麻州長Healey計畫3年撥款1000萬元加強精神健康及家庭計畫服務

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Grant Program to Increase Access to Maternal and Reproductive Health Services in Massachusetts  

Grants aim to reduce health inequities by prioritizing investments in communities with most extreme disparities. 

 

BOSTON – This Women’s History Month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing plans to award $10 million in grant funding over three years to strengthen maternal health and family planning services in Massachusetts. The grant program, administered by the Department of Public Health (DPH), builds on the administration’s health equity initiative. The program will invest in access, workforce and infrastructure for organizations that provide a variety of women’s health services, including prenatal care, Post-Partum Depression (PPD) care, post-miscarriage mental health care, midwifery services, and reproductive health care. To reduce maternal health disparities, DPH will prioritize applicants based in communities with the most extreme inequities.  

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that residents in every community have access to high-quality, comprehensive health care – that includes reproductive health and family planning services,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With this grant program, we’re ensuring that’s a reality in every part of the state and investing funds in the communities that need it most. In Massachusetts, we don’t just protect access to reproductive and maternal health care – we expand it.” 

“We’re strengthening our network of reproductive and maternal health care, because we know that equitable access to these family planning services can save lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This Women’s History Month, and every month, our administration will do everything in our power to ensure regional, racial, and gender equity in health care delivery, particularly when it comes to reproductive health.” 

This initiative seeks to support the recommendations included in the Review of Maternal Health Services that Governor Healey ordered, as well as the Racial Inequities in Maternal Health report developed by the Special Commission on Racial Inequities on Maternal Health. In addition, this grant opportunity is informed by listening sessions with pregnant and postpartum families that DPH conducted across the state. DPH will award funds to projects that help meet the specific needs of relevant communities while also advancing maternal and reproductive health equity. 

“Massachusetts leads the nation in access to reproductive and maternal health services, but it’s on us to ensure these services reach every community in our state,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “Many of our most vulnerable communities experience higher levels of maternal health complications – that’s unacceptable. By prioritizing investments in communities with the most extreme inequities, we are tackling these disparities head-on. Our administration has made health equity a priority, and we will continue to work to increase access to care in every region of the state.” 

“We hear countless stories from our most marginalized communities about the challenges they experience in accessing quality maternal health care,” said Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of the Department of Public Health. “This grant represents our commitment to reducing, and ultimately closing, the gap in maternal health disparities we see in the Commonwealth, and it will help us provide every birthing person in the state the care and support essential for a healthy pregnancy. By enhancing our maternal health system through increasing access, supporting workforce capacity, and strengthening infrastructure in communities most in need, we are taking active steps toward achieving equitable outcomes for all families.”  

Grant applications are due May 1, 2024. DPH strongly encourages applicants to propose projects that effectively meet the specific needs of their communities and advance maternal health equity. Potential projects might include: 

Enhancing access to prenatal and postpartum services  

Establishing and expanding access to hospital-based remote blood pressure monitoring programs  

Developing, evaluating, and disseminating a framework on integrating doulas into hospital-based birth teams  

Building system capacity and infrastructure  

Developing outpatient or inpatient behavioral health treatment programs for birthing parents and their infants  

Strengthening infrastructure to improve access to birth center services  

Increasing provision of on-site prenatal care offered by community health centers  

Expanding perinatal workforce development  

Providing free or low-cost antiracism and cultural competency trainings to hospital and clinic-based health care providers  

Supporting funding for scholarships for doula training programs  

Supporting access to postpartum provider training with CEUs on patient-centered contraceptive counseling  

Expanding access to perinatal mental health screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals  

DPH will prioritize projects based in one or more of the 10 priority areas identified in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts initiative, as well those that promote racial equity and reproductive justice. Organizations can apply on COMMBUYS before May 1, 2024. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to protecting and expanding access to reproductive and maternal health care. Yesterday, Governor Healey pledged to protect access to medication abortion following Supreme Court oral arguments on access to mifepristone. Last year, Governor Healey took immediate action to protect access to mifepristone in Massachusetts, directing the University of Massachusetts to stockpile doses and issuing an Executive Order confirming protections for medication abortion. Also last year, DPH launched a toolkit to help public colleges and universities develop abortion readiness plans. To improve maternal health outcomes statewide, MassHealth recently began covering doula services and, in January, Governor Healey filed a budget including $1 million to build a new doula certification pipeline. 

