Governor Healey Nominates Kristen Bonavita to District Court

 Governor Healey Nominates Kristen Bonavita to District Court

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated Kristen Bonavita to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court. The nominee will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.

"Kristen brings extensive trial experience, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to justice to the District Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Her decades of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney will be an important asset to the bench, and I am confident she will serve the people of Massachusetts with fairness, integrity and compassion.”

“Kristen has dedicated her career to the practice of law and to serving her community,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Her breadth of courtroom experience and commitment to thoughtful and fair outcomes will serve her well on the District Court, and I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to advance her nomination.”

The District Court Department hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state.

Governor Healey has already nominated 35 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio,  Patrick Burke, Tonomey Coleman, Lisa Core, Frances Dallmeyer, Frederick DeCubellis, Brian Doxtader, Mark Fabiano, Leo Fama,  Lauren Greene, Stuart Hurowitz, Paul Anthony, Edward Kacasinas, Francis V. Kenneally, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Jr. Krippendorf, Cara Krysil, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Suzanne McDonough, Shelly-Ann Sankar, Becky Michaels, Craig Mulcahey, Jerry Parisella, Polly Phillips, William Powers, Joanna Rodriguez, Thomas Johnson, Gegory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes, Amanda Ward, Shelly-Ann Sankar, Raquel Webster, Liza Williamson,and Hector Zumbado.  

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

About the Nominees:

Kristen Bonavita is a highly experienced trial lawyer who has litigated hundreds of cases in the District and Superior Courts. For the past 15 years, she has operated a solo practice in Newburyport, representing clients in criminal defense, probate and family court matters, administrative hearings, and civil litigation. She has litigated more than 300 evidentiary motions and trials and has represented clients through pre-charge investigations, magistrate hearings, diversion programs, and trial. She has also devoted a substantial portion of her practice to representing indigent defendants through the Essex County Bar Advocates program. Prior to opening her practice, Attorney Bonavita served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted a wide range of misdemeanor and felony offenses in the Boston Municipal and Superior Courts. Prior to joining the DA’s office, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office where she was assigned to Dorchester as part of the Safe Neighborhood Initiative, a program that worked collaboratively with law enforcement and community organizations to reduce gang violence.  Attorney Bonavita holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Marketing from Boston College and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School.

2026麻州有13名亞裔參選 Persis Yu 將成為首名華裔麻州參議員

Persis S. Yu (左一）和支持者。（圖片取自臉書）

 （Boston Orange周菊子麻州綜合報導）麻州的2026年州級選舉，亞裔參選人“爆棚”，竟有13人之多，其中角逐諾福克郡麻州參議員席位的Persis Yu以50.1%贏得初選，將成為麻州參議會歷史中首名100%華裔血統參議員。

Vanna Howard 今年補選後，宣誓就任麻州參議員。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

2003年從麻州的曼荷蓮學院（Mount Holyoke College）畢業，2009年取得西雅圖大學法律博士（JD）的Persis S. Yu，住在海德公園 (Hyde Park)，育有1子1女，在波士頓公校就讀。2005年時，她和志同道合者共6人聯合創辦了LGBTG Allyship (現為Queer Power Alliance)。在201年次貸危機期間，起訴美國銀行的掠奪性房貸行為，2021年出任學生借款人保護中心（SBPC/ Protect Borrowers）副執行總監，成為頂尖學貸維權與消費者權益保護專家之一，深度參與拜登政府的一些學貸紓困計劃。

選舉素人Chester Tam在麻州眾議員共和黨初選中勝出。
（圖片來自臉書）

Persis S. Yu在9月1日的麻州初選中，打敗了得票率49.1%的在位者Michael F. Rush。由於共和黨無人參選這一席位，11月大選之後，她勢必成為麻州新任參議員，也將成為麻州歷史中首名華裔參議員。

在Persis S. Yu之前，麻州參議會曾有八分之一華裔血統的陳翟蘇妮（Sonia Chang Diaz）當過參議員。她父親陳福林（Franklin Ramon Chang-Díaz）是早年的美國太空人之一，還曾親自到麻州來為她助選過。

在陳翟蘇妮之外，曾有越南裔的Dean Tran當選過麻州眾議員。今年5月在參議員補選中贏下席位，從麻州眾議員變成麻州參議員的柬埔寨裔Vanna Howard，今年9月正式參選麻州參議員，剛贏了初選，在11月大選中打敗競爭的共和黨參選人Sam Meas，應無懸念。

