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In this issue: EQTY 2023, Stories of hope for Recovery Month, Tips to Avoid the Flu, Awards, Events, and more
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Boston Medical Center Health System

September 2023

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Your BMC

People dressed in professional attire gather inside a building for a conference. There are four standing banners with closeups of faces that read "EQTY 2023 A Summit for Health Justice - Advocate. Reform. Lead. Build. Amplify. Innovate."

BMCHS Hosts EQTY 2023: A Summit for Health Justice

At Boston Medical Center Health System (BMCHS), we understand that housing, income, education, access to healthy food, and medical care all play critical roles in a person's overall health. We believe that every person, no matter what their lived experience, deserves to be healthy, and it is part of our mission to help everyone in our community be their healthiest self.

Last week, the BMCHS Health Equity Accelerator was proud to host EQTY 2023: A Summit for Health Justice. At the summit, healthcare leaders, providers, advocates, and community organizations from around the country gathered to discuss ways to work more effectively within our communities for health equity. Keynote speaker Harriet A. Washington urged attendees at the summit to "reject futility," as covered in this article on HealthCity.

Key topics for the summit included:  

  • Black Economic Empowerment: How can organizations invest in housing, workforce development, and education for Black communities in meaningful ways to help overall health? 

  • Equity in Pregnancy: Black patients are 3x more likely to die in childbirth and postpartum than white patients. How can health systems, clinicians, and hospitals provide additional support, reduce complications, and improve treatment for Black patients?  

  • Equity in Diabetes: Diabetes and prediabetes are more widespread in Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities, but minority communities are less likely than white patients to receive certain treatments, like continuous glucose monitors, to help control their diabetes. How can health systems, hospitals, and clinicians provide better, more inclusive care for patients of color with diabetes, including intervention at earlier stages? 

Watch the videos below to learn how BMCHS is making advancements in research and taking action to have a meaningful impact on our community.

BMC Health Equity Accelerator Presents Economic Mobility
BMC Health Equity Accelerator Presents Equity in Pregnancy
BMC Health Equity Accelerator Presents Equity in Diabetes

Rapid ACCESS Program: A Beacon of Hope for Addiction Recovery

A young Black woman sits on a couch while receiving counseling from a Black female counselor.

September is National Recovery Month and at BMC, we're committed to offering a wide range of judgment-free addiction treatment programs. In 2021, the Grayken Center for Addiction at BMC launched the Rapid ACCESS (Assessment, Connection, Counseling, and Engagement with SUD Services) program, which connects individuals with the right treatment and trained recovery coaches. This personalized and flexible support empowers individuals to take recovery steps that fit their needs, without requiring immediate drug cessation. The program aims to simplify the process of seeking help for addiction, and helps people experiencing substance use disorder achieve long-term treatment.

Learn more about Rapid ACCESS →

BMC Voices: One Mother's Path to Recovery

BMC patient Renee stands with her family in front of greenery and a pink neon sign that reads “First Sight”. Left to right in the back row, Renee’s eldest song, a white male adult, holds his toddler sister in his arms. Renee, a while female, stands in between her son and her white male husband. In the front row are Renee’s other children: three young white boys, a teenage white boy, and a young white girl.

Renee first found out she was pregnant at 18, while she was addicted to opioids. The ultrasound clinician gave her the number to BMC’s Project RESPECT and Renee has never looked back. The program, which cares for pregnant women with substance use disorders, provided Renee with methadone maintenance, careful monitoring, and drug testing, along with support groups and counseling. Now a proud mother of seven BMC babies (and another soon to come), Renee’s story is an inspiration to others struggling with addiction.

Read more about Renee's journey →

6 Tips to Help Avoid the Flu this Season

BMC is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay healthy. It’s important to take steps to avoid the flu and other viral illnesses this fall and winter. Here are six tips to help you stay healthy:

Icon of a syringe

Get a Flu Vaccine

"Preventing the flu virus for yourselves and your loved ones starts with a flu shot from your healthcare provider. BMC is ready and waiting for you!” says Patrick Rhault, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Ambulatory Services. You can learn about getting the flu vaccine at BMC by visiting www.bmc.org/flu.

