MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES AWARDEES OF VACCINE EQUITY GRANT INITIATIVE

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES AWARDEES OF VACCINE EQUITY GRANT INITIATIVE $1.5 million in funding distributed to 11 organizations working to increase community-based access to and awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine   BOSTON - Thursday, April 22, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey, the Boston Public Health Commission and the Office of Health and Human Services today announced the awardees of the Vaccine Equity Grant Initiative, which was launched in March to ensure equitable availability to the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of $1.5 million has been distributed to 11 organizations working to increase vaccine access and awareness in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  “As we continue to recover from COVID-19, it’s critical that we are intentional about our efforts to support Bostonians disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,” said Mayor Janey. “I am proud to award this funding to community-based organizations committed to expanding access to and awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you for your partnership in helping our most vulnerable communities.” Applicants were charged with developing strategies to enhance and ensure equitable vaccine access for specific communities, neighborhoods and groups experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 positivity or to target outreach for communities facing barriers in obtaining the vaccine. These include Black/African American, Latinx, Asian, Indigenious, and immigrant communities; persons with disabilities; individuals over the age of 65; and the neighborhoods of East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Roslindale and Chinatown, where positivity rates have consistently been higher and vaccination rates have been lower than the citywide average.  As of April 13, 2021, 168,145 individuals who are 16 years of age or older have been fully vaccinated in the City of Boston. 47 percent of fully vaccinated Bostonians are people of color. 16,498 Asian/Pacific Islander residents are fully vaccinated; 31,243 Black residents are fully vaccinated; 19,073 Latinx residents are fully vaccinated; and 214 American Indian/Alaskan Native residents are fully vaccinated. In comparison, 81,844 White residents are fully vaccinated. For more information on vaccination rates, visit here. Grantees awarded have created strategies to engage the community in four ways. Access and awareness strategies include: Direct, in-person outreach: This will target populations and scheduling individuals for vaccine appointments. Public awareness efforts: This will target specific populations or neighborhoods to build confidence in vaccines and their effectiveness. Wrap around supports: This will help to create equitable access to vaccines appointments through methods including transportation support, interpretation services, companion programs, dedicated staff to get residents into vaccine appointments.  Direct clinic support: This will include expanded staffing, outreach or on-site services to support access to vaccines people, including access during non-traditional hours or located at non-traditional locations. The grantees of the Vaccine Equity Grant Initiative are:      Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Boston has prioritized access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination for communities most impacted. The current community positivity rate is 4.0 percent for the week of April 9-15, 2021, with the neighborhoods of East Boston, Dorchester, South Boston, and Roslindale experiencing the highest rates. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 24 percent of known cases have been among Black/African American residents, 30 percent of known cases have been among Hispanic/Latinx residents, and 6 percent of known cases have been among Asian/Pacific Islander residents. For more information on COVID-19 positivity, visit here.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Address Hate Crimes, including Surge of Hate Impacting Asian Communities

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC Applauds Senate Passage of  Legislation to Address Hate Crimes, including Surge of Hate Impacting Asian Communities

WASHINGTON, DC — April 22, 2021 ― The Senate, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was amended to include the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer National Opposition to Hate, Assault, and Threats to Equality Act (Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act).  The passage of this bill brings together two complementary legislative proposals to address the current rise in anti-Asian hate and tackles the broader infrastructural improvements needed in hate crimes data collection, reporting, and connection to support services.  

This legislation includes critical provisions to expand language access and allow for culturally competent and linguistically accessible public education campaigns to reach communities targeted by hate with information regarding reporting and support services.  With the inclusion of the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, the legislation provides for more accurate data and improved response to the hate crimes that are impacting Asian Americans and allied people of color, religious minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC (Advancing Justice - AAJC) releases the following statement:

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC applauds the Senate for passing this milestone legislation. The Asian American community has been facing two pandemics - the spreading virus  of hate and racism and the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is past time for us to take action to address hate crimes and better support communities impacted by hate. We thank Senator Hirono and Representative Meng for their leadership in drafting this important bill.  We also thank Senator Blumenthal and Representative Beyer for their leadership in the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act.  

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act provides the necessary language access provisions to support the limited English proficient members of our community. Language support and linguistically appropriate and culturally competent education and outreach are vital for assisting Asian Americans who have been impacted by hate in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Investing in better quality data and reporting infrastructure are vital in addressing racial equity for the long-term. We support efforts to confront and uproot the systems of white supremacy that feed into the historic targeting, over-policing, and criminalizing of communities of color in the United States. Policies and practices that protect people of color, religious minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community benefit us all. 