麻州參議會有參議員40人，今年將破紀錄的有2名亞裔參議員。

麻州眾議員黃子安（左起），陳德基、馬惠美都是麻州眾議員。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

在至少有13名亞裔參選人的今年麻州州級選舉中，有7人是在位者。其中除了轉換跑道的麻州眾議員阮簪（Tram Nguyen），和高丹尼競爭第六區國會議員席位時落敗之外，其餘6人估計都將順利晉級，在11月大選後，順利連任。

Tara Thorn Hong是最年輕的亞裔麻州眾議員。 （檔案照片，周菊子攝）

        這6人中的麻州眾議員Tara Thorn Hong和Erika Uyterhoeven在競選連任時，都遭遇了同為亞裔的競爭對手，依序為曾任羅爾市（Lowell）市長的Sokhary Chan Chau，以及曾數度參選公職的Burhan Azeem，不過這2名在位者，都在初選中順利獲勝。

        其他的亞裔參選人中，在位的麻州眾議員有共和黨籍的黃子安 （Donald Wong），將在11月大選時和民主黨的Peter Meaney對決，民主黨籍陳德基 (Tacky Chan)的 11月對手是Sharon Cintolo。馬惠美 （Amy Mah Sangiolo），因無競爭對手 ，將自動當選。

諾福克郡地方檢察官席位競爭太激烈，
李美思得票率11%，排第4。（圖片來自臉書）

        在麻州眾議員的亞裔參選人中，有一名選舉素人，角逐Bristol第9區麻州眾議員席位的Chester Tam，一戰成功，將在11月大選中和Edward Pacheco一比高下。

        亞裔參選人中，唯一挑戰地方檢察官席位的是李美思（Macy Lee）。她參選的諾福克郡，由於原本在位的地方檢察官Michael Morrissey決定不再連任，一下子湧現6名角逐者，李美思的得票率11％.1，排名第4。

在亞裔參選人之外，還有2場麻州參議員席位選戰，因為吳弭市長站台出面支持新人挑戰在位者而倍受人矚目。

初選開票結果，薩福克郡第一選區的在位麻州參議員Nick Collins，以54.1%的得票率，順利保住席位。吳弭市長加持的Latoya Sherria Gayle ，儘管是首次參選，拿下43.4%的得票率，也十分難得。

薩福克和米斗塞郡（Middlesex）區的麻州參議員選戰，十分膠著，在位者William N. Brownsberger 得票率50.1%，和吳弭市長子弟兵Daniel Lander的49.9%相比，差距極微，恐將無可避免的驗票，才會最後確認選舉結果。

麻州初選落幕 在位者為最大贏家 Ed Markey打贏保衛戰 Dan Koh邁向聯邦眾議員

Ed Markey順利贏得民主黨提名，11月將和共和黨John Deaton 打真正的保衛戰。
（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

  (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 9月1日的麻州初選落幕了，花落誰家的選舉結果也出來，儘管票數還未正式總結，但競選連任的在位者，全是贏家。由於麻州是民主黨州，絕大部分初選過關的民主黨籍參選人，等於是已經當選或成功連任。

高丹尼（Dan Koh）一家人出席投票。（圖片來自高丹尼臉書）

在聯邦層級的選舉中，備受矚目的是聯邦參議員席位選舉，現年80歲的在位者Ed markey和放棄連任第六區國會議員機會，年僅47歲的Seth Moulton，由於彼此年齡差距超過30歲，這場選戰從一開始就被形容為年齡、世代之爭。

Tram Nguyen爭取到重量級支持，未能竟功。（周菊子攝）

選後有評論指出，Seth Molton在角逐這席位時強調他和Ed  Markey的最大差異是自己年輕許多，是一大敗筆。Ed Markey在競選路上強調自己激進（progressive），倡議「新綠政策（Green New Deal）」，呼籲全民健保，支持跨性別權益，要求廢除聯邦移民執法，通過全民幼教，把墮胎權寫入法律，他的激進不受年齡限制。

這場選舉，Ed Markey 以64.9%的得票率，碾壓Seth Moulton的35.1%。

6年前，Ed Markey也以55.4% 力壓競爭者Joseph P. Kennedy III (約瑟夫甘迺迪三世)的44.5%。

聯邦眾議員Stephen Lynch也贏得初選，邁向成功連任。（周菊子攝）

9月1日晚在波士頓Omni Parker House的勝選派對中，Ed markey説，這是場關於「美國夢」的選舉。波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）也到場祝賀。