Icon of two hands washing each other with soap bubbles

Wash Hands Frequently
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom, and before eating. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Icon of a face mask

Stop the Spread of Germs
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of germs. Toss tissues in a lined trash can and wash your hands immediately. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Icon to demonstrate social distancing. It has two human figures with a double-sided arrow between them.

Practice Social Distancing
During flu season, try to keep some physical distance from people who are sick, and avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms. This can reduce your risk of exposure to viruses.

Icon of a germ.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Strengthen your immune system by having a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. A strong immune system can help your body fight off infections more easily.

Icon of a spray bottle.

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and shared electronics. This can help prevent the spread of the flu virus in your living and working spaces. 

Remember that these tips can not only help stop the spread of the flu, but also help protect you from other respiratory illnesses, like the common cold and COVID-19. Be sure to also stay informed about local health guidelines and recommendations, as they may change based on local levels of flu and other viruses.  

Learn how to get your flu shot at BMC →

Awards

America's Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families 2023
BMC is honored to be on Newsweek's list of America's Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families 2023. This list identifies the top 800 companies in the United States for parents, single parents, and families that employ at least 1,000 employees.

Dr. Sujey Morgan, a Latina woman, is smiling.

ALX100

Sujey Morgan. DDS, MS, Director of BMC's Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic, has been recognized by Amplify Latinx for the inaugural 2023 ALX100 Awards. The ALX100 Awards recognize Latinx leaders across Massachusetts who have shown outstanding excellence and do important work within their communities. Congratulations, Dr. Morgan! 

A smiling, young, Asian woman wears pink scrubs and a stethoscope around her neck.

Join us as we reimagine healthcare for Boston and beyond. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of our award-winning Nursing and Radiology teams.

View open roles here.

Upcoming Events

Weekly Farmer's Market

When: Tuesdays through October 31, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Shapiro lobby at 725 Albany Street 

Recovery Month Events 

September is National Recovery Month, and as a leader in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and resources, the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center is affirming that recovery from addiction is possible. Please join us for these events:

  • Bulldog Running Club
    When: Saturday, September 23, 9-11 a.m.
    Where: Chestnut Hill Reservoir
    Reserve your spot here.

  • Addiction Consult Service Panel
    When: Wednesday, September 27, noon to 1 p.m.
    Where: 820 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

  • Art in Recovery Exhibition
    When: September 26 - October 6
    Where: Grove Hall Branch, Boston Public Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA
    We are celebrating this month by showcasing the creative work of people in recovery. If you are interested in having artwork included in the exhibition, please contact Kristin Parent by Friday, September 22.

  • Art in Recovery Exhibition Opening Reception
    When: Wednesday, September 27, 3-5:30 p.m.
    Where: Grove Hall Branch, Boston Public Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA

  • Grayken TTA Recovery Month Training Series 
    When: Multiple dates throughout September 
    Where: Virtual 
    Learn more and register here.

Get the details for all Recovery Month events here →

Annual Walk for Sickle Cell

When: Saturday, September 23 at 10 a.m. 

Where: Shattuck Picnic Area, Franklin Park 

Register to walk or donate here

Making Strides of Boston

When: Sunday, October 1 at 7:30 a.m. 

Where: DCR Hatchshell, 47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 

You can find Team BMC under the Healthy You tent in the Pink Oval! Learn more here

Mike's 5K to Crush Substance Abuse
When: Saturday, October 14 at 10 a.m.

Where: Collicot School, 80 Edge Hill Rd, Milton, MA 02186 

Register to join Team BMC or make a donation here.

In Your Words

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Everyone has treated me with the upmost respect and made it easy for me to get well. When it’s time to leave, my wife and children get the best version of me coming home.

“In Your Words” features patient comments from patient experience outreach surveys. We appreciate your time completing these surveys and for sharing your thoughts with us. The information gathered in these surveys is used to learn where we can improve, to continue to provide exceptional care to all. 

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