Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with Cambridge, legislative, and public health updates.
Table of Contents
Cambridge Updates
Legislative 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. Health Resources in Action (HRiA), which helped develop the Commission report and will have a limited number of copies to distribute. The YWCA of Cambridge will join us as they continue to highlight and advocate for improved health equity care and outcomes. The briefing will provide additional insight into current legislative efforts underway supporting 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, the Health Equity Compact, and Councilor Ayesha Wilson. We will open up the discussion for a conversation with the audience if time permits.
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.
Letter to DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo
The attention, and sometimes tension, regarding Memorial Drive closures have brought to light broader concerns and opportunities to examine what does equitable access and inclusion look like with regard to the Charles River. I have called on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to convene a task force with an environmental justice lens that will pull together stakeholders including conservationists, recreational users, abutters, and those who have not often had a pathway to be involved or engaged in the many different conversations regarding the Charles River. I have had many conversations with a number of stakeholders including residents, bike advocacy groups, environmental groups, and organizations that have helped create recreational programming along with the Cambridge NAACP, and the Cambridge Black Pastors. These conversations have been uplifting and inspiring with folks looking forward to developing a more diverse and inclusive coalition of allies and advocates. You can read the full email here. We will keep you posted as this develops.
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.
Legislative Updates
Throughout the past few weeks, I’ve been meeting with advocates and constituents about the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget. I’ve met with Cambridge constituents, local nonprofits, and statewide organizations to hear about funding needs and requests both in my capacity as Representative for Cambridge and as the Chair of Public Health. Recently, I visited Food For Free, spoke with Mass Farmer’s Markets about the importance of the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and met with the Alliance of YWCAs about their earmark (see below).
Public Health Updates
Puerto Rico Experiencing Record Number of Dengue Fever Cases
Puerto Rico has announced a public health emergency following a swift increase in dengue cases this year. The territory has surpassed previous records, with 549 cases reported since January, almost half of which are in the San Juan region. Dengue outbreaks are also reported in Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, affecting millions. The disease, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause mild symptoms in most cases but can be severe and even fatal in rare instances. While there's no specific treatment for dengue, acetaminophen can help manage symptoms. While dengue is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates, the World Health Organization has reported cases spreading to Europe and parts of the U.S., like Florida and Texas. Experts recommend avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and protective clothing and eliminating breeding sites at home by dumping standing water to prevent contracting dengue.
Measles Cases in the US Surpass Last Year's Total
The CDC reports that measles cases in the United States have risen to 64, exceeding the total for the entire previous year. Cases have been reported across the country, including Florida, California, New Jersey, and Minnesota. There are no reported cases in New England at this time. The agency issued a health advisory urging vaccination, particularly for children and international travelers. Most cases this year have been among unvaccinated children aged one year and older. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global warning about "big gaps" in immunization programs, highlighting the increased risk of measles outbreaks in many countries by year-end. Measles, a highly contagious virus affecting mainly children under five, can be prevented by vaccination, which has helped prevent about 57 million deaths globally since 2000.
FDA Issues Emergency Authorization for New Drug to Prevent COVID in Immunocompromised People
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for Pemgarda, a new monoclonal antibody designed to prevent COVID-19 infections in immunocompromised adolescents and adults. Pemgarda was developed by Invivyd Inc., a Walthman-based biopharmaceutical company. The FDA has authorized Pemgarda for use in moderately to severely immunocompromised people aged 12 and up. The drug is not intended for those currently infected or recently exposed to the virus. Approximately 7 million immunocompromised adults in the U.S. could benefit from this authorization, including those with autoimmune diseases, organ transplants, stem cell transplants, and cancer. It is important to highlight that Pemgarda is not authorized as a treatment for COVID-19 and that individuals who have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine should wait at least two weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination before taking Pemgarda.
