美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會Eugenie Boland連任會長 波士頓將建造美國第五座華裔退伍軍人紀念碑

Eugenie Boland（中）連任美國退伍軍人會328分會會長，前任麻州總部指揮Milton Lashus
(右起），波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，薩福克郡第7區會長Mary-dith Tuitt和紐英崙
中華公所主席雷國輝一同道賀。（周菊子攝）

 （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會6月7日下午在紐英崙中華公所舉行第77屆就職典禮，慶祝Eugenie Boland三度連任會長，以及美國建國250週年，籲請各界支持建造華裔退伍軍人紀念碑。

前任麻州總部指揮Milton Lashus（右）把會長議事槌交給Eugenie Boland。（周菊子攝）

會長Eugenie Boland，副會長馮武成（Vincent Feng），副官周暢（David C. Ching），財政余國華（Warren Yee），糾察長（Sgt-at-Arms）余國華，牧師司徒文信（Matt Seto），以及執行委員會執委伍振中(Peter Ng)，司徒文信，司徒焯榮（Chuck Soo Hoo）等2026-2027幹部在前任麻州總部指揮Milton Lashus主持儀式中，宣誓就任。

會長Eugenie Boland宣誓就任。（周菊子攝）        

就職儀式十分傳統，前任麻州總部指揮Milton Lashus宣佈儀式開始後，請余寶愛領唱美國國歌，全體成員向美國國旗宣誓效忠，溫嘉雯（Lora Forman）做開場祈禱，說明POW/MIA （戰俘/在戰爭中失蹤）這空著的榮譽之椅意義，再由Milton Lashus主持宣誓就職儀式，會長Eugenie Boland致詞，嘉賓紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝致詞。

副會長馮武成（左起），以及周暢，司徒文信，伍振中，司徒焯榮等新屆幹部宣誓就任。
（周菊子攝）    

本身是海軍退伍軍人的波士頓市議員愛德華費連（Ed Flynn）這天特地出席，送上表揚狀，以示他對退伍軍人的支持，也讚許退伍軍人們以前為國家挺身而出，如今付出心力守護華埠社區。

大合照。（周菊子攝）    

第3年連任會長的Eugenie Boland在致詞時表示，她很榮幸再次擔任美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會會長，承接在波士頓建造華裔退伍軍人紀念碑的重任。在前會長司徒文信堅持不懈的努力，以及會員和社區大眾的支持下，波士頓華埠將成為繼舊金山，西雅圖，芝加哥，以及紐約之後，在美國的第5個華裔退伍軍人紀念碑。

Eugenie Boland感謝會員們在過去這些日子貢獻時間與才能，服務社區，為兒童募集玩具，參加在聖約瑟夫（Joseph）墓地的安插旗幟，到波士頓英雄廣場獻花圈，製作POW/MIA （戰俘/在戰爭中失蹤）榮譽之椅，參加中秋節聯歡會，招募參加AL Boy State的候選人，以及參加每月一次的會務會議等。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn送上表揚狀，Eugenie Boland代表接受（周菊子攝）    

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝致詞。（周菊子攝）    

曾任麻州總部指揮的Milton Lashus表示，他是波士頓居民，從2004年擔任總會長以來，和華埠分會互動長達22年，還曾多次搭乘巴士，和華埠分會會員一起到紐約和當地分會交流。Milton Lashus笑說，看到會場內的蛋糕時，他想起自己到今年底就77歲了，和華埠分會的年紀一樣大，不過遠不及一些華埠分會資深會員那麼年長，尤其是其中的周暢，竟然已在華埠分會服務了61年，著實讓人敬佩。

由於今年是美國建國250週年，波士頓華裔退伍軍人會的就職儀式會場，佈置得格外美麗，還擺出了POW/MIA （戰俘/在戰爭中失蹤）榮譽之椅。

退伍軍人們排排坐，出席就職典禮。（周菊子攝）    

溫嘉雯做開場祈禱時，也特地說明，這榮譽之椅旁擺著小桌，白色桌巾象徵軍人們報國的最純潔初衷，花瓶中插著單朵玫瑰，象徵著軍人們可能已為國犧牲，流下鮮血，花瓶上的紅絲帶，象徵著退伍軍人會誓言尋回失蹤戰友，永不妥協的決心，餐盤上的一片檸檬，提醒人們軍人的苦澀宿命，餐盤上的鹽巴象徵著家屬們等待時所留下的無盡淚水。