11月3日大選時，Ed Markey將面對的競爭者有共和黨提名的Joh Deaton，以及第3黨的社會主義候選人Joe Tache。

聯邦眾議院民主黨黨鞭Katherine Clark 以壓倒性得票率贏了初選。
（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

在聯邦眾議員的選舉中，最受矚目的選戰是Seth Molton空出來的第六選區國會議員席位。這場選戰儘管參選人多達6人，所有的關注重點都集中在現任麻州眾議員的阮簪（Tram Nguyen）和曾任美國總統副助理兼白宮政府間事務辦公室副主任的高丹尼（Dan Koh）身上。

到今（2）早5點50分，96%得票數以結算後，高丹尼贏得41%選票，阮簪29.5%。

聯邦眾議員 Jake Auchincloss也以73.3%的高得票率勝出。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

高丹尼在這場選戰中，擁有最多錢，以及來自美國民主黨中一些最知名者的支持，包括美國前總統拜登（Joe Biden），當年的波士頓市長Marty Walsh。

高丹尼在11月大選中，將直面共和黨候選人Ｍicah Quinney的挑戰。

聯邦眾議員選舉中，次受矚目的是在位者，今年71歲的Stephen Lynch面對39歲，曾任麻州前州長Deval Patrick幕僚的Patrick Roath之戰。

在開票93.1%後，Stephen Lynch 以55.2%的得票率贏過了Patrick Roath的44.8%。

選區包括牛頓市，和華裔選民有過不少接觸的第四區國會議員，在位的Jake Auchincloss也以73.3%的高得票率勝出。選區包括摩頓市的Katherine M. Clark也以73.8％的高得票率，把競爭對手選拋在後。

        在麻州州長選舉部分，民主黨籍的現任州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 並無同黨競爭者。她將在11月3日面對共和黨提名人Michael Roger Minogue的挑戰。（更新版）

麻州初選 波士頓市長吳弭站台忙 支持Ed Markey，Latoya Gayle，Daniel Lander

波士頓市長吳弭（左）和聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley（右）都為Ed Markey站台。
（周菊子攝）

       (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 麻州初選，將於今（1）晚8點截止投票。在民主黨居多數的麻州，這次初選的重頭戲，尤其對華埠選民來說，焦點主要落在聯邦參議員Ed Markey，麻州參議員Nick Collins，以及薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden身上。

聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley（左）都為Ed Markey （中）站台。（周菊子攝）

    華人選民比較關注的，還有國會第6選區的聯邦眾議員席位，雖然是從6人參選，在前兩天有人退選，變成5人角逐後，主要攻防似乎仍然集中在現任麻州眾議員Tram Nguyen和曾任波士頓市長及美國勞工部部長幕僚長得高丹尼（Dan Koh）身上。

Ed Markey當國會議員已長達49年，其中當聯邦眾議員37年，當聯邦參議員也有13年。
（周菊子攝）

    Tram Nguyen前一陣子，贏得聯邦參議員Ed Markey和聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley的支持，高丹尼則有美國前總統拜登（Joe Biden）和前勞工部部長Marty Walsh助陣，而且籌得了逾百萬元的競選經費。

波士頓市長吳弭強調Ed Markey總是關心探問波士頓需要些什麼。（周菊子攝）

    波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）雖然今年自己不必選，卻比許多參選人都忙。今年的這州級選舉，她一口氣支持不下3名參選人，包括支持Latoya Gayle去爭麻州參議員Nick Collins的席位，派出子弟兵Daniel Lander 去爭麻州參議員William Brownsberger的席位，以及競選連任的薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden。然後她還要分心支持Ed Markey連任。

        8月31日這天，吳弭市長傍晚先到華埠牌樓前，出席華人協選會和工會組織為Latoya Gayle舉牌，有數十人到場的助選活動。華人協選會工作人員莫如善和在華埠住了14年的會員代表李麗芳，侃侃而言他們支持吳弭，支持Latoya Gayle的原因。

Ayanna Pressley初選無競爭對手，樂得輕鬆。（周菊子攝）

        李麗芳表示，華埠居民大都是工薪階層，眼看著醫療，住房等各種開銷越來越昂貴，這個移民社區還不斷受到聯邦政府打壓，所以必須要選出一位能夠聽居民說話，為工薪階層著想的領袖。雖然Latoy Gayle是第一次選舉，但他們已經看到了她的領導力。