聯邦政府NYIA批准麻州的數位公平計畫

Massachusetts’ State Digital Equity Plan Approved by National Telecommunications and Information Administration

 

New Eligible Federal Funding Will Help Healey-Driscoll Administration Tackle Disparities in Online Access, Digital Training and Affordability   

WESTBOROUGH, MA – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Massachusetts’ State Digital Equity Plan (PDF), which was formally submitted to the federal government in December 2023. The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at Mass Tech will utilize new eligible funding to continue its work with Massachusetts communities to address the digital divide. This includes addressing digital skills training, access to devices, and internet affordability, including increasing access to low-cost options. 

“Our administration knows that the success of our digital economy depends on making sure that every community has access to high-speed, reliable internet,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’ve made important progress toward closing the digital divide, and our State Digital Equity Plan will help us close the remaining gaps. We’re grateful to the NTIA and Biden-Harris administration for their support of our efforts to advance digital equity in Massachusetts.”    

“Through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, the state has prioritized programs to support municipal digital equity programs across the state, particularly in communities that are traditionally underserved,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The approval of the state plan will help us supercharge those efforts by unlocking access to additional federal funds to implement these programs and help more residents gain access to online job boards, healthcare resources, and digital resources that are critical to everyday life.” 

The State Digital Equity Plan was shaped in collaboration of EOED and MBI’s “Internet for All” efforts, which included a statewide listening tour, a public survey, and a public comment period to incorporate feedback from community leaders, residents, and digital stakeholders. Leveraging geographic data and digital asset mapping, the administration evaluated existing barriers and established a framework with measurable goals to tackle digital equity. 

“Digital equity and inclusion are key priorities for our state and this award will increase our economic competitiveness and get us closer to achieving our statewide goals, by bringing internet access to more residents no matter where they live,” said Executive Office of Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Through the grassroots planning process, we engaged a wide range of organizations and residents, to identify the challenges withholding residents from accessing the internet. We’ve created a plan to address those hurdles and will empower a stronger, and well-trained workforce for years to come.” 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has taken a whole-of-government approach to federal funding that has already been successful in securing nearly $3 billion in federal dollars, and has a current total of more than $2 billion in funding requests still pending before federal agencies to further priorities for infrastructure, climate, and economic development across Massachusetts. 

"The approval of the State Digital Equity Plan is an important part of our whole-of-government strategy to secure federal resources that further equity, workforce development, economic competitiveness, and more," said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. "We are grateful to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, Administrator Davidson, and our congressional partners for making possible this exciting step forward, and we will continue our work to secure federal dollars for communities across Massachusetts."

“Today, Massachusetts is taking a major step toward closing the digital divide,” said Angela Thi Bennett, Director of Digital Equity, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). “The state's digital equity plan will empower every resident, regardless of who they are or where they live with the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to enjoy full personal, civic, and economic digital participation throughout their lives with safety and security.” 

“After working side by side with residents, local officials, and digital equity experts across Massachusetts, we are excited to put this plan into motion,” said MBI Director Michael Baldino. “MBI is first and foremost focused on the communities we serve. That’s why we amassed broad-based public feedback to build a successful roadmap, which will help us to quickly launch programs that will identify and assist people disproportionately impacted by the digital divide.” 

波士頓市長吳弭支持離岸風力能源 承諾向 Avangrid購買15萬瓦

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR AVANGRID’S PROPOSAL FOR OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY - A FIRST FOR A U.S. CITY This is a tangible step towards achieving the City of Boston’s pledge to run on fully renewable energy by 2030

