Boston Medical Center (BMC)

Yesterday, BMC's Stephen Murray, MPH, NRP, harm reduction program manager, was invited to the White House on behalf of the White House Office of Public Engagement (OPE) and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). He participated in a roundtable discussion in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, which brought together federal and community partners to discuss how we can work together to address the overdose epidemic. Stephen shared his experience leading the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline, which provides 24/7 harm reduction services to prevent fatal overdoses, as well as the work done at BMC's Grayken Center for Addiction. Learn more about how BMC offers support to those with substance use disorder: https://bit.ly/4g5MOVx.

BMC and our Breastfeeding Equity Center celebrate the impact of a multi-disciplinary and coordinated approach to caring for breastfeeding families. From our inpatient lactation team to Curbside Care, family medicine to obstetrics, pediatrics to breastfeeding medicine, to teams across the hospital including anesthesia and many other clinical touch points, recognizing and honoring the unique needs of both a breastfeeding baby and a lactating parent requires everyone to work together. In closing out Breastfeeding Awareness Month and in elevating this Black Breastfeeding Week, the Breastfeeding Equity Center maintains its commitment to providing a space for collaboration and unity so that we can continue to provide the best care available to all of our new families while bridging the gaps in equitable access to top evidence-based care and comprehensive support. Learn more about BMC's Breastfeeding Equity Center: https://bit.ly/3AJuJfN

BMC is grateful for Takeda's partnership as a platinum-level sponsor of EQTY 2024: Accelerating Health Justice on Sept 12! Takeda shares our vision that everyone deserves good health and opportunities to thrive. With their help, we’re bringing you big names and bold ideas that will advance health equity here in Boston and across the nation. Time is running out to join experts from across the nation and gain valuable insights on advancing the future of health equity. Reserve your seat now: https://bit.ly/3Zbdluq

This morning, in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, members from BMC's Grayken Center for Addiction planted more than 22,000 purple flags on the Boston Common to serve as a remembrance of the lives lost to overdose in Massachusetts in the past decade. If you, or someone you know, are at risk of experiencing an overdose, call the overdose prevention helpline at 1-800-972-0590, available 24/7. BMC's Grayken Center for Addiction is a national leader in clinical care, research, policy, and advocacy related to substance use disorders. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3Z3GjN2.

Did you know that BMC is one of the country’s greenest hospitals? That distinction is good for the environment and our health. Programs like BMC’s Clean Power Prescription will help lower patients' utility bills using renewable energy from our rooftop solar panels. This is one way we are making our community heathier. Much of this work is made possible by our donor community. Every donation to BMC, of any size adds up to make an impact for all of Boston. Join our donor community today by “adopting a bee” with a gift of any amount to BMC: https://bit.ly/4g3f0bQ

BMC is excited to partner with Philips a platinum-level sponsor of EQTY 2024: Accelerating Health Justice on Sept 12! With support from generous sponsors, we’re putting health equity in the spotlight—showcasing the latest innovations in advancing racial health equity so everyone can thrive. If you haven’t secured your spot, there’s still time! Register now to make meaningful connections and be a part of transformative conversations: https://bit.ly/4e3Wcr8

BMC’s Jennifer Fiore, MD, spoke with the Boston Globe Media about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses in classrooms. She emphasizes that students who feel sick should stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. "It’s better for your child, their teachers, and their peers to stay home if they are feeling sick, and they should feel supported to do so even if experiencing some anxiety over missing lessons or important schoolwork." Read more: https://bit.ly/4cHAaZZ

Did you know that BMC has programs that are not covered by insurance? They are made possible by our donor community. Just one of the many examples is our two rooftop farms that grow 15,000 pounds of produce annually to stock our on-site Food Pantry and deliver to local community centers. BMC is a leader in the food-is-medicine movement. Generosity from our donors ensures more programs like these can thrive—supporting our patients and making Boston healthier for all of us. Support this work and more by “adopting a bee” with a gift of any amount to BMC: https://bit.ly/4g3f0bQ

Get to know Jeff Schneider, MD, Director of Graduate Medical Education and Associate Chief Medical Officer at BMC! Dr. Schneider is passionate about teaching and oversees our nationally renowned clinical training program for our residents and fellows that integrates our commitment to health equity with world-class clinical training. Learn more about Dr. Schneider: https://bit.ly/4dZxEPW

In May 2024, Laura welcomed her first child, Matthew, to the world. As a first-time mother and as someone who is experiencing homelessness, Laura appreciates receiving “amazing” care from BMC during pregnancy, birth, and with one of her biggest concerns during postpartum: breastfeeding. As a new mother, she was very stressed about not producing enough milk to feed Matthew. To add to her worries, Matthew was struggling to latch onto her. Emily Swisher-Rosa , CNM, MSN, WHNP, IBCLC, is co-director of BMC’s breastfeeding equity center and is passionate about helping all members of our community achieve their breastfeeding goals. Laura says that she knows “everything about breastfeeding because of Emily.” While her baby received supplements early on, Laura received guidance from Emily and went from producing 30 ML at a time to at least seven to nine ounces a day in addition to latching Matthew directly four to five times a day. This has been enough for her to meet most of Matthew’s daily nutritional needs. As Laura continues to navigate motherhood, she is relieved to see Matthew getting the nourishment he needs. Laura has advice for new parents: “Don’t compare yourself to other mothers. Sometimes, someone can produce more milk, and she can save more milk for the baby. But we all produce what the baby needs. We give what we can.” BMC’s comprehensive breastfeeding services and resources are empowering all parents and their infants to thrive. Through training, research, and lactation support, our team continues to implement interventions that help families achieve their infant feeding goals and keep them healthy. Learn more about BMC’s breastfeeding equity center: https://bit.ly/3XjT0BW #NationalBreastfeedingMonth