Governor Baker Nominates Sarah W. Ellis, Katie C. Rayburn as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and Erika P. Reis as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Sarah W. Ellis, Katie C. Rayburn as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and Erika P. Reis as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Sarah W. Ellis and Katie C. Rayburn as Associate Justices of the Superior Court, and Erika P. Reis as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court.

 

"Justices Rayburn and Ellis are both experienced judges who are excellent candidates for these appointments, and Attorney Reis is well-qualified to serve on the bench," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit their nominations to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"These three qualified candidates bring valuable life and legal experience to these new roles,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If approved, I am confident that they will serve as fair and thoughtful members of the judiciary.”

 

The Boston Municipal Court serves the City of Boston, handling both criminal and civil matters while maintaining a commitment to the rule of law, and protecting human dignity through respect, compassion, correction, and the fair resolution of cases. The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges in 8 court divisions located in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and West Roxbury. The Boston Municipal Court also has jurisdiction to review appeals of decisions made by some government agencies on issues such as unemployment compensation and firearms licensing.

 

For more information about the Boston Municipal Court, visit their homepage.

 

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

 

For more information about the Superior Court, please visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Sarah W. Ellis

 

Sarah W. Ellis began her legal career in 2000 as a Judicial Law Clerk in the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Maryland. From 2001 until 2014, Justice Ellis held a variety of positions in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. First, she served as an Assistant District Attorney for the District Court from 2001 to 2004, before working as the Jury of 6 Supervising Assistant District Attorney, Superior Court Assistant District Attorney, Regional District Court Assistant District Attorney, Motor Vehicle Fatality ADA Coordinator and Second Assistant District Attorney and Director of District Courts until 2014. Justice Ellis also served as the Director of Legal Policy and Deputy General Counsel at the Administrative Office of the District Court from 2014 until 2017. In January 2017, Justice Ellis was named Associate Justice of the District Court and later First Justice of the Waltham District Court in December 2021. Additionally, she is currently a member of the Judicial Outreach Program, sits on the Advisory Committee to the Supreme Judicial Court, presides as co-chair of the District Court Education Committee, volunteers at the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Clinic and participates in the Massachusetts Judiciary Trip to the Equal Justice Initiative. Justice Ellis also previously served as a member of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. She received her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in 1997, and her Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School in 2007.

 

About Katie C. Rayburn

 

Katie C. Rayburn began her legal career in 2001 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office where she litigated over 150 criminal trials. Since leaving the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office in 2005, Justice Rayburn has worked in both the private and public sectors. From 2005 until 2008, Justice Rayburn worked as an Associate at the Law Office of Daniel W. O’Malley before returning to public service at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney until 2017. Most recently, Justice Rayburn has served as an Associate Justice of the District Court, where she has presided over criminal and civil cases since 2017. Justice Rayburn has also participated in the State Mock-Trial Program, where she was a mentor and judge. Additionally, she has presented at several MCLEs and law conferences. Justice Rayburn received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1996, and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1999.

 

About Erika P. Reis

 

Erika P. Reis began her legal career in 2007 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where she focused on cases involving both adults and juveniles. After leaving the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office in 2011, Attorney Reis served as Deputy General Counsel in the Office of the Massachusetts Inspector General until 2012. Attorney Reis then served as Assistant Corporation Counsel to the City of Boston until 2016 before joining Eversource Energy as Counsel, where she worked until 2017. She then returned to the City of Boston to serve as Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel until January of this year. Most recently, Attorney Reis returned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in the role of General Counsel. Attorney Reis is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, where she served as president from 2020 to 2021. In the community, she has volunteered with the Boston Inn of Court, with SafeLink as a Domestic Violence Advocate, as a Board Member of Project Right Inc. from 2013 – 2017, and was a part of The Partnership Inc.’s 2016 Fellows Class. Additionally, Attorney Reis is a member of the BBA, WBA and MBLA. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 2000, and her Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law in 2007.

Pressley Delivers $1M in Federal Funding for Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College Program

 

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) visited Bunker Hill Community College to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal community project funding she secured to expand the City of Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College program. Rep. Pressley was joined by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, BHCC President Pam Eddinger, and BHCC students for a tour of BHCC and press conference to highlight how the funding will help address the college affordability crisis locally as she continues her calls for President Biden to cancel student debt. 