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced her support of Avangrid's New England Wind 1 offshore wind proposal in response to the multi-state procurement for offshore wind power by Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. If Avangrid’s bid is selected by the state, this transaction would be a first for a US city to contract for offshore wind. This endorsement reflects Boston's commitment to decarbonizing the city by investing in clean energy and creating sustainable economic opportunities for its residents. If awarded, part of the energy generated through the project will be used to power Boston’s municipal buildings and residences enrolled in our municipal energy aggregation program, Boston Community Choice Electricity.  “Boston must lead the way in building a sustainable future, and we’re proud to set a new standard with a direct stake in innovation to create clean energy and good jobs for our residents and communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This partnership advances our climate goals while bringing thousands of green jobs to our region, creating a pathway for generations to come." The City of Boston and Avangrid have agreed upon a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which the City of Boston could purchase up to 15 megawatts of energy as part of a future agreement, the equivalent of one wind turbine, from the New England Wind 1 offshore project, if the Commonwealth selects Avangrid as one of their awardees. Avangrid’s New England Wind 1 project has the potential to deliver up to 800 megawatts of renewable energy to the New England grid, enough to power up to 400,000 homes and businesses in the region. The project is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1.5 million US tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to taking over 280,000 cars off the road. The amount of electricity that the City of Boston may purchase under the terms of a potential agreement is equal to nearly a third of all the electricity used annually by Boston Public Schools in addition to nearly 5,000 homes. Avangrid has also offered to implement vocational training for Boston Public School students, meaning that this collaboration would not only advance Boston’s climate goals but create an investment in the green jobs pipeline, an important part of Boston’s Green New Deal.  “The City of Boston is thrilled by the chance to participate in the offshore wind revolution” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “I would particularly like to thank David Musselman, Boston’s Director of Municipal Energy, who has spearheaded innovative energy projects like this in Boston and will be retiring next month.” Offshore wind is an industry on the frontlines of the climate crisis, building energy cost resilience in a market that has been increasingly destabilized by its reliance on fossil fuels. The City of Boston believes Avangrid could potentially deliver a transformational project to Massachusetts that would help the state meet its critical energy needs and secure new economic opportunities for its residents.  “Mayor Wu and the City of Boston are among the country’s foremost climate champions, so we saw a natural opportunity with our New England Wind bid and the City’s leadership to form this exciting partnership,” said Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra. “Our goal with New England Wind is to bring the region’s historic communities into the very blueprints of our project, and we’re thrilled to establish this partnership with the City to ensure that Boston benefits from the clean power and economic opportunity that offshore wind offers.” The City of Boston recognizes the significance of this opportunity to advance its renewable energy goals and support the growth of the green economy. By collaborating with Avangrid, Boston aims to lead the way in sustainable energy development and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for all. This opportunity is one example of the innovative energy projects that the City has implemented to achieve its carbon neutrality goals. Renew Boston Trust’s energy performance contracting reduces energy use and emissions from the City's buildings and exterior lights. Renew Boston Trust projects are expected to save the City $2.3 million and reduce carbon emissions by 3,600 mtCO2e annually. The City of Boston has also secured a $250,000 grant from the Barr Foundation to pilot the City's Equitable Electrification Initiative in one of our environmental justice neighborhoods and previously supported the state in the creation of the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank. Through collaborative efforts like these, the City of Boston continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future, driving positive change for generations to come

華埠土地信託會拜訪紐英崙中華公所 籲攜手打造華埠歷史文化區

華埠土地信託會 (CCLT) 的主席李素影(左二)，董事鄭繼良(右一)，
伍國龍(左一)和行政主任駱理德(右二)上中華公所介紹該會，
盼與中華公所攜手把華埠打造成一個歷史文化保留區。(周菊子攝)

ˊ             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 華埠土地信託會 (CCLT) 3月26日晚踏進紐英崙中華公所，向數十名出席會議董事介紹該會， 籲請攜手合作，紀錄、把華埠保留成為一個歷史文化區。

紐英崙中華公所董事會現場。(周菊子攝)

              CCLT主席李素影在會上直白表示，希望中華公所能夠成立一個小組，可以時時彼此商量，可以把華埠營造成一個環境優良，適合人們居住，又能讓小企業蓬勃發展的社區。該會歡迎各姓氏宗親會洽詢，了解。

              華埠土地信託會是一個成立於2015年的新組織，主要宗旨是獲取並保留土地，穩定華埠社區，在土地發展豪華化，許多打工家庭被逼遷的今日社會，把波士頓華埠保留為移民及工人階層的聚集地，同時顧及企業，環境空間，為工薪家庭保留立足之地，以期波士頓華埠不至於像華府等城市的華埠一般，逐漸消失。

中華公所董事余麗媖指出華埠需要多樣化住宅。(周菊子攝)

              這晚到會的華埠土地信託會董事有主席李素影 (Suzanne Lee)，董事鄭繼良 (Lawrence Cheng)，伍國龍 (Russell Eng)，以及該會行政主任駱理德 (Lydia Lowe)。

