Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with Cambridge and public health updates.
Table of Contents
Cambridge Updates
Public Health Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Mental Health Services and Resources
Cambridge Updates
Racial Inequities in Maternal Health Event
As you may know, last legislative session, I co-chaired the Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health. On April 9, I am hosting a legislative briefing to present some of the findings and an update on the state of maternal health in Massachusetts and Cambridge with a specialized lens on racial inequities in birthing outcomes for people of color. The briefing is in partnership with Health Resources in Action (HRiA) and YWCA Cambridge and will also highlight current legislative momentum on maternal health policy. This event will feature a panel of speakers including representatives from MassHealth, Cambridge Health Alliance, Planned Parenthood, Neighborhood Birth Center, Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office, and Councilor Ayesha Wilson. We will open up the discussion for a conversation with the audience.
The event will be on Tuesday, April 9, from 6pm-8pm at the Cambridge Community Center (5 Callendar St.). If you are interested in attending, you can RSVP here or email marjorie.decker@mahouse.gov. I look forward to seeing you there.
Cambridge Public Health Helpline Supports Residents with COVID-19
To speak with someone, call the confidential COVID-19 Hotline at 617-933-0797. Learn more here.
City Offering Free At-Home COVID Tests in Partnership with the Cambridge Health Alliance
The tests can be picked up Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM in the CHA lobby at 119 Windsor Street. Cambridge businesses or organizations that would like free rapid tests to provide to customers can call the COVID-19 hotline at 617-933-0797 to request them. The at-home COVID test expiration date can be checked here.
Public Health Updates
Water from Massachusetts-based Simpson Spring Company Contaminated with PFAS
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a warning advising residents against purchasing or consuming bottled water from the Simpson Spring Company based in Easton, Massachusetts, or from using self-serve water filling stations they operate, due to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. PFAS are a class of almost 15,000 chemicals commonly used to make products non-stick or resistant to water, stains, and grease. Exposure to these chemicals at high levels is harmful to human health, resulting in liver damage, immune dysfunction, and increased risk of some cancers. If you have purchased any Simpson Spring water, DPH recommends you do not drink it and instead pour it down the drain, as well as refrain from purchasing any other products from the company at this time. DPH will continue to monitor Simpson Spring Company and work with them to address PFAS contamination in its products and correct other identified violations. Find bottled water options without high levels of PFAS here.
DPH Launches Plan to Address Racism as a Serious Public Health Threat
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced a new health equity plan to address racism as a serious public health threat. The Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity is designed to advance racial equity in all the work DPH undertakes and oversees by addressing underlying concerns perpetuating health inequities across the state. The plan is a call to action and accountability to address the systemic inequities faced by Black, Indigenous, Latino, and/or Asian or Pacific Islander communities to improve public health outcomes for Massachusetts residents. The action-oriented plan outlines five key public health priority areas and strategies that the agency is committed to leading with racial equity principles and practices. These include advancing health equity, leading emergency preparedness and response, strengthening the public health workforce, modernizing public health infrastructure, and enhancing public service. To achieve these objectives, the plan outlines a performance management system for monitoring and evaluating, accountability, resourcing, communicating, and implementing which will be reviewed and improved in each year of implementation.
European Scientists Report Success Cutting HIV Out of Cells
Scientists from the University of Amsterdam reported they were able to harness CRISPR gene-editing technology to eliminate HIV from infected cells successfully. CRISPR allows scientists to cut DNA at certain points and remove, deactivate, or replace sections. While this achievement holds promise for potentially eradicating the virus from the body, further research is required to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The scientists involved emphasized that their work is still in early stages and only demonstrates that it is possible to remove HIV from cells and does not show potential to be a cure for HIV in the near future. HIV persists in the body's immune cells, even with treatment, and complete eradication is extremely difficult. While there have been rare cases of apparent cures, HIV treatment with antiretroviral therapy can effectively manage the virus, enabling people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
City of Boston Announces $21M to Support Mental and Behavioral Health Services
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) released a report detailing trends in mental health condition prevalence for youth and adults, mental health support, emergency department visits related to mental health, and suicide. According to the report, from 2015 to 2021, there has been a significant increase in feelings of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety among Boston’s youth. More than 40% of Boston Public School students reported feeling sad or hopeless for more than two weeks at a time. This was especially significant among youth of color, particularly for Black and Latinx residents, who more frequently reported experiencing poor mental health symptoms. On Wednesday, the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, BPHC, and the Boston Public Schools announced $21 million in funding for mental and behavioral health programs and services to support Boston youth and families. This funding mainly consists of federal grant money the state received through the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as ARPA. It will be dispersed to hospitals, universities, schools, and community partners across the Commonwealth over the next five years.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
It was great to join the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce at their Government Leaders Reception on Thursday evening. I was able to connect with my state and municipal colleagues and talk with many business and nonprofit leaders.
Thursday morning, I toured Food For Free’s facility and met with their team. I am proud to have led the budget earmark for Food For Free since 2018, and last year secured them $100,000. In spite of having a mother who worked full time and frequent overtime and a father who was disabled due to his disabilities as a Vietnam veteran, we still relied on the Food for Free food pantry. The team does amazing work addressing food security for and trying to meet the needs of thousands of families in Cambridge and beyond. You can sign up to volunteer with them or donate food here. I am so grateful for all that they do to combat food insecurity in our community.
Mental Health Services and Resources
If you or a loved one are struggling, please know you are not alone. There are some great resources here: decker4rep.com/2021/mental-health-services-and-resources/
Intimate Partner Abuse Prevention Helpline
This initiative is designed to prevent intimate partner violence by fostering accountability and change in people who harm or may harm their partner. You can find more information at 10to10helpline.org or by calling 877-898-3411.
Overdose Prevention Helpline
The Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline is a virtual spotting/overdose detection service for people who use drugs. Learn more at massoverdosehelpline.org or access it by calling 800-972-0590.
De Novo Center for Justice and Healing
De Novo is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that provides free civil legal assistance and affordable psychological counseling to people with low incomes. You can learn more about their services at denovo.org.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie