Boston Medical Center

This past week, we celebrated our Environmental Services (EVS) staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our space clean, safe, and welcoming for all.

Our EVS team helps maintain a sanitary environment, ensuring the comfort and confidence of our patients, visitors, and employees while continually improving service quality and response times. They play an essential role in our mission to empower all patients to thrive.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Congratulations to Glory Ruiz, MD, for being named to the ALX 100 by Amplify Latinx! As director of Boston Medical Center’s public health programs, Dr. Ruiz continually works to address health disparities, like those affecting individuals at high risk of acquiring or impacted by HIV and other infectious diseases. Her expertise in research and clinical care operations has been essential to advancing BMC’s public health initiatives and addressing health inequities that disproportionately impact diverse communities.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Zoztlf

Meet four standout Hispanic and Latino leaders from the new ALX100 list - The Boston Globe They might live on your block or attend your place of worship. One thing’s for sure: They’re going the extra mile to make the community better for others.

We've heard your feedback and are working to ensure the look of our campus matches the exceptional care you've come to expect through our Campus Redesign 2.0 project.

The Menino Building lobby entrance will be closed beginning September 14, in addition to the ongoing closure of the Yawkey Building entrance. During construction, all patients and visitors can enter through the Moakley Lobby (830 Harrison Ave), where staff will assist you in reaching your destination. The Emergency Department entrance will remain on Albany St. Please allow extra time to reach your appointment while the Menino and Yawkey entrances are closed.

Our staff is ready to help you navigate the temporary changes as we work to achieve these enhancements. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work towards a more modern and accessible BMC.

Learn more about our Campus Redesign efforts: https://bit.ly/4d0xBCB

Join the hundreds of BMC supporters like BMC Chief Strategy Officer Cindy Bo who have already adopted their bee. 🐝 “Adopt a bee” from our rooftop farms with a donation of any size to BMC by midnight, tonight: https://bit.ly/4cFn1AO

Your gift will be tripled and will have three times the impact for BMC programs, not covered by insurance, that help everyone in our city thrive. And you’ll get your very own adoption certificate to showcase your love for BMC.

“My bee stands for our children, our future. Just like bees play a vital role in pollination, BMC plays a crucial role in providing essential healthcare services to those in need.”

Ludwine D. Paul, MSN, ACNP-BC, AACC, is a nurse practitioner at BMC and is a part of Boston University Medical Group’s Clinical Excellence Society. She is focused on improving health and well-being through excellence, innovation, and equity in patient-centered care, education, and research.

BMC's Cardiovascular Center has been recognized as "high-performing" by U.S. News and World Report for providing state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services for a comprehensive range of cardiac diseases and conditions. The center delivers high-quality care through a combination of medical therapies, cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques, and complex open surgery to improve the health and well-being of patients.

See how our Cardiovascular Center is : https://bit.ly/3YCsHbs

Today we hosted our second EQTY 2024: Accelerating Health Justice summit, a nationwide effort to spark conversation and highlight key disparities in the healthcare system.

BMC's Thea James, MD, MPH, opened by saying “Today, we are here to end the blame game...To shed ourselves, and others, of the mythical notion that poverty and poor health outcomes are a ‘fact’ of Black, Hispanic, and Latino American life.” Fruitful conversation filled the rest of the day around ensuring that decades of structural inequities in health care will no longer dictate the future.

Thank you to all speakers and attendees for inspiring justice within healthcare as we all work to build trust, implement practical solutions, and empower our communities.

We’re so excited for today’s EQTY 2024: Accelerating Health Justice here at Artists For Humanity Boston! The stage is set to host transformative conversations that will sketch a new reality for communities impacted by inequities and structural racism in healthcare.

Our event will kick off soon! Tune in to our Instagram account for live updates throughout the day.

Our Teaching Kitchen educates BMC patients and community members about nutrition and culinary skills through a variety of both virtual and in-person classes.

This week, we made salsa verde, a flavorful Mexican sauce made from tomatillos, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, and can be mixed into grains like rice or farro. It’s one of the many diabetes-friendly recipes we prepare in our Cooking with Diabetes class!

Find this and other nutritious recipes to try at home: https://bit.ly/3zgqesG

Congratulations to Genny Ohemeng, NP, from BMC's Hospital ReAdmission Reduction Program (HARP) for being selected to receive a Daisy Award!

In her nomination, a colleague said "Genny is an amazing team member, patient advocate, and provider. She has improved many patients' lives by being a part of their care."