                 

中華公所董事陳文珊表示要保留華埠的文化歷史，得把華人也保留下來。
(周菊子攝)

                           她們在會中派發了一張介紹該會的單張傳單，上面列出她們希望討論"我們可以如何保護並發展華埠為一個歷史和文化保護區? "，並列出7個討論角度，包括鞏固移民工人階級居民，吸引更多家庭回到華埠，支援社區內的小型企業發展，慶祝華裔美國人的歷史，支持社區文化活動與公共藝術，保存歷史建築與街景，改善標識、清潔度，以及華埠的整體外觀與氛圍。

              李素影同時是華人前進會的創會主席，駱理德早年是華人前進會的行政主任。鄭繼良是建築師，長年參與華埠的土地發展，目前還率領團隊為中華公所的博愛樓做建築設計。伍國龍則是紐英崙中華公所前主席黃述沾的姪子，黃述沾紀念公園董事。

              李素影指出，該會是大波士頓內第二個土地信託會，麻州及波士頓市政府都認可該會的做法，可穩定社區。據該會所知，美加至少有多倫多和加州也已成立了土地信託會。

中華公所董事何遠光表示華埠需要更多適合一家人居住的地方。
(周菊子攝)

              紐英崙中華公所董事余麗媖指出，波士頓華埠現在需要的不單只是可負擔房屋，而是要有各種形式，適合家庭的居屋，讓年輕一輩的華人後代也有機會搬回波士頓華埠住。她還點出，如果動用了政府經費來建造或保留可負擔房屋，將來入住這些房屋的人，很可能都不是華人，在這種情況下，如何保存華埠歷史文化，值得思考。

              紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝也表示，正如余麗媖所說，波士頓華埠的理想應該是幫助已有中等收入的華人後代年輕人，也能搬回華埠居住，而不是一味的加蓋低收入可負擔住宅。他也贊成董事何遠光所說，將來增建的住宅大樓，應該有更多二睡房，甚至三睡房，適合家庭的居住場所。

              代表至孝篤親公所出席中華公所的董事陳文珊會後表示，她本人小時候住在大同村，很懷念那個門不閉戶，鄰居彼此都認識，幾乎所有住民都是華人的年代，但礙於政府規定，近年來大同村人口結構也有了很大變化。如果要把華埠保留成為歷史文化區，留住華人的歷史文化足跡，不留住華人的話，恐怕波士頓也將逐漸有如華府等地，華埠徒留其名，只有樓宇還看得到中文，街上卻已少見華人蹤跡。

麻州私立大學下學年學雜費破9萬元 10年漲幅42%

           (Boston Orange 編譯) 上大學現在越來越不容易。新英格蘭地區的好幾所學校，諸如波士頓大學、塔芙茨大學、衛斯理學院，以及耶魯大學等，下學年的學費，住宿費加雜費，都超過9萬元。

            以波士頓大學為例，2024到2025學年的學費為6萬6670元，食宿費1萬9020元，再加上書本及雜費，約9萬207元，和10年前的2014-2015學年的總費用6萬3644元相比，漲幅高達42%。

            大約6年前，諸如塔芙茨大學，哈佛大學，波士頓大學，以及Amherst學院等私立大學的學雜費總額超過7萬元一年時，家長們都已經感到一身冷汗了。

            接下來的幾年，費率從來沒有停止漲過。

            這些學校，如果沒有獎助學金的話，簡直就沒辦法唸。好在譬如波士頓大學 (BU) ，該校發言人Colin Riley說，2024到2025學年，BU打算拿出4億2500萬元資助學生上學，其中92%的財務援助是根據需要發放，而且保證發4年。

            對許多家有高中畢業生的家庭來說，今年有點混亂。其中一大原因是用來決定聯邦政府財務補助(FAFSA)的申請表格，發放得很不順利，比預定時間遲了很多。換言之，許多大專院校直到3月，才能從申請者那兒得到FAFSA資訊，讓許多高中生在選擇時落入難以抉擇處境。