紐英崙中華公所中文書記張青梅（前左），財政余寶愛等人是出席嘉賓。（周菊子攝）    

美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會今年的就職典禮，年輕一輩的有郭嘉良，，林銘浩等人出席，還有波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽，副理事長陳家驊到場祝賀，會員家屬黃周麗桃，伍詹淑慧等人協助切蛋糕，分發食物，聚會非常溫馨。

會場擺出的POW/MIA （戰俘/在戰爭中失蹤）榮譽之椅。（周菊子攝）    

這張以子上寫著，美國從開國以來，在歷次主要戰爭中的死亡人數高達119萬餘人，
其中有8萬3000多人失聯（周菊子攝）    

會場還擺出華裔退伍軍人會的一些徽章。（周菊子攝）    

司徒焯榮（後排左起），黃國麟，黃周麗桃，以及伍振中（前排左起）歡迎
波士頓榮光會代表陳家驊，鄭增壽出席就職典禮。（周菊子攝）    

黃周麗桃（前）等人為退伍軍人們切蛋糕。（周菊子攝） 

慶祝就職典禮和美國建國250週年的蛋糕。（周菊子攝）    

就職典禮結束後，退伍軍人們圍坐在佈置得非常美麗的餐桌前
享用美食及蛋糕。（周菊子攝）    

波士頓台山鄉親聯誼會慶祝雙親節

200多台山鄉親在帝苑大酒樓慶祝雙親節。（周菊子攝）

       (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓台山鄉親聯誼會 6月7日一大早，在帝苑大酒樓慶祝雙親節，200多鄉親濟濟一堂，寒暄，飲茶，享用中式點心，煞是熱鬧。

台山鄉親聯誼會的3名會長，黃紹培，黃偉健，陳晶年在會場忙前忙後的招呼鄉親，安頓嘉賓，場面非常溫馨。

波士頓台山鄉親聯誼會如今由會長黃紹培（左起），副會長黃偉健，陳晶年統籌會晤。
（周菊子攝）

黃紹培會長在紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，中文書記張青梅，英文書記阮鴻燦，財政余寶愛，以及曾任中華公所中文書記，如今是台山職員的翁宇才，以及顧問黃周麗桃到場後，開場致詞的告訴鄉親們，聯誼會成立的目的，就是要讓來自五湖四海的鄉親們，有機會見見面，溝通感情，豐富生活。

台山鄉親聯誼會的會長們招呼紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，陳秀珍夫婦等人坐在主桌。
（周菊子攝）

黃紹培接著請中華公所主席雷國輝講話時，提醒鄉親們，雷國輝主席也是台山人，所以台山人很厲害的（好巴背）。

中華公所主席雷國輝笑說自己台山話「麻麻地」。（周菊子攝）

雷國輝一上台，鄉親們紛紛要求他說台山話，讓雷國輝立即笑不可抑，非常不好意思的說，他的台山話「麻麻地」。他表示很高興中華公所有機會能和台山聯誼會一起做事，為社區服務。台山鄉親聯誼會成立20多年，越辦越好，活動也越來越多，他祝福鄉親們雙親節快樂。