“I was so honored to visit Bunker Hill Community College today to deliver the $1 million in federal funds we secured to expand Boston’s tuition-free community college program,” said Rep. Pressley. “Expanding this program will serve a critical need within our community by helping more students achieve their goals of earning a college degree, and it will help us address the college affordability crisis as we continue making the case for President Biden to cancel student debt by executive action. These efforts must go hand-in-hand, and I’m so grateful to Mayor Wu, Mayor Janey, President Eddinger, and our students for their close partnership in making this important investment a reality.”    

"This million dollars to fund and expand the tuition free community college program is a major step forward at just the right moment,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “Many of our community college students are affected in their ability to stay enrolled because of their need to balance their work and family obligations. Funding like this goes not only to the students, but to the families and neighborhoods that they are part of. Thank you Congresswoman Pressley for securing these funds." 

“We are proud to have served 619 students in the Boston Tuition-Free Community College program since the program began. We currently have 266 students receiving funding this year,” said BHCC President Pam Eddinger. “We are grateful for this funding to expand the program allowing us to reach more students, especially with including certain certificates and short-term training.” 

View photos from the event here and watch the recorded livestream here. 

Rep. Pressley secured this federal funding for Boston in the government spending package that passed Congress and was signed into law by President Biden in March. In total, Rep. Pressley secured over $8 million for 10 community projects across the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, capping off nearly a year of advocacy by Rep. Pressley and local leaders. 

In March, she visited La Colaborativa in Chelsea to celebrate the $300,000 in federal community project funding that she delivered for La Colaborativa’s COVID Employment Recovery Program, and in April she visited Randolph to deliver $1,000,000 in federal community project funding for a new school-based community health center at Randolph High School.  

Rep. Pressley, in partnership with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), has consistently called on President Biden to cancel student debt. Last year, they led their colleagues in reintroducing their bicameral resolution outlining a bold plan for President Biden to tackle the student loan debt crisis by using existing authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel $50,000 in student loan debt for Federal student loan borrowers.  

AG HEALEY SECURES RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS IN $140 MILLION NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT AGAINST TURBOTAX

 AG HEALEY SECURES RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS IN $140 MILLION NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT AGAINST TURBOTAX

Bipartisan Multistate Settlement with TurboTax Owner Intuit Brings $2.3 Million to Massachusetts; States Allege Company Deceived Low-Income Americans and Military Service Members into Paying for Free Tax Services

 

BOSTON –The owner of TurboTax, Intuit Inc., will pay a total of $141 million, including payments to millions of low-income consumers and military service members across the country, as part of a settlement reached by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia over claims that the company deceived consumers into paying for tax services that should have been free. The settlement also requires the company to suspend TurboTax’s “free, free, free” ad campaign that lured consumers with promises of free tax preparation services, only to deceive them into paying for services.

 

Under the terms of the settlement, Massachusetts will receive $2.3 million for tens of thousands of eligible consumers who were allegedly deceived into paying to file their federal tax return.

 

“TurboTax’s misleading tactics caused millions of vulnerable consumers across the country to pay for tax preparation services that should have been free,” said AG Healey. “This nationwide settlement will bring money back to Massachusetts consumers who were harmed and prevent this deception from happening again.”

 

An investigation into Intuit began after reviewing allegations that the company was using digital tactics to steer low-income consumers toward its commercial products and away from federally-supported free tax services.

 

Intuit offered a free version of TurboTax through its participation in the IRS Free File Program, a public-private partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which allows taxpayers earning roughly $34,000 and members of the military to file their taxes for free. In exchange for participating in the program, the IRS agreed not to compete with Intuit and other companies by providing its own electronic tax preparation and filing services to American taxpayers.

 

Intuit also offered a commercial product called “TurboTax Free Edition,” which is only free for taxpayers with “simple returns” as defined by Intuit. In recent years, TurboTax has marketed this “freemium” product aggressively, including through ad campaigns where “free” is the most prominent or sometimes the only selling point. In some ads, the company repeated the word “free” dozens of times in as short as 30 seconds. However, the TurboTax “freemium” product is only free for approximately one-third of US taxpayers. In contrast, the TurboTax Free File product was free for 70 percent of taxpayers.

 

The multistate investigation found that Intuit limited consumers’ participation in the IRS Free File Program, including by using confusingly similar names for both its IRS Free File product and its commercial “freemium” product. Intuit bid on paid search advertisements to direct consumers who were looking for the IRS Free File product to the TurboTax “freemium” product instead. Intuit also purposefully blocked its IRS Free File landing page from search engine results during the 2019 tax filing season, effectively shutting out eligible taxpayers from filing their taxes for free. TurboTax’s website also included a “Products and Pricing” page that stated it would “recommend the right tax solution,” but never displayed or recommended the IRS Free File program, even when consumers were ineligible for the “freemium” product.