The historic passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act will provide much-needed support for individuals and communities impacted by hate and discrimination. Advancing Justice - AAJC has worked closely with congressional offices and a broad coalition of civil rights partners to support this bill. We thank all of our partners and the senators who supported this effort through the passage of this historic bill. 

We must seize this moment to come together and send the unequivocal message that hate against Asian Americans or any community has no place in our society. We now urge the House of Representatives to act swiftly to vote and approve this legislation.”

麻州州長疫情匯報 4/22

 

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito will join Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer and other local leaders to tour the Berkshire Regional Collaborative vaccination site in Pittsfield, and provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination

波士頓市長疫情匯報 4/22 - "That will not happen under my watch"

 

ON EARTH DAY, AG HEALEY JOINS COMMUNITY LEADERS TO ANNOUNCE NEW SPRINGFIELD AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROJECT

 ON EARTH DAY, AG HEALEY JOINS COMMUNITY LEADERS TO ANNOUNCE NEW SPRINGFIELD AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROJECT

AG’s Office Provides Funding for Air Quality Monitors Across Nation’s Asthma Capital; Plants Trees with Office Staff in Adams Park  

BOSTON – On Earth Day, Attorney General Maura Healey joined local elected officials and community leaders in Springfield to launch a new collaborative air quality monitoring project to measure air pollution levels and provide data to inform public health responses in the city known as having the highest rates of asthma in the country.

Today’s announcement was made at an event in Adams Park in Springfield and is part of AG Healey’s work to prioritize protecting public health in environmental justice communities in Massachusetts. AG Healey also joined members of her Environmental Protection Division to plant trees – two Musashino Zelkova and three Heritage River Birch – in the park.  

“For far too long, injustices embedded in environmental and other policies have forced our most vulnerable residents in communities like Springfield to breath polluted air and suffer serious public health consequences,” AG Healey said. “This project will help us address inequities by giving residents the tools they need to monitor pollution in their neighborhoods and protect their health. I want to thank all of our partners in this work to make Springfield a greener and healthier place to be.”

            The air monitoring project will result in the installation of 80 air quality sensors across Springfield to collect data on pollution hotspots and inform public health measures. Specifically, the project includes 40 long-term sensors that will collect information on the concentrations of particulate matter and ozone and 40 short-term sensors that will track information on toxic air contaminants in the city. This project is being run and funded by the AG’s Office in collaboration with the City of Springfield, Yale University, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Bay State Health, ReGreen Springfield, and other community organizations and members.

            The sensors are expected to be installed in early June. The location of the sensors will be determined by feedback from community members with the goal of having sensors placed around the city, including several potential locations on the outside of school and municipal buildings and other community institutions like Bay State Health. This effort will significantly expand the air quality monitoring network in Springfield, a city in which nearly one in five children have asthma, leading it to be ranked the “asthma capital” of the country by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The project will also help address concerns around ozone, a pollutant that puts the health of residents, especially infants and those with asthma at risk.

“In acknowledgement of Earth Day, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Patrick Sullivan and I continue our commitment to making the City of Springfield energy and environmentally effective and efficient,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “This year will mark 35 years Springfield has been designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Thanks to our Parks Department, especially our Forestry Division and City Forester Alex Sherman, Springfield was able to plant over 400 trees throughout the City in 2020, which represented a 50 percent increase over the prior year. We look forward to continuing our tree planting operations this year. I want to thank Attorney General Maura Healey and her staff for partnering with the City of Springfield and other community stakeholders on this new air quality monitoring project. This project supports my administration’s ongoing green initiatives to improving our air quality and protecting our environment.”   

“Poor air quality is a long-standing issue in the Greater Springfield Area,” said Dr. Krystal Pollitt Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Science at Yale University School of Public Health. “The generous support from AG Healey to establish an air sensor network across the region represents an important step in making air quality information more accessible to the community. I am excited by the long-term opportunities presented by this air sensor network to enhance residents’ understanding of air pollution, the health implications, and actions they can take to prevent the adverse effects of poor air quality.”

“We are proud of the collaboration between the Attorney General’s Office, the City of Springfield, resident advisors from the Pioneer Valley Asthma and Live Well Springfield Coalitions, Yale University researchers and environmental organizations like ReGreen Springfield and Earthwatch,” said Sarita Hudson, Director of Programs and Development for the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition. “This project prioritizes community involvement by engaging community residents in determining where to locate the sensors, how to share the data with residents, and how to take action to avoid exposures. This project will allow us to collect real-time data to help us understand the air quality in Springfield and guide us in taking action to make Springfield a more resilient community where everyone has clean air to breathe.