台山鄉親會這天還有一名特別來賓，波士頓市長的華埠聯絡員林天琪。她以國語致詞，笑說自己不會說台山話，表示自己也很感謝父母教導她要學好中文，照顧社區。

副會長黃偉健接著上台說明，6月6日在愛默生學院派拉蒙中心上演的「帝女花」，有不少台山會員參演，感謝鄉親們捧場觀賞。

波士頓市長華埠聯絡員林天琪透露父母教她要學好中文。（周菊子攝）

余寶愛（後右向左），張青梅，翁宇才和余風采堂的台山鄉親們。（周菊子攝）

席間有鄉親討論起母親節及父親節由來。根據網路資料，全球大多數國家，都以每年5月的第二個星期日為母親節，在美國更是由威爾遜（總統Woodrow Wilson）在1914年正式立法，把這日子定為全國性的母親節。父親節的日子，美加港澳等80多國，以每年6月第三個星期日為父親節，美國總統尼克森（Richard Nixon）也在1972年簽署法案，訂之為全國性節日。但台灣則以「爸爸」諧音的8月8日為父親節。

台山鄉親聯誼會顧問鄺元傑（右二）和妻子許如寶，女兒鄺春燕一家人招呼
林天琪和從紐約來探望她的母親。（周菊子攝）

「驕傲大遊行」政要齊報到 波城封街4小時 （圖片）

2026年6月6日波士頓「驕傲大遊行」，從柯普利廣場出發，繞街而行，走到波士頓公園與波士頓廣場之間的查理士街結束。活動持續近4小時，警察封街，駕車族頭痛。

麻州州長Maura Healey（左）和副州長Kim Driscoll 帶隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

遊行花車順道宣傳競選連任。（周菊子攝）

副州長Kim Driscoll沿路和圍觀群眾打招呼。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu)由市府平等及包容長Mariangely Solis Cervera（右）
陪同，沿路開心的和群眾打招呼。（周菊子攝）

細心民眾發現，吳弭市長這天穿的是件露肩吊帶，很特別的新衣服。（周菊子攝）

聯邦參議員Ed Markey為彰顯活力，邊走邊跳舞的率領粉色軍團遊行。（周菊子攝）

聯邦眾議員Ayana Pressley路上被民眾抓去自拍。（周菊子攝）

麻州審計長Diana DiZoglio也來遊行。（周菊子攝）

麻州參議員Nick Collins。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市議員愛德華費連（Ed Flynn)的前部屬和Nick Collins的幕僚長
都是Nick Collins的遊行隊成員。（周菊子攝）

大遊行這場合，波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox當然也在。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune。（周菊子攝）

摩托車隊中竟然有很多女生。（周菊子攝）

紀念隊伍。（周菊子攝）

遊行服裝爭奇鬥豔。（周菊子攝）

沿路噴肥皂泡，增加氣氛。（周菊子攝）

搶鏡頭的雙人摩托車。（周菊子攝）

三輪電動滑板車搶風頭。（周菊子攝）

節慶就要畫不一樣的妝。（周菊子攝）

沿路圍觀群眾人數，幾乎不亞於“波士頓第一夜”。（周菊子攝）

摩托車隊遊行打頭陣。（周菊子攝）

國民黨主席鄭麗文在紐英崙中華公所強調2028國民黨必須重返執政

國民黨黨主席鄭麗文站在馬英九送給紐英崙中華公所的“繼志光國”牌匾前，
聲言“和平就是力量”，“2028國民黨必須重返執政“。（周菊子攝）

 （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）國民黨主席鄭麗文今（5）日一大早來到波士頓華埠的紐英崙中華公所，和僑胞晤談，歡喜聽到座中僑胞響應她一向的主張，和平就有力量。強調台灣不能成為下一個烏克蘭，兩岸和平是台灣未來發展的關鍵。

國民黨黨主席與訪美團和波士頓國民黨員及出席座談僑胞合影。
（周菊子攝）

陪同鄭麗文抵達現場的有前駐美代表袁健生、國民黨駐美代表秦日新，以及國民黨29名中常委中的李德維和勤彭蓁，以及國際部主任董佳宇，海外部主任吳亮儀。

鄭麗文在波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭做開場致詞後介紹隨行人員，特地指出勤彭蓁是第一次來美國，也是最支持她，最熱心的黨員。

鄭麗文不看稿，侃侃而談。右一為波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭，左一為書記鄭增壽。
（周菊子攝）