 

Intuit withdrew from the IRS Free File program in July 2021.

 

Under the terms of the settlement, Intuit will pay $141 million in restitution to millions of consumers who started using TurboTax’s Free Edition for tax years 2016 through 2018 and were told that they had to pay to file even though they were eligible to file for free using the version of TurboTax offered as part of the IRS Free File program. Impacted consumers are expected to receive a direct payment in the mail of approximately $30 for each year that they were deceived into paying for filing services.

 

Intuit has also agreed to reform its business practices, including:

 

• Refraining from making misrepresentations in connection with promoting or offering any online tax preparation products;
• Enhancing disclosures in its advertising and marketing of free products;
• Designing its products to better inform users whether they will be eligible to file their taxes for free; and
• Refraining from requiring consumers to start their tax filing over if they exit one of Intuit’s paid products to use a free product instead.

 

Today’s recovery for Massachusetts consumers is the result of an investigation into tax preparation software by AG Healey’s office. The AG’s Office began an independent review of Intuit, issuing subpoenas and gathering information from Intuit and third parties, and then later joined with the New York and other state attorneys general as part of a multistate group reviewing Intuit’s conduct nationwide. The Federal Trade Commission coordinated with the states and has sued Intuit over this same conduct as well. 

 

Borrowers eligible for relief under this settlement will be contacted by the settlement administrator. Massachusetts consumers with questions about this matter may contact AG Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division at 617-963-2240.

國會亞裔小組哀悼前商務部長諾曼峰田辭世

 CAPAC Members Mourn Passing of Secretary Norman Mineta

Washington, D.C. — Today, as we mourn the passing of Secretary Norman Mineta, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in his honor:

 

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

 

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Secretary Norman Mineta, a political giant. He was the first Asian American to serve as Mayor of a major American city, a 10-term Congressman, a Cabinet Secretary for both Democrat and Republican administrations, and the founding Chair of CAPAC. Generations of Asian American leaders, including myself, have looked up to Norm as the perfect example of an outstanding public servant. Despite all he accomplished, he always prioritized opening doors for future AANHPI leaders. He showed us how much we could achieve and pulled us up with him, and especially valued mentoring young people, like students and interns, who were interested in advocating for our communities. As the founding Chair of CAPAC and in all the roles he took on, he was a powerful advocate for all our communities. In Congress, he pushed through landmark legislation for the U.S. government to apologize and provide redress for the imprisonment of Japanese Americans in WWII, something he personally experienced, and he also built the foundations of our Caucus. Norm left his mark and he left our country better off. My thoughts are with his family members and loved ones.”

 

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair:

 

“Norman Mineta was a trailblazer and an outstanding public servant who served as a mayor, congressman and the first Asian American appointed to be a cabinet secretary. He made immense contributions to our nation and was the co-founder and first Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. I am saddened to learn about his passing. He leaves an incredible legacy behind and the extraordinary work he did will never be forgotten. I send my deepest sympathies to his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice-Chair:

“Norm was a friend and mentor who had a profound impact on my life. He personally encouraged countless AAPIs to get involved with politics, generously giving of his time. He inspired so many Japanese Americans, especially Niseis, to understand how imperative political participation was to defend civil liberties for all Americans. An early supporter of LGBTQ equality, he used his moral stature to persuade the Japanese American Citizens League meeting in convention in 1994 to be the first non-LGBTQ civil rights organization to embrace same sex unions. As Transportation Secretary during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Norm not only gave orders to ground all commercial flights, but he is also credited by President George W. Bush for being a voice of restraint against any reprisals against Muslim Americans in cabinet level meetings. He channeled his own personal history into making America a better country. His contributions will not soon be forgotten.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“I am immensely saddened to hear of the passing of Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. He was a trailblazer who served as a mayor, 10-term congressman, and a Cabinet secretary in two administrations. He also paved the way to create the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. During his time in the House of Representatives, he led efforts to secure compensation for Japanese Americans who were wrongfully interned during World War II. I am grateful for the work Norman Mineta did for the Asian American community and join my colleagues in mourning his passing.”