“ReGreen Springfield is excited to be part of this important initiative, which will provide data that can be used to help develop strategies to make our neighborhoods healthier and more resilient,” said David Bloniarz, President of ReGreen Springfield. “This initiative represents a partnership of environmental agencies, community residents, non-profit organizations and scientific researchers, who are all working to make Springfield a better place to live for our residents. We know that this will be a ‘game changer’ as we continue our efforts to improve environmental and public health across the city.”

Data collected from the sensors will be analyzed by Yale University and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and published in a report. In addition, a website will be launched at the end of June to allow residents to view minute-by-minute information on the air quality in their neighborhoods and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from exposure. The information will also be used to inform the enforcement work of the AG’s Environmental Protection Division, which has prioritized investigations and cases environmental justice communities that have been overburdened for decades with pollution from industrial facilities, power plants, highways, and other pollution sources.

Today’s announcement implements one of the recommendations made in a brief the AG’s Office released in May 2020 detailing the environmental factors that compound the COVID-19 pandemic’s disparate impact on communities of color in Massachusetts. The brief outlined steps the state should take to address the longstanding impact of environmental injustice on families, including the installation of a robust network of air quality monitors to better track hot spots of particle pollution within vulnerable neighborhoods. The brief highlighted a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that linked long term exposure to fine particulate matter, which will soon be measured by the sensors in Springfield, and increased rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

           The AG’s Office challenged many of the Trump Administration’s failures to strengthen federal standards for air quality and other rollbacks of air quality protections, including through lawsuits to challenge weak air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone. On its first day in office, the Biden Administration issued its “Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis,” which calls for federal agencies to “advance environmental justice,” and to review and potentially reverse the Trump Administration’s environmental rollbacks.

Earlier this month, more than 20 environmental and public health organizations including the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America sent a letter to President Biden urging the administration to make investments to address air pollution and climate change. The letter specifically called for the expansion and modernization of the country’s air quality monitoring system, noting that nearly half of the country’s population lives in a county with failing grades for ozone pollution or particulate matter like Springfield.

            This project is being overseen for the AG’s Office by Attorney Emily Mitchell, Special Assistant Attorney General Nora Chorover, and Division Chief Betsy Harper, all of AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division. 

波士頓市長稱許George Floyd事件激發終止結構性種族歧視行動

 Honoring the Legacy of George Floyd

My fellow Bostonians, Yesterday, a jury in Minneapolis found Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd. While this decision brings some relief, we also know it will not bring back George Floyd.  George Floyd’s murder has fueled a movement for racial justice and a national conversation on policing. This movement for equity and justice started long before his murder and must continue. I know all of us come to this conversation -- and to this work -- with a common goal of ending racism. Each of us, importantly, brings our own perspective and experience to this work. For me, it is as the grandmother of two teenage boys in a world that often criminalizes their Blackness; and, it is as your Mayor, leading the great City of Boston. I know that the verdict and its aftermath can trigger an array of strong feelings and emotions for many of us. As your Mayor, know that the Boston Public Health Commission’s Neighborhood Trauma Team Network is always here to provide you with free, confidential support, and you can visit neighborhoodhealing.com to learn more. In the days ahead, let us honor the legacy of George Floyd with the shared work of dismantling structural racism. Let us honor all those who have fought to build a stronger nation, a better city, a more beloved community. Let’s come together in our neighborhoods, in our faith communities, and in our institutions to reform systems and policies that hurt, rather than heal. Let’s continue to unite to improve our city and our community. And, let’s continue to stand together united against racism.

2 亞裔機構讚許 Vanita Gupta 將出任美國副檢察長

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Applauds Confirmation of Vanita Gupta for Associate Attorney General

Vanita Gupta to become highest-ranking Asian American at the Dept. of Justice in its history

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—April 21, 2021—Today, the Senate confirmed Vanita Gupta to serve as Associate Attorney General.

 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC issues the following statement:

“The confirmation of Vanita Gupta is a historic moment, as she is a trailblazer in the civil rights community and has spent decades working to advance the rights and dignity of all Americans. She has become the first Asian American and woman of color to serve as Associate Attorney General and the highest-ranking Asian American at the U.S. Department of Justice in its history. 

It is meaningful to see a child of immigrants step into such an important leadership position in the Biden-Harris Administration. Advancing Justice – AAJC has witnessed Vanita’s tireless dedication for the last three years as the head of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. We have worked side-by-side with her and can attest to her commitment to the protection of civil rights, such as protecting our right to vote, fighting for everyone to be counted in the 2020 Census, and protecting affirmative action. Previously, while leading the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, she enforced federal voting rights laws and fought discrimination in education, housing, and employment.