鄭麗文也說，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝特地指出講台後面有中華民國，美國國旗，中國國民黨黨旗，讓她非常感動。她說，在海外護旗很艱辛，在台灣也要維持中華民國也很艱辛，因為有執政黨（民進黨）每天都在偷換概念，想要透過中華民國憲法，讓台獨主張借殼上市。

鄭麗文豪不客氣的指稱，現在台海危機最重要的導火線，就是民進黨的台獨主張，新兩國論和去中國化。

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭（前左）歡迎黨主席鄭麗文（右）抵達。後為余麗媖。
（周菊子攝）

她感慨的說，來波士頓，看到僑胞們熱愛，支持中華民國，反觀台灣內部，卻有人並不感恩，還肆意抹黑，完全不顧戰後來到台灣的人，一路篳路藍縷，非常艱辛的建立了民主法治，自由均富的社會，創造的經濟及民主化成就，以及護國神山台積電等許多讓全世界都羨慕的奇蹟。

陪同鄭麗文（左起）到訪的2名重要人物，袁健生和秦日新。（周菊子攝）

過去的12年，台灣有很多長年累積下來的好制度及優良文化價值都已潰爛。以民主來說，連一個國會單獨通過的法案及預算，總統和行政院都可以不遵守，當作看不見的直接毀憲，還把憲法法庭當作是他們的政治橡皮擦，讓人覺得不可思議。

鄭麗文還取笑道，台灣學美國建立的NCC，被人戲稱為“髒兮兮”，變成了破害新聞自由的工具。例如一名NCC主委不堪時任行政院長蘇貞昌的羞辱，落淚辭職。

袁健生稱許鄭麗文是一位非傳統的國民黨黨主席。（周菊子攝）

她強調，希望大家記得，中選會一定要獨立，不能變成執政黨的東廠，因為民主政治的底線是中立，超然，不分黨派。鄭麗文指出，當年民進黨也參與了爭取台灣的民主自由，卻在一旦掌權後，恨不得回到威權時代，不但要把所有的監督機構變成擺設，還要更進一步的把這些機構變成他們的鷹爪。

鄭麗文回答提問很認真。（周菊子攝）

鄭麗文強調，她這趟來美訪問，就是要擺表達台灣對維持區域和平穩定的願望，因為在兩岸絕對不能打仗上，美國扮演關鍵角色，希望能夠創造多贏局面。

鄭麗文在會中還回答了余麗媖提問的中國想要除掉中華民國，張青梅提問得國民黨的2028年選舉，韓幼文問鄭麗文訪問中國時，有沒感覺到人民的善意，有何感觸等問題。

李德維（立者）和勤彭蓁（右一）都是國民黨29名中常委之一。（周菊子攝）

鄭麗文坦言，現在當國民黨黨員得有抗壓性，一不小心就會被查水表，讓人難以想像這是民主自由的台灣，威權幽靈又回來了，再繼續下去，台灣就完了，這也是為什麼現在的年輕人已不像以前那樣支持民進黨，國民黨必須2028重返執政。

紐英崙中華公所的中文書記張青梅（左起），英文書記阮鴻燦，主席雷國輝
是國民黨黨主席鄭麗文僑胞座談會場地的主任。（周菊子攝）

李德維，勤彭蓁和董家瑜都是鄭麗文主席訪美團成員。（周菊子攝）

曾任港澳之友社社長的余麗媖問鄭麗文對「一中」可能意味著要消除中華民國的看法，
（周菊子攝）

37年過去. 波士頓AOHK堅持燭光悼念六四 潘志生呼籲關注香港法治

潘志生主持六四燭光悼念會。（周菊子攝）

       (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 1989年的天安門六四事件，迄今37年了。當年在波士頓為此事奔走，如今仍健在的民運支持者，或髮鬚皆白，或齒牙動搖，6月3日這晚，都再來到華埠牌樓旁的天安門紀念碑前述說，歌唱，在燭光中以行動表達「毋忘六四」。