Congressman Kaiali’i Kahele (HI-02), CAPAC Freshman Representative:

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Norman Mineta, an iconic public figure and inspiration to the Asian American community. Forced into a Japanese internment camp during WWII, Norman sought to correct this injustice by becoming a force for change. He would go on to lead the United States’ official apology & compensation for interned Japanese Americans. Later, he continued to devote his life to public service, reaching the highest office of any Asian American at the time. Today, while many in our community still face racism and hate, Norman’s resilience and patriotism continues to inspire hope.”

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

“I am saddened to learn about the passing of my friend Norman Mineta and my deepest condolences go to his wife Demi and his family. He was a trailblazer for the AANHPI community in public service – the first Asian American to lead a major U.S. city, the first to hold a presidential cabinet post as Secretary of Commerce, and the first to serve as Secretary of Transportation. Norm was an inspiration to many and a respected member of the AANHPI community. He will be greatly missed.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

 

“Secretary Mineta was an incredible leader and fearless champion for people’s rights, with a well of expertise and an exemplary record of service. A first-generation Japanese American who was held in an internment camp himself, he never forgot his roots, even as he rose in the ranks of public service, becoming the first Asian American cabinet secretary and co-founder of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Secretary Mineta was instrumental in securing the deserved apology and financial compensation for the cruel and unjust internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. His leadership was inspiring and will live on with us for generations. My heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family during this painful time.”

 

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

 

“I'm very sorry to hear of Norm Mineta’s passing. He overcame immense adversity as an imprisoned Japanese American in the US during WWII and went on to serve as a councilman, the mayor of San Jose, a member of Congress, and a cabinet official under two presidents. Norm remains one of my personal heroes. As the first Asian American cabinet official, he was a trailblazer and his counsel and mentorship on transportation issues is something I’ll always cherish. My condolences are with Norm’s family and the entire South Bay community mourning his loss.”

 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

 

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Norman Mineta, beloved Congressman, the first Asian American to lead a major U.S. city, and former Transportation Secretary. From surviving an internment camp during World War II to helping create TSA in the wake of 9/11, he was truly courageous and spent his life championing civil liberties. May he Rest In Peace.”

麻州政府獲認證為全美第一個對年齡友善雇主

 Massachusetts Becomes First State Certified as an Age-Friendly Employer

BOSTON – The Age Friendly-Institute today designated the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a certified age-friendly employer, the first state government in the nation to earn this distinction. The “age-friendly” designation describes environments that promote access to services and opportunities for people as they age, and that prioritize the inclusion and participation of older adults in all aspects of life.

 Governor Charlie Baker made the announcement during his keynote address at the Age-Friendly Institute’s Revolutionize Conference at the Seaport Hotel. The Governor’s address highlighted the innovative work being done in Massachusetts to support older adults, guided by the work of the Governor’s Council to Address Aging, which marked its 5-year anniversary this month.

 “Since taking office, our administration has prioritized making Massachusetts a place where older adults can live and thrive, and today’s announcement represents another step in those efforts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “When we help older people continue to live, work, and volunteer in our communities, we all benefit from their energy, experience, and contributions. As an employer, the Commonwealth deeply values the contributions of older adults, and today’s designation affirms that approach. We thank the Age-Friendly Institute for this recognition.”

 “As an employer, the Commonwealth benefits enormously from the contributions of older adults across our workforce, and our administration has taken an approach that is mindful of their value,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This designation complements the continued work of the Governor’s Council to Address Aging, which continues to guide our work to make Massachusetts a truly welcoming place for older adults.”

 

The Age-Friendly Institute has been certifying leading age-friendly workplaces since 2005 in its effort to support job seekers that are over 50 years old. Employers designated as Certified Age-Friendly Employers meet several criteria:

 ·       Values employees based on proficiency, qualifications, and contribution

·       Maintains policies, practices, and programs supporting people age 50+

·       Values employee knowledge, maturity, reliability, and productivity

·       Commits to meaningful employment, development opportunities, and competitive pay and benefits for employees 50+

 “It is an immense honor to be the first state afforded Certified Age-Friendly Employer status,” said Massachusetts Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff McCue. “The Commonwealth benefits from its richly diverse workforce and staff of all ages and experience, and we are thrilled to be recognized as an employer that supports security, work / life balance, and personal development of our employees while delivering high quality services to the people of Massachusetts.”

 "Congratulations to the Commonwealth for its leadership position in recognizing the importance of people being able to more easily work longer if they choose to," said Tim Driver, President of the Age-Friendly Institute and founder of RetirementJobs.com.  "Employees staying in the workforce helps employers succeed and it keeps people engaged.  If more states adapt to accommodate their aging workforces, they'll keep their economies growing well into the future.”

