making sure that our young people get the care that they need.” 

“These agencies will help us provide coordinated, innovative services that are essential to the behavioral and mental health of children here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are thrilled to work with our partners to increase access to these services.” 

“Meeting the behavioral health needs of our young people and supporting their families is foundational to our commitment to a healthy society and is crucial to our work,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. “This expanded network offers families of children enrolled in MassHealth the assurance that their child will get the care they need to thrive.”   

“MassHealth is dedicated to offering integrated behavioral health services and a comprehensive, community-based system of care for our members,” said Undersecretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. “This expanded network will help us strengthen those efforts to reach more kids who need help.” 

Community service agencies were selected through a rigorous review process led by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP), with review teams comprised of community members and caregivers with relevant lived experience and representatives from state agencies and managed care entities. MBHP will conduct a rigorous readiness process with the selected agencies prior to contracting. 

 

“We are excited to announce the selection of new community service agencies, key partners in providing every child and family with access to coordinated care,” said Sharon Hanson, Vice President of Client Partnerships and CEO, MBHP. “With innovations like Family-based Intensive Treatment, we aim to transform behavioral health services and create lasting positive change in our communities."  

 

As part of Carelon Behavioral Health, MBHP manages comprehensive, high-quality behavioral health care for over 400,000 MassHealth members statewide, ensuring accessible and culturally sensitive services through strategic collaborations with state agencies, providers, and community stakeholders to promote rehabilitation, recovery, and whole health.