現場擺放黃色雨傘，無聲的述說聚會目的。（周菊子攝）

潘志生聚焦香港法治問題。（周菊子攝）

六四燭光悼念會的今年活動流程和往年差不多，主辦單位派發了4張紙，上面有「香港海外華人民主與人權協會（AOHK）」宣言，對“支聯會煽顛案/法庭宣判是否已寫牆上？“，直言在國安法框架下的處理方式，令人不安的質問，以及「問誰未發聲」，「海闊天空」，「光輝歲月」，「長城」，「願榮光歸香港」，「Glory to Hong Kong」，「祭好漢」，「歷史的傷口」，「為自由」，「自由花毋忘六四」，「民主會戰勝歸來」等述說他們心情的10首歌的歌詞。

AOHK的宣言是“五四，讓中國青年醒過來，六四，讓大陸青年死去，歷史同被掩埋，七一，讓香港青年死去“，儘管港人在維園悼念的燭火被中國共產黨消滅了，但他們不會忘記，他們也相信，青年們會醒過來，為將來重新建立真正的民主共和國。

悼念會場施工中，臨時開放。（周菊子攝）

現場擺放了很多黃雨傘，讓人遠遠看見，就能猜到這群人想要表達的爭取民主自由心意。

主辦單位為六四悼念會製作的海報。

6月3日晚陸續來到現場的三十多人，有「香港海外華人民主與人權協會」的謝中之，馬衛恩，岑志仁，陸惠風等人，繼續堅持著悼念六四，有新成立「香港法治行動」的潘志生把焦點放在支持李卓人，鄒幸彤等香港人的爭取香港民主，更有包括前幾年成立了香港人權組織的高卓安等不少年輕人，抱著盡一份心的念頭來到現場，默默地要記住歷史，要釐清現實，要思考未來去向。

波士頓天安門紀念碑所在的華埠公園，近日因為麻州交通廳維修地下隧道通風設備，施工單位架起了柵欄，在潘志生和謝中之出席該聽公開會議，說明緣由後，特地臨時開放，今年的波士頓六四燭光悼念會，才得以在那兒舉行。

主辦單位派發歌詞給出席者。（周菊子攝）

BOSTON RANKED #1 U.S. CITY FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT BY FINANCIAL TIMES AND NIKKEI

BOSTON RANKED #1 U.S. CITY FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT BY FINANCIAL TIMES AND NIKKEI

Global ranking recognizes Boston's talent, innovation economy, and international connectivity

BOSTON – Friday, June 5, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that Boston has been ranked the top city in the United States for foreign multinational businesses, according to the ranking compiled by the Financial Times and Nikkei as part of the 2026 Investing in America rankings. Boston earned the top overall ranking among American cities, distinguished by its depth of local talent, openness to international workers, and strong global connectivity.

“The world's best talent chooses Boston because we are a place where innovation happens, businesses grow, and families put down roots,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This recognition from the Financial Times and Nikkei affirms the work we're doing to invest in our neighborhoods, attract global talent, and create new opportunities for companies to start, scale, and succeed here. We're honored by this recognition and excited about the momentum Boston is building as a global hub for innovation and investment."

The annual ranking evaluates U.S. cities across more than three dozen indicators that influence international business investment, including workforce talent, openness to global talent, business environment, infrastructure, and economic resilience. 

Now in its fifth year, the FT-Nikkei Investing in America ranking identifies U.S. cities best positioned to attract and support foreign multinational companies. The project is produced by the Financial Times and Nikkei and examines how international investment is shaping economic growth and competitiveness across the United States.

“Boston’s top ranking as the place where international companies want - and should - do business is a testament to decades of strategic investments in our talent, industries, and global partnerships. At the Chamber, we see this every day in our work - companies and entrepreneurs from around the world are eager to grow their business in Boston and invest in our talented workforce," said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. "As international companies continue to choose Boston as their home, they are joining a strong business community defined by bold innovation, collaboration, revolution, and growth. The Chamber is proud to continue working with our public and private sector partners to ensure Boston remains the best city for global business.”