We look forward to working with Vanita in this new capacity. As Asian American communities face unprecedented levels of hate incidents amidst the pandemic, as well as the persistent and urgent need to combat hate, racism, and bigotry against all communities of color, we are confident that Vanita will lead with courage and empathy and is the right choice to serve at this critical time.”

吳弭參選市長 談改革波士頓公校 倡議兒童內閣、家長團

吳弭強調波士頓公校教育需要轉型改革

             (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓市長候選人吳弭(Michelle Wu)拿出52頁，分8項的教育「綠色新政」，疾呼波士頓公立學校教育需要轉型。一旦當選市長，她要設立兒童內閣，家庭團(family corp)，直接和家長合作，改革教育。

             吳弭近日陸續公佈她參選波士頓市長倡議的一系列政策。教育方面，她倡議大幅度改革，要讓學生有更豐富的學習內容，更好，更健康、安全的學習環境，也要讓家長更容易了解教育制度，更方便的和公校系統溝通。

             曾經以監護人身份在波士頓安排妹妹上初中，高中，婚後生子，再以媽媽身份為2個兒子找托兒所，小學，吳弭坦言，她和波士頓公校系統打交道的她經驗豐富。在當選，連任波士頓市議員迄今的這七年多中，她走訪過波士頓市的每一所公立學校，她敢說自己深知公校系統的問題在哪兒，學生及家長又都有哪些需要。

             最近有一項調查發現有40%的公校學生，在所就讀學校內沒有圖書館，50%的幼稚園到8年級中學生，沒有科學實驗室，然後幾乎三分之一的學校沒有指導顧問(guidance counselor)。

             吳弭說，一旦她當選波士頓市長，她要從第一天起就改變波士頓市政府，設立兒童內閣，為每一個家庭配置一名家庭團導航員(Family Corps navigator)，在小孩子上托兒所到中學畢業期間，一路輔導家長。利用市府的豐富資源來彌平早期教育和托兒照顧之間的落差，打造可持續的職業通道。

             吳弭還強調｢綠色新政」，要翻新年久失修的學校樓宇，推動環境正義，讓每一所學校都能獲得全面服務，能夠作為地方上的社區樞紐。她更計畫投資建設麥迪遜公園科技職業高中，使之成為整個波士頓市的經濟動力引擎。

             為宣傳教育綠色新政，吳弭除了發表52頁的改革內容，分送媒體機構，還特地到多徹斯特的英文高中旁，舉行了一場見面會，請了住在東波士頓的波士頓市長婦女進步辦公室前主任Tania Del Rio，Fenway高中學生Marcus McNeill，Tobin學校四年級老師Sam Sikder等人發表看法，從不同角度支持她的教育政策方向。

As the World Reacts to Chauvin Guilty Verdict, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Vows Solidarity with Black and Brown Communities in Fight for Racial Justice

As the World Reacts to Chauvin Guilty Verdict, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Vows Solidarity with Black and Brown Communities in Fight for Racial Justice   

 

Washington, DC — April 21, 2021 — Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five independent Asian American civil rights organizations, responds to the news of the guilty verdict in the case against Derek Chauvin, who murdered George Floyd nearly one year ago. 

The Advancing Justice affiliation releases the following statement:

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice stands as an ally with the Black community in responding to the verdict that Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts of murdering George Floyd. This verdict is accountability, but it is not justice. We know this verdict will not bring Mr. Floyd back to his family or bring back the countless other victims of racial profiling, police brutality, and community surveillance. Yesterday, police in Columbus, Ohio killed Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old Black girl.  

 

Our thoughts and prayers will continue for George Floyd’s family, the Bryant family, and all those who are fighting to stop police brutality and violence against Black and Brown communities. Let this verdict be the beginning of the work that needs to be done to achieve justice for all. 

 

We join in the growing calls nationwide to hold those accountable who seek to erase and marginalize communities of color. Our liberation is intertwined with Black and Brown communities.

As organizations dedicated to advancing the civil and human rights for all, Advancing Justice will continue to combat white supremacy and seek true fairness, equity, and community-driven solutions to dismantle racism and violence in our society.”