AI醫療科技新突破 台灣首創個人化「肺癌臨床智能決策輔助系統」

 (科技部)科技部長期深耕醫療科技研究，支持國內研究人員進行各項醫療技術發展，強化我國學術研究與產業發展的結合。本次成果在科技部補助下，由臺北醫學大學陳震宇特聘教授研究團隊，執行肺癌大數據精準醫療人工智慧系統計畫，以「早期預防、精確診斷、精準用藥」為目標，成功打造全台第一個醫病決策共享的「肺癌臨床智能決策輔助系統」(Clinical Decision Support System-Shared Decision Making, CDSS-SDM)，傑出的研究成果甫榮獲最新一屆FUTEX未來科技獎與國家新創獎。

肺癌是國人癌症的頭號殺手，唯有早期診斷、精準治療才能戰勝肺癌。肺癌治療決策需要多方面考量，臨床上肺癌早期診斷需要精準影像，治療與藥物選擇則需參考致癌基因變異等多重因素。肺癌從影像診斷的第一天起，病人就和時間賽跑，關鍵的前10天至少有4次檢查結果必須與經驗豐富的醫師共同討論治療決策，使用大數據和人工智慧有助於早期決策，提高醫療效能、達到肺癌精準臨床治療願景。

在科技部支持下，計畫團隊以深度學習為基礎，發展「肺癌臨床智能決策輔助系統」，根據臨床實際病程發生的流程，提供醫師與病患診斷、用藥、預後評估。團隊開發的「全自動低劑量電腦斷層肺癌基因突變預測模型」可自動從300多張電腦斷層影像自動偵測腫瘤，並精確切割運算，判斷腫塊類型和可能的基因突變，自動報告肺結節的處理建議。團隊更將電腦斷層預測結果和臨床大數據結合，透過肺腺癌病患醫療大數據和自動機器學習方法建立腦轉移、預後與藥物反應預測模組，當電腦斷層影像發現新發個案時，可立即預測腦轉移風險和選藥建議。

臺北醫學大學與臺灣醫療科技大廠雲象科技合作，開發可在全玻片數位病理浩瀚的細胞影像結構中，高速搜尋癌細胞並進行判讀之技術，並以此延伸開發全新的「全自動數位肺腺癌病理基因突變預測選藥模型」，可快速自動標註，並預測表皮生長因子受體(EGFR)最常見基因的突變狀態，結合病理與千人臨床數據，有助於提早精準用藥，相關成果，目前正積極申請海內外專利。

此外，團隊更以突破性技術開發「病理報告自然語言處理(NLP)自動判讀選藥建議系統」與「肺腺癌全基因用藥建議模型」，以人工智慧自然語言處理技術，輸入病人的一份病理報告即可自動得到存活率較高的健保與自費用藥推薦。並將治療效果和存活期做串聯，篩選出與病患相似且預後最佳的選藥治療建議，如同集合幾十個閱讀過上百份病理報告的專家共同所做的決策，有助於醫師和病人之間的決策分享，並依最新發展更新，讓醫病共享發揮到極致。對於晚期肺癌無法開刀或已經轉移復發，系統自動將病人狀況媒和全球新藥試驗場域，讓病人有機會媒合最適合的臨床試驗，為患者帶來新興的治療方向。

「肺癌臨床智能決策輔助系統」由臺北醫學大學與科技部攜手，集合跨領域生醫專家，將AI大數據加值，運用創新人工智慧肺癌模組，輔助臨床電腦斷層攝影與數位病理影像判讀，結合臨床數據與基因資料，成功開發出創新平台，將臺灣研究成果推向國際。讓肺癌早期診斷，個人化精準治療的醫病共享決策模式變成可能，進而創造科技突破造福人群，為患者帶來治癒的新希望。

波士頓市府發3萬9千元資助6移民組織擴辦精神健康服務

 

吳弭市長和移民發展服務辦處頒發精神健康服務小額贈款給六個移民服務組織

撥款 $39,000 給非營利組織，支持移民社區的精神健康服務

  波士頓市 — 市長吳弭(Michelle Wu) 和市長移民發展服務辦處（MOIA頒發 $39,000 小額贈款給六個移民服務組織。這些資金將幫助這些組織擴大移民社區的精神健康服務。