Thank you, Genny, for continuing to exemplify BMC's commitment to expert patient care through your outstanding attitude and steadfast compassion!

In honor of National Recovery Month, we’re highlighting our Faster Paths to Treatment program.

Our program is dedicated to offering a supportive and judgment-free environment for individuals with substance use disorders. We are committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each person's needs.

Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3zglG5A

Join BMC employee Nancy Hanright and “adopt a bee” from our rooftop farms with a donation of any size to BMC: https://bit.ly/4cFn1AO

“I named my bee Clara after Clara Barton, a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. The name Clara means bright and famous, and it reflects the future we envision here at BMC.”

Donate by September 13 to adopt your own bee! 🐝 Name it after someone who inspires you and share the “adoption certificate” you receive as a gift. Your generosity supports first-of-their-kind programs often not covered by insurance that help all Bostonians thrive.

“I named my bee Rezzy in honor of the 750 phenomenal residents and fellows at BMC. I have the privilege of working with and learning from creative, inspiring, and intelligent residents and fellows who care deeply for patients and the work that we do.” 🐝

Join Associate Chief Medical Officer Jeff Schneider, MD, and “adopt a bee” from our rooftop farms with a donation of any size to BMC: https://bit.ly/4cFn1AO

Donate by September 13, and your impact triples for our innovative, first-of-their-kind programs, many not covered by insurance, that help all Bostonians thrive.

As we observe ***dePreventionDay, we emphasize our commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to our patients and community.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to the Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) at 1-800-981-HELP. They will connect you with clinicians who can provide information, referrals, and arrange in-person evaluations.

If you’re outside the Boston area, call 988 for the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline.

The final countdown to EQTY 2024 is on! Less than a week remains until leaders from across the nation will come together to forge a path toward genuine health equity by building trust, implementing practical solutions, and empowering communities.

Take advantage of the opportunity and register now: https://bit.ly/4ekwQ8x

Congratulations to Jerod Mayo on his first win as head coach of the New England Patriots! This may be his first head coaching win, but Jerod has been a champion for BMC for many years:

🎳 Hosted the Mayo Bowl bowling event to support BMC Pediatrics
🏈 Launched the football-themed “Mayo Zone” in BMC’s Pediatric Emergency Department waiting room to comfort BMC’s youngest patients
🌟 Served on BMC’s Board

We are deeply grateful for Jerod and his commitment to BMC’s mission!

BMC is a proud sponsor of Mattapan Community Health Center's Care in the Square. The annual health event is a community celebration with music and family activities as well as promotion of overall well-being.

This past weekend, our teams met with residents from Mattapan as well as surrounding communities and distributed resources for lung cancer screenings, mental health, and pregnancy. We also gained invaluable community feedback on how we can continue to provide world-class care and keep our neighborhoods healthy.

We know that community is vital to healthcare which is why we're committed to having a presence at important events like Care in the Square. As an ongoing partner, we're grateful for Mattapan Community Health Center for organizing a successful day.

“It’s a particular challenge to manage patients with an active substance use disorder and the medical complexity that comes with aging. That’s why coordinated care efforts are so important. At BMC, we have a very strong bi-directional relationship, where we use each other’s specialty knowledge.” -Zoe Weinstein, MD, MS, primary care physician & director of BMC’s Addiction Consult Service.

Overdoses deaths in adults 65 and older increased 350% from 2000 to 2020. A partnership between Geriatrics and the Addiction Consult Service is hoping to address this growing concern.

Learn more on : https://bit.ly/4dRTGnQ

How BMC Meets the Complex Challenge of Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults - HealthCity A team-up between Geriatrics and the Addiction Consult Service is addressing the growing issue of substance use disorder and older adults.

Join us on September 12 to learn actionable strategies to advance racial health equity at our annual summit, EQTY 2024: Accelerating Health Justice!

The day will cover a range of topics that promise to inspire and empower. We have convened expert speakers, including BMCHS' own Elena Mendez-Escobar, who will be moderating the panel "Beyond the Walls: How to Scale Equity Programs in the Community.”

Limited tickets available! Register for the event: https://bit.ly/3XbmwIZ

We are buzzing with excitement! 🐝 Today, BMC is giving friends like you a chance to do something special. “Adopt a bee” from our rooftop farms with a donation of any size to BMC: https://bit.ly/4cFn1AO

Your donation by September 13 will be tripled, thanks to a generous donor, to support healthcare that helps all of Boston thrive. To make it official, you'll receive a downloadable bee certificate. Name your bee and display on your fridge, office, or bulletin board.