            公立大學的學雜費這些年來也高漲不少，但是和私立大學相比，就可負擔得多了。例如麻州大學Amherst分校的麻州居民住校生費用是37,219元。

波士頓體育會發"圍觀指南" 籲請跑迷觀賽別踏進跑道

            (Boston Orange 摘譯) 第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽即將於4月15日舉行。波士頓體育會 (BAA)為避免類似去年的警察阻止圍觀者跨進跑道，3月25日特地發出” 圍觀指南 (Spectator Guide)，並在推特上籲請民眾各自找最佳觀賽地點，支持跑者。

            造成這情況的主要原因是在去年的波士頓馬拉松賽中，一個在波士頓很有名的黑人跑團Pioneers Run Crew，在碎心坡 (Heartbreak Hill)那兒，為他們的跑者加油、擊掌打氣時，據說波士頓體育會的人通知牛頓市警察，指稱這些粉絲跨越了跑道界線，於是牛頓市警察們騎了單車過去，把那些圍觀群眾攔阻在外。

            波士頓體育會公告的這份"圍觀指南"提醒粉絲們，禁止進入跑道，和跑者一起跑步，或者以任何形式妨礙跑者。波士頓體育會表示，儘管去年只有牛頓市那兒發生這樣的情況，但為確保跑道通暢，所有跑者可以毫無阻礙的完成比賽，這才發出”圍觀指南”。

台灣星奇兒與哈佛本科生合作 3/30-31邀您藉藝術認識自閉症

 台灣自閉症藝術家哈佛藝術展海報

           (Boston     Orange）哈佛大學本科生提高自閉症意識團隊和台灣星奇兒創藝協會合作，將於3月30，31兩日，依序在哈佛大學愛默生廳的105室、210室，舉辦” 台灣自閉症藝術家藝術展” ，以及工作坊。

                  自閉症也稱”孤獨症”，是一種或許和遺傳、環境都有關係的腦部病變所導致的疾病。

                根據美國中央疾病管制局 (The Center for Disease Control ) 2021年所公佈數據，美國在2018年時，每44名兒童就有1人患有自閉症，和2000年的每150人有1人相比，增幅驚人。人們迄今還無法找到造成自閉症的單一原因，但是早期診斷對改善結果有重大影響。

CDC報告截圖。

                 CDC 自閉症及發展障礙監測網絡 (ADDM) 的2023年自閉症社區報告數據，則是自閉症患者比率又升高到每36名8歲兒童中，就有1名患有自閉症。而且ADDM第一次發現，在調查的這11個社區中，黑人、西班牙裔及亞裔兒童染患自閉症的比率，比白人兒童高。(https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/pdf/2023-ADDM-Factsheet_508.pdf)

認識自閉症工作坊報名表。

                   台灣星奇兒創藝協會創會理事長陳穎君繼去年獲邀到美國德州及亞利桑那州展出星奇兒畫作後，獲邀在今年3月底到訪麻州，將於3月30日及31日，展出30幅星奇兒們的畫作，另安排工作坊，讓出席活動者通過實際參與，了解自閉症藝術家們如何利用個人感官創作，通過創意表達來改善大腦功能，並欣賞

         ”星奇兒”穿上原住民服裝，演唱原住民歌曲，表演武術，講述各人故事，討論藝術在健康公平中的作用。

陳穎君指出，星奇兒協會的
星奇兒不只藝術創作驚人，經過教育引導，他們還會走讀導覽，不只能說國語，有人甚至能用英文或日文、噶瑪蘭語解說；他們也走進社區陪伴老人或前進偏鄉指導兒童藝術創作；有學生甚至已碩士畢業在外商公司工作，成為自力更生的上班族，正在為自己的人生賺第一桶金；也有人正攻讀碩士，還曾遠赴大陸的大學當交換生。

她相信善用藝術引導星奇兒發展創作潛能，能夠幫助星奇兒與社會有更好互動。

       這為期2日的展覽及工作坊活動，除了要讓人們對自閉症有更多認識之外，還將請哈佛大學的學生們為星奇兒們安排體驗哈佛活動，另外還將以無聲拍賣，為將來的自閉症宣傳專案籌募資金。 (更新版)

台灣星奇兒創藝協會海報

波士頓市今年將有6次街道開放日活動

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES OPEN STREETS 2024 Family-friendly, pedestrian-focused event is expanding to Hyde Park, in addition to existing five neighborhoods