麻州誌記4月為關注及防止性侵月 提醒民眾遇狀況24小時都可撥打熱線

             (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)和麻州健康及人民服務卿Marylou Sudders等人今(21)日齊聚，誌記4月為”關注及防止性侵月(Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month)。

             麻州內的16個區域性強暴危機中心(Rape Crisis Centers)，性侵護理檢查員項目，以及去年在新冠疫情期間，以新且有創意方式協助受害者的殘障人士保護局內的性侵回應組等，均派有代表出席。

             去年4月，查理貝克及白莉朵政府擴大並宣傳了全州性，一週7天，每天24小時的安全鍊(SafeLink)的家暴熱線，把性侵相關電話轉給地方上的強暴危機中心。州政府也為檢測陽性的受害者，在庇護所中設立隔離的恢復場所。

             為協助受害者，防止這類事件發生，查理貝克及白莉朵政府在2022年會記年度預算中，編列了9600萬元，比2015會記年度增加了48%，其中包括5030萬元交由公共衛生廳執行防止家暴其性侵，協助倖存者等服務。另有600萬元支持全州性的SANE項目，100萬元推廣健康關係，防止青少年之間的約會暴力等。

             因為性侵等情況掙扎的人可隨時撥打安全鏈(SafeLink)熱線， (877) 785-2020，或上網www.mass.gov/service-details/sexual-assault-prevention-and-survivor-services。

 

Baker-Polito Administration Recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Highlights Providers Who Continue to Support Survivors During COVID-19

 

BOSTON – Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, state officials and community advocates convened in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and to raise awareness of the supports available to survivors of sexual assault. Representatives from the Commonwealth’s 16 regional Rape Crisis Centers, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program and the Sexual Assault Response Unit within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, who have served sexual assault survivors over the past year in new and creative ways due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, were recognized and shared available resources.

 

"The Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence has worked with advocates, partners and key stakeholders to support survivors of sexual assault across the Commonwealth," said Governor Charlie Baker. "In what has been an extremely challenging year, I am grateful to the Council under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito, for their efforts to support survivors and their families and ensure their safety as we all work to end sexual assault in Massachusetts."

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and providing care, resources and support for survivors of sexual assault across the Commonwealth to keep them safe and ensure access for all those who need it,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. “Every individual in every community across our Commonwealth deserves to live a life free from sexual assault, and while this work has been challenging during COVID-19, it is critically important that individuals and families know that they are not alone and that services, safety nets and resources are available.”

 

“This has been an exceptionally difficult year in so many ways, and we are still learning the full impacts of COVID-19. For sexual assault survivors, we know that trauma may be compounded by isolation and other factors brought by the pandemic,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “We are grateful for the work of advocates in rape crisis centers, and other providers and members of this strong network across our Commonwealth, who have worked to ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to resources, and we will continue to collaborate and support them to best help survivors throughout and beyond this pandemic.”

 

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, local and regional providers rapidly pivoted to remote services, helping meet the needs of Massachusetts residents. Last April, the Baker-Polito Administration expanded and promoted SafeLink — the statewide 24/7 domestic violence hotline — to refer sexual assault-related calls to local rape crisis centers. The Administration also established Isolation and Recovery sites for individuals in shelter who tested positive for COVID-19, offering a safe, stable location to isolate and recover, and provided PPE and cleaning supplies, and created appropriate health and safety policies for survivors at the sites.

 

Throughout the pandemic, Massachusetts’ Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program – which includes SANE nurses in 40 hospitals across the Commonwealth – has continued operations, providing trauma-informed, expert forensic nursing care to sexual assault patients across the lifespan.

 

To support adults with disabilities who are sexual assault survivors, the Commonwealth created a first-in-the-nation dedicated Sexual Assault Response Unit within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. This specific unit helps adults with disabilities navigate through the barriers they face when accessing trauma services, such as communication, transportation and accessibility to help ensure that survivors are aware of the services available and to help meet their unique needs.

 

“During this Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let’s remember: unlike the coronavirus, sexual assault is not novel,” said Isa Woldeguiorguis, Executive Director of the Center for Hope and Healing. “Crisis situations have historically had the heaviest impact on survivors of violence, especially those who are also members of marginalized communities, such as people of color, LGBQ/T+ folks, immigrants, people with disabilities and lower incomes. The pandemic affirmed for us that our work is vital to respond to multiple crises – COVID, racism, health disparities, and violence.”

 

“Sexual assault and rape crisis advocates have met the challenges of the pandemic with grace and compassion as they continue to offer a lifeline to those experiencing abuse,” said Debra Robin, Executive Director of Jane Doe, Inc. “Today we celebrate them and recommit ourselves to the prevention of sexual violence.”