Steward Health Care Reaches Deal to Sell Its Physician Network
Over the past several weeks, Steward Health Care's financial struggles have received widespread attention. To climb out of a financial hole, Steward, one of Massachusetts' biggest hospital operators, has agreed to sell its physician group, Stewardship Health, to UnitedHealth's Optum Care, which includes primary care physicians and other providers in nine states, including Massachusetts. The proposed sale is said to serve as a means to preserve health care services and jobs and bolster its nationwide network. Prior to the completion of the sale, the state's Health Policy Commission (HPC) has 30 days to assess the proposed sale and its potential impact on health care costs, quality, equity, and access. If the transaction is anticipated to significantly impact health care costs and market functioning, HPC could conduct a more extensive review and initiate a full Cost and Market Impact Review and refer its findings to the Attorney General's Office.
FDA Approves New Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Medication
This week, a new drug to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) received approval from the FDA. PAH is a rare and progressive disease that causes arteries in the lungs to thicken, inhibiting blood flow, raising blood pressure, and significantly straining the heart. It impacts 500-1000 people annually and has a life expectancy of only two to five years. The drug is known as Sotatercept and will be sold under the brand name Winrevair by the pharmaceutical company Merck for $14,000 per vial, and most patients will need at least one vial every three weeks. The price patients pay after insurance companies negotiate prices is unknown. Winrevair works by trapping the proteins that cause the arteries of people with PAH to thicken as the disease progresses. This drug differs from the current standard of treatment for PAH because it has the potential to reverse some of the arterial thickening caused by the disease the longer patients take the medication.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Monday, I met with representatives from the Alliance of YWCAs. Cassandra Ling, Executive Director of YWCA Cambridge, and Beth Chandler, CEO of the YW Boston, joined me to talk about the positive impacts of their programs on women-identified and queer youth and the increasing need for the mental health support they provide.
Until a few years ago I was unaware that the YWCAs had not been able to access state funding the way YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Club had benefited. I am proud to have worked with House leadership to identify the obstacles in the State Budget. I was able to secure an earmark to redress this inequity and am proud to continue to lead the YWCAs budget earmark.
Tuesday, I participated on a panel for the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-MA) alongside Senator Sal DiDomenico and advocates to talk about our work leading the legislative and budgetary efforts to lift families out of deep poverty by increasing cash assistance grants.
Tuesday night, I joined my friend and former colleague Senator Adam Hinds (and now Institute CEO) at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate’s Annual Dinner.
On Wednesday morning, I joined labor leaders and colleagues from municipal and state government for the Greater Boston Labor Council’s Annual Cambridge-Somerville Legislative Breakfast. I talked about how while the bulk of my work in the legislature focuses on working families and reducing poverty, we know labor has an effective role in reducing poverty by increasing access to apprenticeship programs that train them for good-paying jobs, benefits, and a secure retirement.
I also joined the Harvard Square Business Association on Wednesday for their Annual Women’s Breakfast & Symposium focused on Women in Media. I spoke about the strides women in sports have made since the inception of Title IX 54 years ago. To name just a few: the first Professional Women’s Hockey League team in Boston, the unprecedented high ratings of the women’s March Madness tournament, an all woman-broadcast Celtics broadcast team, and Caitlin Clark shattering point records. All of this tells us women have not just recently become good, but when given opportunities and resources, they are just as good as their male counterparts…and sometimes even better ;)
NESN’s Jayme Parker spoke about her journey as a woman in sports media and as the creator and host of Outside the Fame. You can learn more about the show, which features Jayme interviewing Boston athletes outside of their usual sports settings and spotlights their hobbies and skills, here. If you haven’t had the chance to, check it out. It was fun listening to her talking about how she persevered to get access to the Celtics locker room when Red Auerbach refused to let her in. It was an honor to be with so many successful women in business.
On Friday, Michael Monestime, Executive Director of the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), came to the State House to accept his Black Excellence on the Hill award. I was proud to nominate Michael for this recognition to elevate the truly exceptional work he has done with the BID to build community in Central Square and provide resources for businesses, residents, and folks who spend time in the square. Congratulations to all of this year's awardees including Samauel Gebru of Black Lion Strategies, who was also recognized. Many familiar Cambridge faces showed up to support the outstanding nominees at this phenomenal event.
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