BOSTON - Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced six Open Streets events, adding Hyde Park as an Open Streets location and beginning the popular car-free event series earlier in the year. Similar to years past, more than a mile will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic to create room for community and play. The half-day events will allow local businesses to expand into the street, and to safely make space for music, games, bicycling, community tabling, and more. This year, Open Streets will be in Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, East Boston, and Allston-Brighton, with events throughout late spring, summer, and early fall. These pedestrian-focused events build on Mayor Wu’s commitment to reimagining our streets and making Boston the best city in the country for families.  “Over the last two years, we have seen Open Streets events transform public streets into shared community spaces where residents can experience the full liveliness of our neighborhoods and small businesses can be supported,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re thrilled to keep this going this year.” The timing of the Open Streets series has been extended from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year, streets will close to vehicular traffic at 9:00 a.m. and reopen at 6:00 p.m. “Expanding our Open Streets events gives residents more opportunities to explore new neighborhoods in their city,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “Open Streets bring neighborhoods together to enjoy a safe, fun environment for walking, biking, and recreation.” “Open Streets events are a wonderful opportunity for Boston residents to support small businesses and enjoy their neighborhoods,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “I appreciate the Mayor and colleagues across the Administration, our partners in the field, and the women- and BIPOC-led businesses helping to grow the number of safe and successful Open Streets events.”   “The expansion of Open Streets brings Hyde Park neighbors together to experience joy and unity in their community,” said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. “I am excited to see Hyde Park businesses thrive and see the smiles on residents' faces that will attend this festive, community-centered event attracting residents throughout our city.”  This year’s Open Streets dates are as follows: Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Dorchester Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Roxbury Sunday, July 21, 2024 - Jamaica Plain Sunday, August 11, 2024 - Hyde Park Sunday, September 15, 2024 - East Boston Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Allston-Brighton For the inaugural Open Streets Hyde Park route, the pedestrian-only zone will stretch from the intersections of Hyde Park Ave. and River Street to Fairmount Avenue and Davison Street.  "Being a woman owned local business in Hyde Park is exciting and even more so with Open Streets coming to my community,” said Emily Pimentel, owner of Events by Emily, whose Hyde Park business has supported previous years of Open Streets events with balloon installations. “I have been a part of this project since the beginning and feel honored to celebrate this year again!" Open Streets programming will vary slightly by neighborhood but will include food trucks, face painting, balloon animals, crafts, interactive games, photo installations, exclusive performances and activations, and Pedicabs. New this year, the Boston Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management are partnering to introduce hydrant-fed misting stations at key locations to help residents stay cool at Open Streets events. “Open Streets Roxbury provides a great outreach opportunity for non-profits trying to reach an underserved population. There is no charge to set up a table and reach the thousands of people who will be enjoying open streets that day.  We welcome small vendors selling food items, arts and crafts, and health and beauty aids like soaps,” said Ed Gaskin, Executive Director, Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. “This one-day event has more shoppers than all but the largest farmers markets or festivals. It also provides a platform for schools such as dance, music, martial arts, and other artists to show the world their skills.” Open Newbury, a similar event series that closes Newbury Street in the Back Bay to vehicular traffic, will also be returning this year. First piloted in 2016, thousands of people have enjoyed food, shopping, and dining in the street. Dates will be announced closer to the summer. Open Streets first started in the summer of 2022 with three neighborhoods. The City is contracting again this year with Shana Bryant Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned small business, to carry out Boston’s Open Streets program. “Shana Bryant Consulting is thrilled that Open Streets Boston is back! We will have programming for all ages, and we are excited to bring back the kids and music hubs, vendor and resource rows, and of course, food from local restaurants and Pedicabs! After executing 8 successful events in 5 neighborhoods, announcing a new neighborhood means more fun for everyone! We look forward to seeing you from May to October in Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, East Boston, Allston Brighton, and the newest neighborhood Hyde Park with family fun for everyone,” said Shana Bryant. “Be sure to visit the website, subscribe to the newsletter, and add the dates to your family calendar.” More on Open Streets 2024 can be found here.

麻州州長Healey誓言保護人們取得避孕藥的權利

Governor Healey Pledges to Protect Access to Medication Abortion Following SCOTUS Oral Arguments 

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Food and Drug Administration, et al., v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the most significant abortion rights case since this same Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. If the Supreme Court upholds the Fifth Circuit’s extreme ruling, there will be severe impacts across the country, including restricting access to the medication abortion mifepristone, straining the health care system overall, undermining the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority, and hindering the ability of Governors to protect the public health of their constituents. 