8月31日晚在麻雀公園有將近200人出席。（周菊子攝）

        Latoya Gayle表示，她走訪居民時聽到最多的是租金管制，住房太貴等問題，如果她當選，這將是她最主要的關注議題。至於華埠街道破落等問題，她也聽到許多居民反映，只不過這部分屬於市政府管轄，她能做的就不多了。

麻州參議員Nick Collins （右三）等麻州議員都到場支持Ed Markey。（周菊子攝）

        8月31日晚，吳弭市長還到南端(South End) 的麻雀（Sparrow）公園，和聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley一起為聯邦參議員Ed Markey的競選連任站台。在助選發言中，開場的一名年輕亞裔女子和一名自稱為變性人（Transgender）的21歲年輕人發言。

華人協選會在華埠牌樓前支持Latoya Gayle。（周菊子攝）

        由於聯邦參議員的這場席位之爭，Seth Moulton只有47歲，和擔任國會議員數十年的Ed Markey已80歲相比，差距不小，被人形容為年齡上的世紀之爭。當晚2名年輕人的開場因而著眼於，誰當參議員，重點不在年紀是否輕，關鍵在於是否照顧年輕人的權益。這位變性年輕人強調，他們需要像Ed Markey這樣有經驗，卻懂得年輕人的人在國會為他們發聲。

吳弭市長感謝華人協選會支持Latoya Gayle。（周菊子攝）

        今晚的麻州初選，包括麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell，麻州州務卿William F. Galvin，麻州稽核長Diana DiZoglio，聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley，麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），黃子安，陳德基等許多人都無競爭對手，將順利進入11月3日的大選。

吳弭市長，Latoya Gayle和選民互動。（周菊子攝）

        薩福克區地方檢察官Kevin Hayden倒是面對不小競爭壓力，一來是因為他有2名競爭對手，曾任該職位的Rachael Rollins，以及也是前檢察官的Linda Cahmpion，二來是他自己在2022年未阻止下屬使用DA辦公室資源，發表針對當時政治對手的新聞聲明，被麻州倫理委員會判定違反利益衝突法，在這次選舉中遭對手質疑其廉潔程度與領導能力。另外他起訴了一名涉嫌槍擊民眾的波士頓警察，促使波士頓巡警協會轉而支持Linda Champion等。(訂正：Ed Markey 出生於1946年，現年80歲）

華埠牌樓前許多人圍觀助選活動。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey Launches First Family Advisory Council for Early Education and Care

 Governor Healey Launches First Family Advisory Council for Early Education and Care

 Twenty parents and caregivers from across Massachusetts will help shape child care policies, programs and services

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced the 20 parents and caregivers selected to serve on the Department of Elementary Education and Care (EEC)’s first formal Family Advisory Council (FAC), creating a direct and ongoing role for families in shaping the policies, programs, and resources that serve Massachusetts children and families.

"We’re working every day to make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible for families across Massachusetts, and that work has to start with listening to families, " said Governor Maura Healey. "That’s what this Council is all about. These members know firsthand what it takes to find and pay for care, navigate different programs and make the best choices for their children. Their voices will help us build a child care system that works better for every family. "

 “Parents and caregivers understand what is working, what is not and where families need more support,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This council brings those experiences directly into the decisions we make at the state level. We’re grateful to every member for stepping up to represent families in their communities.”

The Family Advisory Council brings together a diverse group of parents, caregivers, and guardians representing communities from every region of Massachusetts. Council members bring a wide range of lived experiences with early education and care, out-of-school time programs, residential care services, and other systems that support children and families. 

The Council also reflects the diversity of Massachusetts families across income levels, language, cultural background, race, ethnicity, and geography. Members will meet quarterly to advise EEC on a range of topics, including family access and support initiatives, child care financial assistance, workforce development efforts, and strategies to increase family engagement throughout the state.

"Family engagement is foundational to student success and child well-being," said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. "The members of this Council bring valuable insights that will help inform our work and ensure that policies and programs are responsive to the realities families face every day. Engaging families as partners from a child’s earliest years helps build a strong foundation for learning and success throughout their education."

The Council advances a key priority of EEC’s Strategic Action Plan: centering the voices of families, educators and providers in the department’s policies and programs.