Boston's top ranking reflects the city's concentration of talent, research institutions, and prominent companies in a range of industries. Greater Boston is home to a collection of the world's leading universities, hospitals, and innovation centers, along with headquarters for leaders across life sciences, artificial intelligence, finance, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. The region continues to attract global businesses seeking highly educated workers, research partnerships, and a collaborative innovation environment.

This recognition reflects Boston’s continued momentum as a global hub for talent, innovation, and investment. It also reinforces the City’s vision of Boston as a home for everyone, where residents can access excellent education and pathways to economic mobility, and where businesses can find the talent and support needed to thrive. Recent milestones include:

The Spanish government announced a $200 million investment into Boston's biotech ecosystem. The fund will support Spanish biotech startup founders and scientists to bring their life science research to the global market in Boston. The announcement of the new investment coincided with the opening of Spain’s new international trade and investment office in Boston.

Boston is a diverse and welcoming city and a major global hub, home to nearly 60 consulates and trade offices—including 25 full consulates and 35 honorary consulates. This thriving international presence is reflected in the city's more than 180,000 foreign-born residents, who represent over 25% of Boston's total population.

The City announced the creation of a new Business Recruitment Fund, seeded by several million dollars from M&T Bank and hosted by The Boston Foundation

The City unveiled "You Can't Beat Boston," a campaign developed by industry partners to promote Boston’s position as a premier talent hub and global business destination

Companies like Fidelity, Converse, Liberty Mutual, State Street Bank, and WHOOP have called Boston home since their founding. The city has also welcomed international companies like Curium, LEGO, Dechra, QBlox, and Lovable. Vertex, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Klaviyo and other life science and tech leaders also headquartered in Boston. Boston continues to be a global hub for talent and a premier destination for business growth and innovation.

"When we established Qblox’s North American headquarters in Downtown Boston in 2025, we were met with overwhelming support from the City of Boston, leaders across the business community, and top higher education institutions,” said Niels Bultink, CEO of Qblox. “It’s no surprise to us that Boston has been recognized as the top U.S. city for foreign businesses. The region’s uniquely collaborative ecosystem has enabled us to tap into a highly competitive talent pool, work closely with customers and partners at the forefront of quantum development, and align our roadmap with the broader U.S. quantum industry.”

This award was celebrated at a recent event co-hosted by the Financial Times and Nikkei. 

Governor Healey Statement on President Trump’s Attempt to Erase Crucial Parts of Massachusetts History from Bunker Hill Monument

 Governor Healey Statement on President Trump’s Attempt to Erase Crucial Parts of Massachusetts History from Bunker Hill Monument 

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement regarding the removal of historic content from the Bunker Hill Monument site by the National Park Service: 

“Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began. We're also the birthplace of the abolition movement, a constant leader in civil rights movements and a state made stronger by our immigrant communities. As we celebrate MA250 and America250, it is a disgrace that President Trump is attempting to erase voices and perspectives from one of our nation's most important historic sites. That's not preserving history. That's censoring it. President Trump doesn't get to decide which parts of our history are worth remembering.” 

Massachusetts Opioid-related Overdose Deaths Fall Under 1,000 for the First Time in Over a Decade