 吳市長說：「由於語言和文化障礙，傳統的精神健康服務用於移民社區可能具有挑戰性。這些非營利組織正在提供精神健康支援，以滿足當地居民的需求，我非常感激本市能夠對他們提供支援這些重要和及時的服務。」

 市長移民發展服務辦處主任 Yusufi Vali 說：「新冠病毒疫情對我們的移民社區產生更嚴重的影響。在我們從事疫情康復工作時，我們必須優先考慮精神健康，探索創新的康復方法。」

 這六個多元化移民服務非營利組織將個別獲得 $6,500 ，用於精神健康項目。這些項目包括不同的服務例如使用講故事的格式，、支持精神健康康復小組康和藝術展覽會。

 以下組織獲選接受 MOIA 精神健康小額贈款：

 亞裔美國人資源研討會（AARW）：每月在 Dorchester 與亞裔移民召開社區成員健康和精神健康支援會議

 巴西工人中心：透過開展為期八週的計劃，擴大他們的 Mulheres Vencedoras 專案，促進日常壓力管理和情感健康

 奇卡專案：利用培訓和談話解決導致拉丁裔和黑人女學生精神健康挑戰和自殺風險的社會和文化因素問題

 互助伊斯蒂社區治愈中心專案：舉辦藝術展覽會和開設培訓課程，注重在東波士頓開展和平團體等治愈活動

麻薩諸塞州家庭營養中心：每月舉辦兩次營養團體活動，並每週為 Dorchester、Allston、Brighton、Hyde Park 和 Roslindale 的佛得角移民提供獲得負擔得起的健康食品的機會

索馬里家長教育維權中心（SPACE）：在 Roslindale 和 Roxbury 為有殘障子女的索馬里移民家庭舉辦 10 次團體會議

 任何有意參加這些計劃的人都可以直接與上述個別非營利組織聯繫。

 MOIA 將與 Leah Zallman 移民健康研究中心合作，瞭解獲獎非營利組織如何改善移民的精神健康資源。研究結果可幫助指導本市的未來投資。

 關於波士頓市長移民發展服務辦處（Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement）

波士頓市長移民發展服務辦處（MOIA）致力促進移民充分地、公平地參與波士頓經濟、市政、社會與文化生活。MOIA還努力推進對移民為本市所做貢獻的認可與公眾理解。若需瞭解更多資訊，請瀏覽boston.gov/immigrants。

MAYOR WU AND IMMIGRANT ADVANCEMENT AWARD

MENTAL HEALTH MINI-GRANTS

TO SIX IMMIGRANT-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS

$39,000 goes to nonprofits to support mental health programming for immigrant communities

BOSTON - TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) are awarding $39,000 in mini-grants to 6 immigrant-serving organizations. The funds will help organizations expand mental health programming for immigrant communities. 

“Accessing traditional mental health services can be challenging for immigrant communities because of barriers from language and culture,” said Mayor Wu. “These nonprofits are providing mental health support in a way that meets residents where they are, and I am grateful that the City can support their important and timely efforts.

“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted our immigrant communities,” said Yusufi Vali, Director of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. “As we address recovery efforts, we must prioritize mental health and explore innovative ways to help people heal.”

The six diverse, immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations will each receive $6,500 for mental health programming. The programs include different services like storytelling, healing circles, and arts fairs. 

The following organizations are selected for the MOIA Mental Health Mini-Grants:

Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW): Hold monthly community wellness and mental health support sessions with Asian immigrants in Dorcheste

Brazilian Worker Center: Expand their Mulheres Vencedoras initiative with an 8-week program that promotes daily stress management and emotional wellness

Chica Project: Use training and conversations to address social and cultural factors that contribute to mental health challenges and suicide risks in Latinx and Black female students

Community Healing Center Project with Mutual Aid Eastie: Host art fairs and training sessions focused on healing practices like peace circles in East Boston

Family Nurturing Center for Massachusetts: Hold two monthly Nurturing Circles and provide weekly opportunities to access affordable healthy foods for Cape Verdean immigrants in Dorchester, Allston, Brighton, Hyde Park, and Roslindale

Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education (SPACE): Provide 10 small group sessions in Roslindale and Roxbury for Somali immigrant families with children with disabilities

Anyone interested in joining these programs can reach out to the organization directly. 

MOIA will partner with the Leah Zallman Center for Immigrant Health Research to learn how the awardees improve mental health resources for immigrants. The results could help guide the City’s future investments.