 

“Every sexual assault patient deserves the best possible care,” said Joan Sham, Director of the Massachusetts Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. “The SANE program, coupled with other health care and community support services, provides compassionate, trauma-informed nursing care that can help support healing, and mitigate the long-term physical and mental health challenges of sexual assault patients throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

“We are so grateful to our many partners who have together made it possible for victims with a disability to get the trauma informed treatment they need and deserve,” said Jackie Perez, Central/West Regional Navigator for the Sexual Assault Response Unit at the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. “With this issue now at the fore, the momentum will catapult us all forward to provide enhanced services to those most in need.”

 

Sexual assault and dating violence, like other forms of violence, further health inequities. Sexual assault and dating violence have both short- and long-term health effects for survivors, contributing to chronic disease, substance abuse, gynecological, and mental health issues. Child abuse, sexual violence, and partner violence often lead to homelessness among survivors, which in turn puts people at risk for additional sexual assault and sexual exploitation or trafficking. Youth who have experienced trauma, including witnessing or experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, are at greater risk for suicide.

 

Upon taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration restored the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, chaired by Lt. Governor Polito, and has made significant investments in services to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The administration has advanced several initiatives across the Commonwealth in support of individuals of all ages, which include the establishment of the SAECK Tracking System, a statewide sexual assault evidence collection kit tracking system, the creation of a statewide public awareness campaign, RESPECTfully, to promote healthy relationships among Massachusetts youth, the implementation of multi-disciplinary Human Trafficking Guidelines for Law Enforcement, and the awarding of $1 million in grant funding to promote healthy relationships and prevent sexual assault and dating violence through prevention education.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration’s proposed FY22 budget reaffirms this commitment to survivors of sexual assault through $96 million in total funding to ensure that survivors have access to critical services and supports, a 48% increase from FY15. This includes $50.3 million for the Department of Public Health to carry out domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and their children, $6 million to support statewide SANE programs for adults and adolescents in hospital settings and pediatric SANE programs in child advocacy centers, and $1 million for the grant program focusing on promoting healthy relationships and preventing dating violence among youth.

 

Anyone who is struggling with sexual assault is reminded that free, confidential, 24/7 support from a local rape crisis center is a phone call away. Call SafeLink at (877) 785-2020 or visit www.mass.gov/service-details/sexual-assault-prevention-and-survivor-services

5/1 舞向平等 慶祝亞裔傳統月

            (Boston Orange)過去一年多來，美國社會中陡然掀起一波反亞裔仇恨暴力行為，亞裔能夠做些什麼? 尼雅舞老師陳秀惠和3名教授不同舞種的舞蹈老師決定趁著五月是美國亞裔傳統月，起而行動，「舞向和平」。

             陳秀惠，胡俞伶(Yu-Ling Hu)，蔡孟儒(Lulu Tsai)，徐文嬌(Jo Hsu)等4名舞蹈老師，將於美東時間的5月1日下午3點，在網路上舉辦「舞向平等(Move to Equality)」活動，示範，帶跳75分鐘的尼雅舞(Nia)，佛朗明哥舞(Flamenco)，尊巴舞(Zumba)，芭蕾舞，同時請參加者捐款支持2個亞裔非牟利機構。

他們希望藉由自己的專長，幫助更多人藉由不同舞蹈，讓身心得到抒發機會，從而能夠更清醒的面對大環境，做更有建設性的回應。

這次活動，他們選擇支持的兩個非牟利機構，一個是哈佛商學院教授黃樂仁創辦，旨在幫助波士頓內得不到充分支持的亞裔青少年的Project Emplify (gf.me/u/zp6wn6)，另一個是在芝加哥的「華埠更好團結聯盟(Coalition For A Better Chinese American Community)」(gf.me/u/zp6tnv)。

報名參加跳舞活動，可上網https://forms.gle/1DfCDynJPRgnEgJW7。

(更新版)