Massachusetts Opioid-related Overdose Deaths Fall Under 1,000 for the First Time in Over a Decade   Preliminary 2025 data project that the state’s opioid-related overdose deaths declined by more than half since fatal overdoses hit a record high in 2022 BOSTON (June 5, 2026) – For the first time in over a decade, total annual opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts fell below 1,000, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) preliminary 2025 data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  There were 978 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths among Massachusetts residents last year – marking the first time since 2013 (992 deaths) that Massachusetts recorded fewer than 1,000 annual opioid-related overdose deaths. It also marks a nearly 60 percent decline in fatal opioid overdoses in the state since the devastating record high of 2,364 deaths in 2022. “This projected decline represents thousands of lives saved, families kept whole, and communities strengthened,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It also represents the tireless efforts of clinicians, service providers, community support programs, and advocates across the Commonwealth who continue to dedicate themselves to this life-saving work.” Opioid-related overdose deaths in 2025 are estimated to be 27 percent lower than in 2024, and build on a recent, and sustained, downward trend in fatal opioid overdoses in the state, which include a 36 percent year-over-year reduction in 2024 and a 10 percent reduction in 2023. This major public health milestone is a direct result of sustained, statewide investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery support, and community-based wrap-around supports. “This progress, experienced by families across the Commonwealth as years of extra joy and life, is the result of a comprehensive and collaborative public health response that has prioritized evidence-based care, community partnership, and compassion,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, M.D., MBA. “Data show us that providing access to housing, harm reduction, treatment options, and supportive peer communities works to prevent overdose—and the Commonwealth will continue its commitment to supporting and expanding access to these tools and services.” DPH is conducting further data analysis and, by late summer, will be able to share more in-depth insights into how this decrease is reflected in Massachusetts communities and subpopulations. These data will be shared on the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) Dashboard. DPH recently published its 2024 Opioid-Involved Overdose Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the opioid overdose crisis in Massachusetts and reviews trends in fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses. The report outlines three primary hypotheses for the nearly 37 percentdecrease in deaths seen in 2024, including a potentially safer street drug supply resulting in reduced risk of fatal overdose; a decrease in the number of people at high risk for overdose; and the positive impact of expanded overdose prevention resources and treatment policies. “Massachusetts remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to treatment, overdose prevention tools, recovery supports, and community-based services in ways that are equity-based and responsive to community needs,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, M.D., PhD. “The recent decreases in overdose deaths reflect the positive impact and reach of this work and remind us that these efforts must persist. Overdose deaths are completely preventable. DPH will continue to invest in data-driven and dignity-affirming approaches to substance use.” The overdose declines seen in the Massachusetts data reflect a broader national trend of declining overdose deaths; however, Massachusetts continues to rank among the leading states demonstrating the most substantial reductions in mortality. “While a 27 percent decrease in opioid overdose deaths is encouraging and reflects the impact of sustained investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support, we must never lose sight of the fact that behind every data point is a person — a loved one, a family member, a friend, a neighbor,” said DPH BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, LICSW. “Nobody is a nobody, and everyone has a somebody. Our work is ultimately about people, about saving lives, and about ensuring that every person struggling with substance use knows that they matter and that recovery is possible.” The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to supporting public health strategies and resources to address substance use and substance use disorders. From 2023 to the present, the Administration has invested more than $1 billion in substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs across the state. In fiscal year 2025 alone, this included funding over 150,000 naloxone kits for community organizations, over 10,000 naloxone kits for first responders, and nearly 400,000 fentanyl test strips for community use. Additional supports include funding SafeSpot, a virtual overdose spotting hotline; fostering access to inpatient, residential, outpatient, and other forms of treatment through the licensing and regulation of over 500 treatment programs; funding low-threshold housing; and investing in 39 peer-recovery support centers that serve over 13,000 individuals across the Commonwealth.

Governor Healey Statement on New Prior Authorization Reforms Going into Effect

Governor Healey Statement on New Prior Authorization Reforms Going into Effect 

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey released the following statement regarding new prior authorization regulations that take effect today and are designed to reduce unnecessary barriers to care, improve transparency and streamline the health insurance approval process for patients and providers: 

“These reforms cut red tape, eliminate prior authorization requirements for many common services and help ensure people can get the care they need without unnecessary delays. If you have diabetes, it will be easier to stay on the medications you rely on. If you're undergoing cancer treatment, it will be easier to access the scans your doctors need to guide treatment decisions. These changes will make the health care system work better for patients and providers while helping people get the right care at the right time. This is all part of our efforts to make health care more affordable, accessible and patient-centered.” 

The regulations, adopted by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, eliminate prior authorization requirements for a number of routine and essential health care services, including primary care services, preventive care, maternity care, urgent care services, outpatient substance use disorder treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. They also establish new patient protections for individuals with chronic conditions and strengthen continuity of care requirements when patients change insurance plans. 

These changes build on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's efforts to make health care more affordable, accessible and patient-centered for Massachusetts residents.