“Mifepristone has been safe and effective for more than 20 years. Restricting access to it would have severe consequences for women’s reproductive health and our health care system as a whole. Additionally, this decision would have wide ranging impacts on the integrity of the FDA approval process needed to provide safe and effective health care services. As the governor of a state that is a global hub for life sciences and health care, I’m deeply concerned about the impacts this would have on medical innovation and public health," said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “The high stakes of this case are why I stood with my colleagues to call on the Supreme Court to reject this attack on women's health and freedom. I also took action last year to stockpile mifepristone and ensure that access is protected under state law. In Massachusetts, mifepristone remains safe, legal and accessible – and we’ll continue to protect access to reproductive health care for our residents every step of the way.”   

As the Reproductive Freedom Alliance’s amicus brief notes, “If the Court affirms the decision below, the upshot will be harm all around: harm to women, particularly rural and low-income women, who will be required to visit in-person clinics simply to take a prescription medication, or may not be able to access mifepristone for abortion or miscarriage management at all; harm to providers, clinics, and health systems, who will be overwhelmed with demand; harm to Governors, whose critical tools to safeguard public health will be unnecessarily curbed; and harm to the public fisc, which will bear the brunt of many of the economic costs of the decision.”  

A link to the full amicus brief can be found here.   

Last year, in response to the Texas federal court decision, Governor Healey took immediate action to protect access to mifepristone in Massachusetts. At her request, the University of Massachusetts and health care providers took action to stockpile doses of mifepristone, and she issued an Executive Order confirming protections for medication abortion under existing state law.  

According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortions accounted for 63 percent of all U.S. abortions in 2023, an increase from 53 percent in 2020. In Massachusetts, there were 21,430 abortions performed in 2023, up from 17,060 in 2020 – a 26 percent increase. In the same time period, nationwide, abortions increased by 10 percent. Additionally, an estimated 400 more people traveled to Massachusetts for abortion care in 2023 as compared to 2020.   

波士頓吳弭市長和黑人進步辦公室撥款50萬元資助63個社區組織

MAYOR WU AND BLACK MALE ADVANCEMENT AWARD $500,000 IN GRANTS TO 63 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING BLACK MEN & BOYS ACROSS BOSTON NEIGHBORHOODS Community Empowerment grants aimed at building stronger network across Boston to support and connect Black men and boys to programming and resources