Sean Lydon出任波士頓 ISD 臨時局長

Sean Lydon出任ISD臨時局長。 (Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓代理市長Kim Janey今(21)日再度一連宣佈3項人事任命。Sean Lydon出掌檢查局(ISD)，Marc Joseph出任樓宇局副局長(Deputy Building Commissioner)，Paul Williams出任助理房屋局局長(Assistant Housing Commissioner)。 檢查局(ISD) 共分5組，從執行波士頓市政府及麻州州政府有關樓宇，住宅，健康，衛生，以及安全等條例規定的角度來管理波士頓的企業及住宅社區。 Sean Lydon在波士頓市府服務已有25年，原任ISD的樓宇局副局長，管理50名員工。在那之前，他曾任樓宇檢查員，負責執行樓宇的區域規劃條例。 他還曾經在美國海軍服務6年，並在雷神(Raytheon)，Rockwell，Beckman等公司的航空及國防項目工作。 他畢業於加州Fullerton學院，主修商業，其後在Wentworth科技學院研修建築監管。他也是州政府認證的樓宇檢驗員，目前和妻子及3名子女住在牙買加平原。 Marc Joseph在海地出生，通曉三語，海地克里奧爾語，法語，英語。他持有城市計畫的碩士學位，以及土木工程的學士學位，建築繪圖文憑。他將負責管理所有的樓宇許可及檢驗活動，區域規劃審核等，率領22名樓宇檢查員，10名電工檢查員，8名水管檢查員。 Paul Williams將接替Claudia Correa，出任住宅局助理局長，負責執行州政府及市府的衛生條例，確保波士頓市內出租單位的安全，衛生，符合條例規定。他也將率領該部門擴大使用移動科技。 有32年市政府工作經驗的Paul Williams畢業於麻州大學，獲有經濟及政治學士學位，以及哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院的公共行政碩士學位。 MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES SEAN LYDON TO SERVE AS INTERIM COMMISSIONER OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT  Marc Joseph to assume role of Deputy Building Commissioner; Paul Williams to assume role of Assistant Housing Commissioner   Boston – Wednesday, April 21, 2021 – Mayor Kim Janey today announced the appointment of Sean Lydon as the Interim Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Marc Joseph will assume the role of Deputy Building Commissioner, and Paul Williams will assume the role of Assistant Housing Commissioner. ISD administers and enforces building, housing, health, sanitation and safety regulations mandated by city and state governments. Inspectional Services is made up of five regulatory divisions charged with serving the public by protecting the health, safety and environmental stability of Boston's business and residential communities. “In Boston, it is critical that we continue to protect and improve the quality of life for all of our residents. I believe Sean, Marc and Paul will excel in supporting these endeavors in their new capacity,” said Mayor Janey. “With a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership, I know that they can lead this department with dignity and respect for our city and its residents.”  Lydon has worked for the City of Boston for 25 years, and most recently served as Deputy Building Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Building Division, where he managed over 50 staff members, including Building Officials, Administrative Support Staff and Plans Examiners. Prior to that role, Lydon worked as a Building Inspector where he was charged with enforcing building and zoning codes.    Lydon served six years in the United States Marine Corps and later worked for Raytheon, Rockwell and Beckman on aerospace and defense programs. He graduated from Fullerton College in California with a major in business. He later attended Wentworth Institute of Technology for construction supervision. Lydon is also a State Board, Certified Building Inspector. He currently resides in Jamaica Plain with his wife and three children. Following the transition of Sean Lydon, Marc Joseph will assume the role as the Deputy Building Commissioner. Joseph began his career 20 years ago as a Building Inspector charged with inspecting buildings within the city, ensuring compliance with the Massachusetts State Building and Boston Zoning Codes.   Joseph was later promoted to a Plans Examiner for ISD, where he was responsible for performing plan reviews for new construction, repairs and maintenance projects within the City of Boston. This was in addition to ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and other related laws, ordinances and regulations. Joseph holds a Master’s Degree in City Planning, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and a diploma in drafting architecture tech, as well as several other certifications. Joseph was born and raised in Haiti and is trilingual in Haitian Creole, French and English.  In his new role, Joseph will oversee all building permit and inspection activities, zoning reviews and the Zoning Board of Appeal hearings and decisions as well as the Board of Examiners licenses. This division employs 22 building inspectors, ten electrical inspectors and eight plumbing inspectors, all of which are responsible for inspecting all construction or renovation work to ensure that proper safety standards are followed.   Additionally, Paul Williams will assume the role of Assistant Housing Commissioner vacated by Claudia Correa, a long-time resident of East Boston. During her tenure at ISD, Correra oversaw the implementation of the Short Term Rental (STR) program, student move-in and a vast majority of housing initiatives, ensuring Boston's residential homes are safe and sanitary. As the Assistant Commissioner, Williams is charged with enforcing the State Sanitary Code and the City Ordinances, all of which regulate the quality of Boston’s public and private housing stock. He will lead a team of inspectors and administrative staff who ensure rental units are safe, sanitary and code compliant throughout Boston. Williams will also lead the department in continuing to expand the use of mobile technology. Williams graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science. He then went on to Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, focusing on Budget and Finance Management, Statistics for Policy Makers and Performance Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Agencies. Williams has 32 years of government experience, beginning at the Federal Reserve and then landing at the City of Boston as the Office of Budget Management. Williams was later promoted to Senior Management Analyst at ISD where he was responsible for leading the Department’s IT initiatives, including building the capacity of all department inspectors to work effectively in the field through mobile devices and wireless connectivity, managing the tech team to improve service response to staff members’ IT needs, and leading the purchase and implementation of software to improve department operations and service delivery to the public. ‌