Members were selected through a competitive application process based on their experiences with programs and services for children, commitment to family engagement and ability to represent different perspectives from across Massachusetts.

"This milestone reinforces the important partnership between EEC and families across Massachusetts," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. "The Family Advisory Council will help us better understand the experiences of children and caregivers, strengthen our programs and services, and build a more equitable and responsive early education and care system. We are excited to welcome these members and grateful for their willingness to serve."

The new Council builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s work to make child care more affordable and accessible for families and strengthen the early education and care workforce. Since taking office, the Administration has:

• Added more than 26,000 child care seats 
• Expanded financial assistance to help 17,000 families afford care
• Continued operational grants that have helped 8,000 child care programs stay open
• Launched the state’s first-ever $15 million loan repayment program for early childhood educators 
• Invested more than 250 early education apprentices

“There’s no better way to stay informed about what Massachusetts parents and families need and want when it comes to early education and care than to hear directly from them,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The Family Advisory Council will serve as an indispensable resource to bring lived experiences and new insights to state agencies and policymakers in the coming years.”

“In Massachusetts, we are always striving to strengthen and improve our early education and care system,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Parents and caregivers bring an invaluable perspective to this work, and their voices will have a tremendous impact on the work of this advisory council."

 

Representing all five EEC regions, the inaugural members of the Family Advisory Council are:

Metro Boston

• Analuisa Diaz de la Cruz
• Nicole Pola
• Karima Rehmani
• John Smith-St. Cyere

Metro West

• Kelly Dube
• Laura Valero Lopez

Central

• Wairimu Macharia
• Fatou Nije-Jallow

North East

• Sam Gragg
• Audrey Kelly
• Taina M. Janvier
• Rodolfo Saldarriaga

South East

• Kristi Ferrantella
• Sarah Hendrick
• Kendra LeBeau
• Caitlin Petrizzi-Canavan

Western

• Brandon Mauer
• Louis Nunez
• Fiona Smith
• Tierney Sodders

For more information about the Family Advisory Council, visit mass.gov/EECFamilyAdvisory.

Governor Healey Launches Statewide Blue Envelope Program for People with Autism

Governor Healey Launches Statewide Blue Envelope Program for People with Autism 

 Free tool will help improve communication during traffic stops and other interactions with law enforcement

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today launched the statewide Blue Envelope Program, a free and voluntary program designed to support safer, more effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with autism.

Beginning today, Blue Envelopes are available at all Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centers, participating AAA locations and through an online mail request form.

“People with autism and their families deserve to feel safe and understood when they interact with law enforcement,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By helping residents communicate their needs and giving officers useful guidance, the Blue Envelope can prevent misunderstandings and make traffic stops safer for everyone. I’m grateful to our police officers for their partnership and commitment to making this program work across Massachusetts.”

“A traffic stop can be stressful for anyone, especially when a driver and an officer communicate differently,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By making Blue Envelopes available across Massachusetts, we’re helping people with autism and their families feel more prepared while giving officers another tool to support safe, respectful interactions.”

The bright blue envelope can hold a driver’s license, vehicle registration, contact card, and other important information. During a traffic stop or other interaction, the envelope alerts an officer that the driver or passenger may communicate, process information or respond differently. Guidance printed on the envelope helps officers adjust their approach.

Governor Healey signed legislation establishing the statewide program in June. The law builds on a voluntary initiative launched by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 and expands access to Blue Envelopes through the RMV.

“The Blue Envelope Program continues the Commonwealth’s longstanding commitment to foster trust and supports successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “We deeply appreciate the Governor’s leadership to sign this bill into law, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles’ work to make this resource readily available to their customers. Raising awareness of this important communication tool will continue to build trust between law enforcement and our neighbors within this important community.”   

“The Blue Envelope Program is a practical and meaningful way to foster safer and more effective interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “By making these envelopes widely available through the RMV, AAA locations, and an online request process, we are helping individuals and families feel more prepared and confident while giving officers useful information that they can use to support positive interactions and outcomes.”

“The Blue Envelope Program provides a supportive tool for individuals with autism to communicate with law enforcement, creating more understanding and making traffic stops safer for them,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “We’re pleased to take this innovative program piloted by the Massachusetts State Police and make it available statewide in support of our ongoing efforts to make RMV services accessible and inclusive to all residents.”  