BOSTON - Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Black Male Advancement today announced the awardees for the 2024 Community Empowerment Grants. These grants are a $500,000 investment aimed at supporting community-based organizations that are focused on empowering and improving outcomes for Black men and boys in Boston. These grants will help organizations scale up their work and deepen their impact throughout the city’s neighborhoods. The program is sustained by Black Male Advancement’s operating budget. "We're committed to supporting community organizations that are focused on empowering and improving outcomes for Black men and boys in Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These grants will support critical organizations in scaling up their programming and deepening the impact across all of Boston's neighborhoods. I'm grateful to the Office of Black Male Advancement for their work to build a stronger network for Black men and boys in our city." "Investing in the empowerment of Black men and boys across Boston means Mayor Wu stands firm on her commitment on building a truly inclusive and thriving community,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “These Community Empowerment Grants move the needle closer to a future where every Black man and boy has access to the resources and support they need to flourish."  “The Community Empowerment grants will provide additional financial support for Boston community-based organizations to continue their invaluable efforts within our neighborhoods day in and day out,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. “I’m excited to collaborate with local community based organizations and can’t wait to see the continued positive impact they will be able bring to our Black men and boys across the city.” The BMA Community Empowerment Grants prioritized organizations that expand one of the following seven focus areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time: providing quality mentoring, literacy and out-of-school time programs when and where they are needed, offering developmentally appropriate learning environments that support social emotional and physical wellbeing.  Youth and Young Adult Pathways: providing educational and career pathways for youth and young adults navigating their own course to economic prosperity. Housing Mobility: providing a continuum of housing opportunities, resources, and supports that are effectively resulting in pathways to affordable housing and homeownership. Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building: supporting individuals to experience financial empowerment and economic mobility. Workforce Training and Development: helping unemployed and underemployed individuals attain livable wage jobs and helping businesses with training for employees to support a pipeline of skilled workers. Fatherhood Engagement: supporting fatherhood education, case management, and peer-to-peer support to strengthen positive father-child interaction, improve social and economic outcomes for fathers and their families and improve healthy relationships. Mental Health and Wellness: helping support and improve the mental health and wellbeing of men. The grants will be awarded to the following organizations:  Youth & Young Adult Pathways Thrive Scholars (Downtown) YouthBuild Boston (Roxbury) Urban League of Eastern MA (Roxbury) Freedom House Inc. (Dorchester) Bottom Line (Jamaica Plain) Apprentice Learning (Jamaica Plain) Mbadika (West Fens/Kenmore) Afrimerican Academy (Hyde Park/Stony Brook) He is Me Institute (Dorchester) A Different Path Foundation (Dorchester) Save Our Streets - Boston (Hyde Park) One Love Sports Academy (Dorchester) Next Leadership Development Corporation (Jamaica Plain) Charlestown Community Cares (Charlestown) PREPPED Inc. (Allston/Brighton) One of 100 (Dorchester) Future Chefs (Dorchester) Marcus Anthony Hall Educational Institute. (Dorchester) Greatest MINDS Boston. (Roxbury) Mentoring and Out-of-School Time The Center for Teen Empowerment (Roxbury) Cape Verdean Association of Boston/Cabral Leadership and Innovation Center (Dorchester) The Nubian Square Foundation (Roxbury) Mass Mentoring Partnership Inc. (Chinatown) MissionSAFE. (Roxbury) Shelburne Community School Council Inc. (Roxbury) Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts (Roxbury) Youth Guidance (North End) Team New England Youth Academy (Dorchester) Panthers Legends Academic Youth (Mattapan) Young Man with a Plan Inc (Hyde Park) Daddy & Me Inc (Hyde Park) Follow Suit (Dorchester) Voices of Liberation Inc (Jamaica Plain) Torch Light Recovery (Dorchester) Cornerstone Collaborative MA (Mattapan) The3PointFoundation, Inc. (Allston/Brighton) Workforce Training & Development Boston Black Hospitality Coalition (Roxbury) Resilient Coders (Cambridge) Breaktime United, Inc. (Downtown) Chill Diamond Ring Education Foundation (Mattapan) YardTime Inc. (West Fens/Kenmore) Black Biz Dev Inc. (Roxbury) The Teachers' Lounge, Inc. (Roslindale) The Supreme Team (Roxbury) Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (Roxbury) AccessMA (Mattapan) Roxbury Action Program (Roxbury) Fatherhood Engagement Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts (Dorchester) Black Male Artists Collective/Union of Minority Neighborhoods (Jamaica Plain) Fathers' UpLift (Dorchester) Lives Are Meant To Be Changed (Dorchester) The Village of Recovery (Roxbury) Economic Inclusion & Wealth Building Blue Collar Academy (Roxbury) Dunk the Vote/Circle of Nations Inc. (Dorchester) The Institute for Global Youth Development Programs (Roxbury) Kings Amongst Kings (Mattapan) The Blackbury Organization (Roxbury) Mental Health & Wellness Include Innovation Inc. (Roxbury) Beat the Odds (Dorchester) Out For Good Behavioral Services, Inc. (Dorchester) Limitless Athletics (Dorchester) Building on the office’s work to strengthen Black male serving community organizations, Black Male Advancement is partnering with Resilia on the office’s Capacity Building and Impact Institute. The Institute will provide critical capacity building support and on-demand technical assistance to equip proven or promising Black male serving organizations with long-term capacity needs and to drive impact efforts. The Institute will also support a cohort of Community Empowerment grantees to deepen their impact and bring their work to scale. “Funding supports Young Man with a Plan with holistic mentoring growth as we expand enrollment, staff, space, and programming, including new wellness programming,” said Jaykyri Simpson, Executive Director of Young Man With A Plan. “Our entire organization appreciates the funding from the Office of Black Male Advancement and the uplift!” “Thank you to the Office of Black Male Advancement for gracing the Center with funds to help make a difference–generationally–in men’s lives” said LaWaun Curry, Fathers Nurturing Program Specialist, Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts. “While we do the work for men directly, we also want to impact their children and their children’s children.” For more information on the Office of Black Male Advancement’s Community Empowerment Small Grants program, please visit this link.