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BMCHS Hosts EQTY 2023: A Summit for Health Justice |
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Watch the videos below to learn how BMCHS is making
advancements in research and taking action to have a meaningful impact on our community.
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Rapid ACCESS Program: A Beacon of Hope for Addiction
Recovery
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BMC Voices: One Mother's Path to Recovery
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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.
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| Read more about Renee's journey → |
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6 Tips to Help Avoid the Flu this Season
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| Learn how to get your flu shot at BMC → |
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Awards
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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.
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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!
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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.
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View open roles here.
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Upcoming Events
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Weekly Farmer's Market
When: Tuesdays through October 31, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Shapiro lobby at 725 Albany Street
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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:
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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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