Any Massachusetts resident with autism may request a Blue Envelope. Residents may request more than one envelope, including envelopes for use in different vehicles. Parents and guardians may also request envelopes for minors or individuals in their care. No medical records, diagnosis documentation, or other verification is required and there is no fee to participate in the program.

Residents can keep the envelope on the driver’s-side sun visor or in another visible, easy-to-reach location. During an interaction with law enforcement, the driver or passenger can present the envelope to the officer along with the documents stored inside.

For additional information about the Blue Envelope Program, visit the MA RMV website. 

8月31 國際關注吸毒過量日 麻州死亡人數首度跌破千人 波士頓市創10年新低

麻州州長Maura Healey (右起）頒表揚狀給Nichol Brewer-Lowry。
左為第一夫人Joanna Lydgate。（周菊子攝）

         （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和官員、志工， 8 月 31 日「國際關注吸毒過量日」這天，在波士頓公園聚會，站在2萬多面小紫旗前，悼念2013 年來吸毒過量逝世的州民，宣佈 2025 年死亡人數降至 971 人，首度跌破千人大關，防治效果顯著。

麻州州長Maura Healey點名譴責普渡製藥和薩克勒家族。（周菊子攝）

        政府官員們在這活動中強調，麻州政府和波士頓市去年都在防治吸毒過量上成績斐然。

        麻州麻州公共衛生署署長Robbie Goldstein指出，麻州吸毒過量死亡人數，一連3年銳減，從2022年的2364人降至2025年的971人，降幅高逾60％，還首度跌破千人大關。

州市官員一起關注吸毒過量事故。（周菊子攝）

波士頓公園插出2萬多面小紫旗，提醒民眾國際關注吸毒過量日。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓公共衛生局局長Bisola Ojikutu也宣佈，波士頓市的吸毒過量死亡人數也創十年新低的將至120人，和2023年時的高峰相比，下降了56%。她還指出，由於資源精準投放至受創最嚴重社區，一直以來吸毒過量死亡率最高的黑人男性，死亡人數也驟降70%，拉丁裔男性下降約60%。波士頓市府未來將深化支持原住民社區。

奚莉州長致詞時一度哽噎，強調每個人的生命都彌足珍惜，即使只有一個人因吸毒過量而死亡，也是多得讓人痛惜。她還直接點名普渡製藥（Purdue Pharma）與薩克勒家族（Sackler family）應該為吸毒過量氾濫負責。

波士頓公共衛生局局長Bisola Ojikutu公布去年波士頓市吸毒過量死亡人數120人，
創10年新低。（周菊子攝）

        奚莉州長指出，她擔任麻州總檢察長時，2018年率先提告薩克勒家族成員，並和現為第一夫人的Joanna Lydgate攜手，深入調查此案，追討到數十億美元賠償金。

        從 2023 年以來，麻州政府已撥發逾 10 億美元，資助 6 個行動戒毒醫療計畫、SafeSpot 虛擬過量檢測熱線，並發放超過 15 萬份解毒劑 Naloxone（納洛酮）與近 40 萬條芬太尼（Fentanyl）檢測紙。

麻州麻州公共衛生署署長Robbie Goldstein報告麻州吸毒過量死亡人數，
首度低於千人。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市也從集體訴訟藥廠中，獲得1,800 萬美元和解金至 2028 年，已有逾 300 萬美元撥付給受創最重的社區，並透過 A HOPE 計畫持續發放減害物資與提供轉介服務。

麻州眾議員Kate Donaghue分享兒子因藥成癮，吸毒過量死亡的經歷。（周菊子攝）

        在「國際關注過量吸毒日」儀式中，麻州公共衛生署（DPH）還請身為Mashpee Wampanoag族成員的部落與原住民健康策略師Cheryl Cromwell做「土地認同宣告（Land Acknowledgement）」，呼籲民眾尊重原住民歷史，尊重部落主權。

        奚莉州長也頒發表揚狀給「波士頓美洲原住民生命線（Native American LifeLines in Boston）」副主任布魯爾-勞里（Nichol Brewer-Lowry）。

小紫旗插在麻州州政府前的波士頓廣場內。 （周菊子攝）

現場發言中，最令人動容的是麻州眾議員Kate Donaghue分享親身經歷。她的兒子Brian接受憂鬱症治療，卻因處方藥上了癮，還吸起海洛因，儘管想要戒毒，醫療保險卻只保他買讓人上癮的處方藥，拒絕為戒毒療程付費，以致於他兒子吸食了摻雜芬太尼的海洛因而殞命昆士市街頭。她痛言這樣的處方藥保險制度，必須立法更改。