On September 12, Boston Medical Center Health System is hosting EQTY 2024, our annual summit which will explore actionable solutions to advance racial health equity in communities across the nation.

Cindy Bo, BMCHS Chief Strategy Officer, will moderate a panel focused on how to achieve equity in drug development and distribution.

Limited time remains to secure your seat! Register now: https://bit.ly/4cX8hgu

“At BMC, I am home. Those are my people, my area, my surroundings. When it comes to my health and how BMC put me back together, it gave me a new perspective on life.”

Three years ago, while receiving world-class care at BMC, Valerie Campbell engaged with our renowned neurosurgery team and wraparound services, like our Preventative Food Pantry, to ensure she got personalized care that met her holistic needs.

By combining innovative treatments with compassionate care, BMC is improving the health of our communities.

Read more about Valerie's journey: https://bit.ly/3ThnYby

Did you know that BMC has honeybees buzzing atop our two rooftop farms? They pollinate crops—like vegetables, herbs, beans, and more—within our nearly 8,000 square feet of growing space. Our bees also provide honey. You can support BMC programs like our rooftop farms and more. “Adopt a bee” with a gift of any amount to BMC: https://bit.ly/4cFn1AO

Join us on September 12 at our annual EQTY summit to explore actionable solutions to advance racial health justice.

We are thrilled to be joined by equity champions including Stephanie Mitchell, DNP, CNM, CPM, Founder of The Birth Sanctuary, Fabio Petrocca, MD, Director of CAR T-cell Therapy at Boston Medical Center, and Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, Chief Community Health and Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham and Executive Director of the Kraft Center for Community Health at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Tickets are going fast! Register now: https://bit.ly/4cTiBX4

September is National Sickle Cell Month!

Founded in 1972, BMC's Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease is the largest of its kind in New England. It is also the only center in the region to offer both FDA-approved gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Currently serving more than 600 patients annually, our multidisciplinary team provides patients with highly personalized care, building a lifelong relationship of trust with each patient.

For more information on BMC's Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, visit https://bit.ly/3AOAIQB.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at BMC!

As a traveling “baby nurse,” Cherryl could be found caring for babies across the country, and as far away as Paris. She loved the work that she did for more than 20 years. As someone living with diabetes, she knew she should take better care of her health, but she was always on the go. In 2022, Cherryl couldn’t ignore the symptoms she was having. She says, “It beat me. My health started to decline, and I began to lose weight dramatically.” Her nephrologist referred her to BMC, and during an appointment that summer, testing revealed why she felt so weak. She was in kidney failure and needed a transplant.

Cherryl’s son Darren stepped forward to see if he was a match, and he was! Donors undergo a comprehensive evaluation and detailed testing before the surgery is scheduled, so Cherryl had dialysis three times a week until her surgery took place. On December 14, 2022, mother and son underwent surgery at BMC. Dr. Jeffrey Cooper performed Cherryl’s surgery and Dr. David Wang performed Darren’s surgery. Cherryl says, “It was a great blessing. My son never looked back. He said, ‘Mom, don’t worry—I’ve got you! You gave me life, so I’m returning it to you.’”

Darren, who works as a welder, says he feels completely fine and does everything he did prior to the surgery, including going to the gym regularly. Because Darren’s job is physically demanding and involves heavy lifting, he followed the doctors’ recommendations and took seven weeks off from work after donating his kidney. The length of time off work depends on the type of job the donor has and how they feel.

“The hospital team was phenomenal and on top of everything,” says Cherryl. “They had a way of making me feel very comfortable. Dr. Cooper is an amazing human being, and he’s funny! I’m glad my doctor sent me to BMC.” She adds, “I feel very lucky that I didn’t have to have dialysis for years. I have a new lease on life, and I plan to use it in a positive way.”

Darren’s only reminder of the surgery is a small scar. His advice to anyone thinking about donating a kidney is “Go for it! Don’t be afraid of the surgery. You could save a life.”

Learn more about BMC's kidney transplant program: https://bit.ly/3ALq9xL

Dr. Bindu Setty is a radiologist at BMC and is a part of Boston University Medical Group’s Clinical Excellence Society. She is focused on improving health and well-being through excellence, innovation, and equity in patient-centered care, education, and research.

Our Department of Radiology offers every patient access to advanced medical imaging in a compassionate setting. Our goal is to help each patient by using state-of-the-art technology to provide the best images possible and deliver accurate reports to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.

See how our Radiology Department is : https://bit.ly/4dm3y8G

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/3ATFL1Z