We are one of the nation's first health departments and trace our roots back to 1799, when Paul Revere was named Boston's first health officer.
Back then, the board of health was formed to fight a potential outbreak of cholera. Taking innovative strides to save lives, health officials posted signs on lampposts, held meetings and led an early-day public information campaign to reduce deaths due to cholera, a highly preventable disease.
Two hundred years later, that tradition of prevention continues through the Boston Public Health Commission. While we are the country's oldest health department, we pride ourselves on having some of the most innovative services for our residents. Described as "the most activist arm of city government," by the Boston Globe, the Commission has a vigorous commitment to the health of Boston.
We're launching Let’s Talk HIV Boston, a new campaign aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting fact-based conversations about HIV treatment and care. At the heart of this campaign is U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable—a scientifically proven principle that people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load with antiretroviral therapy (ART) cannot sexually transmit the virus to others, meaning they are untransmittable.
Led by our Infectious Disease Bureau and community members living with HIV, Let’s Talk HIV Boston encourages open, fact-based conversations about HIV, HIV-related stigma, and how it affects prevention, care, and treatment. The campaign features a cast of community advocates, public health leaders, people living with HIV, and doctors and health care providers. In addition to its focus on U=U, the campaign aims to help Boston residents learn about diverse topics related to HIV care, including testing, treatment and medication, counseling services, and peer support.
“As a doctor who provides care and treatment to people living with HIV, I know that many of my patients continue to suffer from fear and isolation as a result of HIV-related stigma,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “U=U empowers people living with HIV to have relationships without constant fear. Through clear messaging and story telling, the Let’s Talk HIV Boston campaign sends a powerful message to the world that will hopefully shift attitudes and reduce stigma.”
Check out the campaign’s website at letstalkhivboston.com
Read the full press release at https://lnkd.in/e5fDFzPh#HIV#UndetectableEqualsUntransmittable#PublicHealth#Boston
We're expanding access to live-saving naloxone across Boston! Naloxone is an effective, easy to use medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. Find free and over-the-counter naloxone near you. Check out our new Boston Naloxone Map at boston.gov/naloxone.
Thank you to our partners at Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center for your support in getting this life-saving resource to our residents. Kiosks brought to you in partnership with Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership.
#Naloxone#Narcan#OpioidOverdose
Joanne C. Suarez, we're so grateful to have you leading our Fetal Infant Mortality Review. This work is a critical piece in identifying health disparities and working with partners to improve infant mortality in Boston. Thank you, and our incredible teams, for all you do to support the health and well-being of Boston's infants and families!
✨For the love of community health justice… always.
Almost four months ago I accepted a position to stand up and lead the Fetal Infant Mortality Review study for Boston Public Health Commission with a goal of understanding the factors contributing to fetal deaths in our city. This week I had a fabolous and emotional time with my colleagues at BPHC that regrounded me in my why. I love having grounding moments.
Being in community with the women, families and infants whom our work impacts filled me with so much joy that I was literally crying. It reminded of the good ol’ days when I was in trenches as a bilingual CHW. Most importantly it reminded me how blessed we are to be in this labor of love in a time where such efforts really matter across our nation!
🌻Im so proud to be part of this movement and of the work we are doing daily. This week fed me in multiple ways and I’m so grateful.
💖A hugeee Shoutout to my beautiful colleagues and sisters in service Tiffany Vassell, R.N.Morgan Taylor-McFadden and our Nurses, Public Health Advocates and Doulas for such an amazing event! We can’t wait to have more!
#publichealth#healthequity#communityhealth#healtheducation#maternalhealth#reproductivejustice#birthjustice
We’re hiring! Make a difference in addressing substance use disorder and helping people access the support they need.
We’re hiring for multiple positions—find the role that’s right for you! You must be a City of Boston resident to apply for these positions.
Apply today at boston.gov/bphc-careers.
#Hiring#PublicHealth#Recovery#SubstanceUseDisorder
Calling all Community Health Workers! Register for our Comprehensive Outreach Education Certificate Program by April 1, 2025. Expand your skills in providing effective community outreach and health education with our nationally recognized program.
Join a network of more than 2,000 Community Health Workers who play a key role in the health and well-being of Boston’s diverse residents.
Registration is open. Apply by April 1, 2025. Learn more and apply today boston.gov/bphc-chec.
#CommunityHealthWorker#CommunityHealth#CommunityOutreach#PublicHealth
Massachusetts advocates filled the State House to urge legislators to support two key bills aimed at improving health systems and patient access in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
HD. 3983/SD. 2319, "An Act to Improve Care and Prepare for the New Era of Alzheimer's and Dementia," and HD. 2335/SD. 532, "An Act Relative to Patient Access to Biomarker Testing for Appropriate Therapy," will help ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia policy. If passed, these bills will mandate dementia training for first responders, expand rights for patients and caregivers, and require insurance coverage for essential testing.
Andrea Dettorre, our Healthy Aging Director, shared insights on the work we’re doing through the CDC-funded BOLD project, which educates communities on reducing risk of dementia and connecting them to crucial resources.
Thank you to the Alzheimer's Association®, a proud member of the BOLD Project Stakeholder Coalition, for hosting this incredible event and continually championing this important issue.
#Alzheimers#Dementia#AlzheimersAssociation#HealthyAging
Congratulations and welcome, Tiffany Vassell, R.N.! Thank you for your commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Boston's families. We're lucky to have you join us!
Author I Public Speaker I Labor & Birth Nurse I Maternal Health Advocate l Harvard YALP Alum
New Role, Same Mission!
I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Program Director of Healthy Baby Healthy Child at Boston Public Health Commission!
Healthy Baby Healthy Child has long been a cornerstone of community-based support and care dedicated to supporting families through home visiting, advocacy, and resources.
I am honored to lead this vital program and work alongside an incredible team of nurses, social workers, and public health advocates to ensure that every family in Boston has access to the care and resources they need.
While I take on this new leadership role, I remain in deep community with Neighborhood Birth Center and fully support and believe in their vision for expanding birth options and midwifery care.
Maternal health equity has always been at the heart of my work, and I am committed to advancing policies and programs that honor the needs of Black and Brown birthing people, families, and communities.
I’m excited for this next chapter and look forward to continued collaboration with my community, colleagues, and fellow advocates.