        波士頓公園內的2300面左右小紫旗，將在公園內持續飄揚至9 月 4 日。

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈 3 名 新任鄰里聯絡員

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW MID-DOT, CHARLESTOWN,  AND ROXBURY LIAISON  BOSTON - Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Marcus McNeill as the new neighborhood liaison for Mid-Dorchester, Isabella Carr as the new neighborhood liaison for Charlestown, and Abdullah Beckett as the new neighborhood liaison for Roxbury within the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). ONS plays a vital role in connecting residents with city services and resources; facilitating resident input on local government matters; ensuring that the appropriate city departments address constituent service requests; attending neighborhood meetings; and responding to emergencies, such as fires, to assist displaced residents. “Strong communities start with meaningful connections between residents and City Hall,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Marcus’ dedication to public service and experience connecting residents to City services will strengthen our work in Dorchester. Isabella’s lifelong connection to Charlestown and experience in government will help residents stay connected to City resources and services. Abdullah’s knowledge of City Hall and strong commitment to serving Roxbury will further our efforts to connect constituents with the support they need. I’m thrilled to welcome all three to these important roles and look forward to the relationships they will build with residents across their neighborhoods.” Marcus McNeill Marcus McNeill was born and raised in Boston and attended Fenway High School in Mission Hill. A recent graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Education Studies. McNeill previously served in the Biden administration in the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Postsecondary Education. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, he worked in the Boston City Council for Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. McNeill currently resides in Dorchester.  “Boston is a city I deeply admire and have the utmost respect for the communities that make it such a special place,” said Marcus McNeill, Mid-Dorchester Liaison. “ I am excited to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues at City Hall and with the constituents I will serve in Mid-Dorchester.” Isabella Carr Isabella Carr was born and raised in Charlestown, where she currently lives. She graduated from Boston Latin School and attended the University of Alabama, where she double majored in International Studies and Italian. Carr has experience working in Boston government and policy. She interned with State Representative Dan Ryan and later with O’Neill and Associates, a lobbying and government relations firm. Her experiences reinforced her interest in public service. Carr looks forward to helping strengthen the relationship between the Charlestown community and city services.  “Having grown up in Charlestown, I understand and appreciate firsthand what makes our neighborhood so special and the community that makes it such a great place to call home,” said Isabella Carr, Charlestown Liaison. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to give back to this neighborhood and to help strengthen the connection between Charlestown residents and City Hall.”

Abdullah Beckett Abdullah Beckett is a fourth generation Bostonian who was born and raised in Roxbury. He graduated from Charlestown High School and UMass Boston. He is currently pursuing an MPA at Northeastern University.   Beckett has a background in community leadership, public service, and civic engagement. He has held leadership roles with the NAACP and the My Brother’s Keeper Program at UMass Boston. While in college, he was appointed to the City of Boston’s Commission on Black Men and Boys. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Beckett served as a therapeutic mentor for boys involved with the Department of Children and Families. He later worked for City Councilor Brian Worrell as a District Liaison before advancing to Director of Community Engagement and Constituent Services. Beckett also launched the Office of Police Accountability’s community engagement program. Most recently, he worked in the Department of Supplier Diversity, where he supported Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises  and helped advance opportunities for diverse businesses. “Roxbury is the heart of our city and home to some of my heroes,” said Abdullah Beckett, Roxbury Liaison. “I’m proud to serve as a bridge between this passionate community and local government and help make Roxbury an even better place to live, work, and thrive.” The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services is led by Executive Director Mohammed Missouri, who works alongside four deputy directors. Deputy directors supervise the liaisons and community engagement specialists who facilitate abutters meetings. “We’re thrilled to welcome Abdullah, Isabella, and Marcus to the Office of Neighborhood Services,” said Mohammed Missouri, Executive Director of Neighborhood Services. “Their empathy and deep roots to the neighborhoods they represent will ensure that residents inform our work, and families are connected to city services.” Neighborhood liaisons will be present at the Mayor’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours, a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. If there are inclement weather conditions, the time and location may change to an indoor location and will be reflected on the City events page. Community members can also meet with their designated neighborhood liaisons at weekly office hours in-person every Friday to receive guidance on how to navigate City services.