Boston Public Health Commission

Over the weekend Boston Globe Media published an op-ed that I wrote that highlights the fact that the drug overdose mortality among Black individuals in Boston has increased 125 percent in the last 5 years, the largest increase among any racial or ethnic group citywide.  In the op-ed I identified an overt inequity, attempted to explain the nuanced reasons why this inequity exists, and called for actions to address the inequity. In the comments (which I probably should not have read), I was repeatedly informed that overdoses impact all people, not just those who identify as Black. This is obvious, and I could have written this op-ed in race-neutral way, void of any reference to racism. The problem with that approach is that it doesn't work. Never has and never will. The only way to address inequity is to disaggregate groups of people, identify differences, understand root causes and work with communities to develop solutions that reflect their lived experiences. This process should be important to all of us because inequity comes at a significant cost to all of us. Thanks Boston Globe and Marjorie Pritchard (op-ed editor) for publishing this piece. Boston Public Health Commission #advancinghealthequity https://lnkd.in/g8pq-pPe

Boston Public Health Commission is hiring a Program Manager to expand overdose rescue education and naloxone access in Black and Latinx communities and other populations experiencing disproportionate burden. This position is funded by a CDC grant focused on supporting individuals living with substance use disorder. The Program Manager will join a team charged with increasing substance use navigation and training the medical workforce to better serve the needs of people who use drugs.  The ideal candidate will be comfortable working Boston's neighborhoods, creatively establishing partnerships, and working closely with residents. Please share the application with any qualified candidates!   

As Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu’s dedication and commitment to health equity and systems change as tools to meet Boston communities where they are is unwavering. Her years of experience in the public health field, in the U.S. and abroad, and her personal experiences ground her in the work to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents. She embodies the mission and values of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We know that here in Boston, we have significant challenges ahead in regards to health outcomes … however, I’m hopeful, because I think we’re talking about the right aspects of this,” Ojikutu said. “We’re not just talking about the individual-level or even household-level interventions, we’re thinking systems change.” Read more about Dr. Ojikutu's journey and her story of becoming the leader of one of the oldest public health agencies in the country at https://lnkd.in/ewzME5FG Story by Avery Bleichfeld, The Bay State Banner newspaper   #PublicHealth #News #HealthEquity #Community

Exciting opportunity to join our team at the Boston Public Health Commission! There is an enormous amount of work to do to ensure access to HIV/STI services and promote PrEP in Boston. Check out the job description below.

Bottom Line Massachusetts is pleased to announce we've received a $500,000 award from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) to manage the new Generational Health Scholarship. This needs-based program supports Boston-area students pursuing careers in STEM, public health, healthcare, and behavioral health. Thank you, BPHC for your partnership! Carlos Perrett, Bottom Line Massachusetts' Managing Director of Development, said "Bottom Line is honored to be selected as a partner for this critical program from Boston Public Health Commission. Our mission is to partner with first-generation students in navigating the college application process aligns perfectly with the goals of the Generational Health Scholarship. We are excited to further our support of Boston-area students as they achieve their educational and career aspirations." Learn more about the partnership and award: https://lnkd.in/gXgpAWSt

We piloted a 10-week meal delivery program for postpartum families of color in Boston. The pilot aims to address the needs of families during the postpartum period while working to close gaps in maternal health and provide culturally responsive resources. “Throughout our city, women and infants face significant challenges to their health and well-being, particularly during the postpartum period,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We are continuing to find ways to improve health outcomes, particularly among Black women who are at higher risk of death during pregnancy and postpartum. This pilot program demonstrates a coordinated approach to providing support during a critical period for both mother and child.” Thank you to our partners, Feast & Fettle and The Little Cocoa Bean Company. This work only happens in coalition and we’re grateful for all that you do to support Boston’s families. Read more at https://lnkd.in/ezPhM4zv

New data highlights major racial inequities in overdose deaths in Boston. We're investing $7.5 million to expand current overdose prevention services and efforts. “The increase in drug overdose deaths in Boston, particularly among Black and Latinx residents, emphasizes the urgent need for interventions across the city in overdose prevention and substance use treatment,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “As the Commission uses new investments to address this crisis, residents need to understand the dangers of all drug use. If you are a person living with substance use disorder, check your supply, do not use alone, and have naloxone on hand to prevent fatal overdose.” Learn more and read our new Health of Boston 2024 Substance Use and Disorders Report at https://lnkd.in/e9bizrsg.

Hi all! The Boston Public Health Commission is seeking a Program Development consultant to work with us over the next year to co-create a new culturally and linguistically informed learning collaborative for the Boston Healthy Childcare Initiative (BHCCI) in English and Spanish. BHCCI’s goal is to promote policy, systems, and environmental change strategies in childcare settings to increase the number of childcare programs that provide access to healthy food and beverages, physical activity and breastfeeding opportunities and to decrease screen time. We’re looking for an individual or group with experience facilitating convening and facilitating groups to inform program development, and experience developing program/training plans and materials. See the RFP: https://lnkd.in/ens5uyaa and please submit any questions in writing to REACH@bphc.org. Proposals are due Friday, June 28th, thanks for sharing!

EXTENDED DEADLINE: We are seeking proposals from community-based organizations to prevent fatal overdoses and provide substance use treatment in Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, Roxbury, and the South End. We are offering a one-time fund of $1 million with grants of up to $200,000. Organizations may use the funding across three years. This funding is from Boston’s Opioid Remediation Settlements. “Opioid overdose deaths have disproportionately occurred among Black and Latinx individuals throughout Boston,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We know naloxone saves lives, but access to it is limited and disparities exist in utilization and uptake. The Commission is committed to increasing access to naloxone and educating our residents on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. By partnering directly with communities, we can reach more people and be more impactful in this critical work.” Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/dH4KZg7f. #RFP #CommunityGrants #OverdosePrevention #OverdoseAwareness #PublicHealth 

June is Pride Month, and we launched a new campaign to reduce the impact of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The campaign, led by our Infectious Disease Bureau and in partnership with Boston Pride for the People, can be found in MBTA stations, buses, and various digital platforms, including social media and dating apps. The campaign’s website also has information on medical providers and additional resources. The goal of the campaign is to normalize conversations about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), encourage people to get tested and treated, and reduce STIs in Boston. Read more at https://lnkd.in/eXNc2HFy