前警察局長Evans對波士頓市府失望 要求完整公佈內部調查檔案

                (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓警察局前局長尹萬斯(Paul F. Evans)和前總監Ann Marie Doherty聯袂要求波士頓市長Kim Janey完整公佈，關於巡警Patrick Rose的內部調查報告，直言波士頓市府稱警局前高層忽視其保護及服務人民職責的說法，令人失望。

尹萬斯及Ann Marie Doherty在20晚發表聲明，稱波士頓警察當年已經盡力，做了完整、徹底調查，通知了地方檢察官辦公室的兒童服務組，向西洛士百利法院遞出了刑事申訴，12歲的受害者最後卻退縮了，未出庭作證。據說受害者是在侵害者施壓下，退縮了，

尹萬斯及Ann Marie Doherty在聲明中表示，他們相信波士頓警察局已經盡其所的能要讓Rose警員承擔責任了。警察局的內部調查組批准了調查，卻無法處以紀律，因為沒有證人或其他的可接受證據。

他們指出，整份內部調查有105頁，波士頓市政府卻只公佈了13頁。他們認為市政府應該做適當編輯的完整公佈，才能讓大眾清楚看到整個處理流程。

他們還反駁市政府稱波士頓警察局讓Rose警員調任文職2年後，就恢復全職，是他們向波士頓巡警工會俯首稱臣。

他們的聲明文件，還包括工會在1997年10月發給尹萬斯的一封信，威脅著要代表Rose申訴。該聲明指出，在尹萬斯發布命令，防止警察向機車開槍後，他是幾十年來唯一曾被工會投票表示不信任的警察局局長。

波士頓環球報在報導中指出，去年10月，該報就為了Rose警員被控從1995年起曾性侵6名兒童的事，和尹萬斯及Ann Marie Doherty聯絡，但他們兩人一直沒有回應。

State Public Health Officials Award $720,000 for Support Services for Young Adults in Recovery

 State Public Health Officials Award $720,000

for Support Services for Young Adults in Recovery

 

Award will help people 18-25 recover from substance use disorder through life skills training and peer support

BOSTON (April 21, 2021) – The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced a $720,000 grant award to the national organization Young People in Recovery for the development of statewide support programs for young adults recovering from substance addiction.

With this funding, Young People in Recovery will develop, build, and maintain seven recovery support networks strategically positioned in areas of critical need throughout the Commonwealth, providing young people ages 18-25 the life skills and peer supports they need to recover from opioid use, stimulant use, or other substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental illness. The program launches in April 2021 with the capacity to serve approximately 1,400 people annually.

“As we cross the one-year mark of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic we remain aware of its serious impacts on those struggling with addiction, especially young people who may be experiencing social isolation as they social distance to stay safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This award builds on the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to provide support to those who are seeking a way out of addiction and from the grip of the opioid epidemic.”

“Young people on the path to recovery from substance use disorder must be able to access a support network to help them stay focused on their long-term life goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This grant will help make these services accessible throughout the Commonwealth to support recovering young adults.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an extraordinary public health challenge in Massachusetts, particularly for many young adults, whose social, emotional, and mental well-being has been adversely affected. For those affected by substance use, this grant initiative seeks to forestall the kinds of trauma that can have long-term consequences when faced at such an important developmental stage.

“Studies have indicated that people between the ages of 18 and 25 are among the most impacted by substance use disorders,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “This program will provide young people the support, engagement, and skills they need to maintain recovery as they transition into adulthood, making important resources accessible during a time when we are combatting social and emotional isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our lives.”

“Life can feel overwhelming for young adults negotiating critical life decisions for the first time, but even more so for young adults in recovery from substance abuse,” said Public Health Deputy Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Funding these crucial public health services will provide a stable community for young adults in recovery and guide them toward long-term success.”

“DPH and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services are working to ensure that young people have the resources they need to begin and maintain their recovery from substance use disorder,” said Deirdre Calvert, Director of DPH’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.  “Establishing support networks in Massachusetts communities that are most in need will provide the camaraderie, respect, and perseverance that young people need to overcome substance use.”

The grant award will be distributed over the course of FY21-22. The program is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response (SOR) grant.