NEWS RELEASE: Mayor Menino and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano Celebrate Five-Year Anniversary of Medical Intelligence Center

This morning, the Stephen M. Lawlor Medical Intelligence Center recognized its five-year anniversary, a cause for celebration after what had been one of the busiest and most meaningful months of work in its brief history. Immediately following the tragic events of the Boston Marathon, the Medical Intelligence Center, operated by the Boston Public Health Commission’s Office of Public Health Preparedness, mobilized to assist hundreds of survivors and their families by connecting them to supportive services and resources, such as mental health counseling and free physical therapy being offered by a community partner. The center’s staff was honored for their tireless efforts today by Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of BPHC, and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

Click on the picture for more images from the event.

“The spirit of community and togetherness has defined Boston’s response this past month under extremely trying circumstances, and one the Medical Intelligence Center has always represented,” Mayor Menino said.  “I’m thankful for what the staff there does day in and day out to make sure that our city is prepared to respond to all kinds of emergencies.  I’m also proud of the strong partnerships we have at the federal level to make sure emergency preparedness efforts are well funded in Boston.”

“In the face of tragedy, the Boston community came together in a very special way, showing not just America – but the world – how a great city responds quickly, effectively, and comprehensively to an act of terrorism,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I want to recognize the outstanding work of the Boston Medical Intelligence Center, a state-of-the-art communications and information sharing facility supported by DHS grant programs that brings together partners from across the public health community to support the response to large-scale incidents. As always, DHS remains firmly committed to working with our partners here in Boston and across the Commonwealth to further enhance emergency response capabilities.”

Boston Emergency Medical Services

emergency_preparedness, news_release

May 24, 2013

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Barbara Ferrer and Other Public Health Champions to be Honored

Guest blogger Toby Fisher

On June 7, health officials and community leaders from across the Commonwealth will gather at the Massachusetts Public Health Association’s (MPHA) 11th Annual Spring Awards Breakfast to honor four inspiring leaders who embody the spirit of public health.  They remind us that public health is everywhere: in community health centers and hospitals, in social justice movements, in government and academia, and in workplaces around the Commonwealth.

We are proud to present Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Boston Public Health Commission, with the Paul Revere Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and inspired pursuit of health equity and social justice for the residents of Boston and beyond. Through her commitment to change, Dr. Ferrer has established herself as a remarkable leader in the field of public health. Her innovative approach to public health and unwavering dedication to protecting the health of Boston’s most vulnerable residents has changed the way we view public health departments in Massachusetts.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Dr. Ferrer on Friday, June 7from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at The State Room in Boston. Mayor Thomas Menino will be on hand to present Dr. Ferrer with the award.

Click here to register and learn more about the event. If you have any questions, please contact Kara Keenan at (857) 263-7072 x113 or kkeenan@mphaweb.org.

The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) is a private, non-profit, statewide membership organization that promotes a healthy Massachusetts through advocacy, public education, community organizing, and coalition-building.  Our focus is on policies and programs to prevent illness, disease, and injury, particularly to promote health equity among all communities. To achieve our goals, we strengthen the voice and power of public health by engaging new constituencies, broadening understanding of public health, and developing grassroots local leadership in order to promote good public health policy. Click here to learn more about MPHA .

Toby Fisher is the executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

Guest Blog

May 23, 2013

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Dog Bite Prevention Week

By Jennifer Evans

The week of May 19 – 25 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week! According to Boston Animal Control, there are more than 9,400 dogs licensed in the city of Boston. As we move into the warmer months, more people are out around the city and in contact with unfamiliar dogs. We want to make sure that you know how to keep yourself and your family safe around all dogs this summer.

BPHC monitors trends in the number of people who go to Boston hospitals seeking care for animal bites. Every year, we see this number increase in the summertime as more people are outside and in contact with unfamiliar animals.

Not all dog bites are the same! Dog bites range from nips to bites to actual attacks. Both small dogs and large dogs bite, but most hospitalizations result from bites from larger dogs. National data estimates that 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention. Most dog bite victims are bitten by their own dog or a dog that they know. Even the friendliest, most good-natured dog can bite if she is scared or startled. A dog bite does not mean a bad dog!

Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured. Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.

Here are some tips to help avoid dog bites that are expecially good for children to know:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first. If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still.
• Do not play with a dog unless an adult is there.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Do not run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things, and running might cause a dog to become excited or aggressive.
• Do not reach over a fence or into a car to pet a dog. Dogs can be protective of their territory and they may feel threatened.
• Do not scream or yell around dogs. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
• Avoid direct eye contact.
• “Stand like a tree” – Remain motionless with your hands folded in front of you when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• “Lie like a log” – If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck and lie still. Protect your face.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Healthcare providers and institutions in Boston are required to report animal bites, including dog bites, to BPHC, and we work with healthcare providers and Boston Animal Control to make sure that all necessary treatment and follow-up is done.

Jennifer is a public health veterinarian with the Communicable Disease Control Division at BPHC.

Infectious Disease

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May 21, 2013

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One Month Later, Boston EMS and Mutual Aid Ambulance Services Meet to Discuss Marathon Response

By Jennifer Mehigan

One of the first directives Boston EMS Chief James Hooley gave after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon was for staff to alert hospitals of a potential mass casualty incident and to call for mutual aid. Eleven private ambulance services answered the call by immediately sending more than 40 ambulances to support Boston EMS and to help transport the injured to area hospitals.

Representatives from those services met with Boston EMS on the one month anniversary of the attack to discuss the incident in an after-action meeting. The group’s findings and recommendations will be included in a report that is being prepared about the response.

Within three minutes of the April 15 bombings, all Boston hospitals were notified of the mass casualty incident, and within five minutes mutual aid ambulance partners were asked to assist in the response. Boylston Street was cleared of patients in 18 minutes, and 90 patients from the scene were transported to area hospitals in approximately 30 minutes.

Boston Emergency Medical Services

May 17, 2013

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Celebrate National EMS Week

Boston Emergency Medical Services

EMS, in_the_community

May 16, 2013

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Find the proper fit for your bike helmet

By Sonal Parmar

Whether you’re searching for a new catcher’s mitt or a new pair of shoes, finding the perfect fit is important. So why should a bike helmet be any different?

Wearing a helmet while biking reduces the risk of head injury by 85 percent, the risk of brain injury by 88 percent, and the risk of injury to the upper or mid-face by 65 percent.

Follow the easy steps in our proper fit guide and these DOs & DON’Ts the next time you put on your helmet for a bike ride:

• DO wear a helmet every time you bike. Helmets save lives!
• DO choose a helmet that covers the forehead and back of the head evenly.
• DO adjust side straps so they form a “V” below the ear.
• DO adjust the chin strap so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap.
• DON’T unbuckle the chin straps while biking. In order for a helmet to work, it has to stay on your head even if you fall upside down.
• DON’T reuse helmets after a crash. Even if the helmet looks undamaged, it may not be able to withstand the force of another crash.
• DON’T wear your helmet backwards. It’s uncomfortable and it may not protect you fully.

Now that you know how to perfectly fit a helmet, get one for the perfect price. The city provides helmets for $5.00 at Boston Medical Center’s gift shop in Menino Lobby. Please visit our website or contact InjuryPrevention@bphc.org or 617-534-5197 for more information on injury prevention and bike safety.

Sonal Parmar is a program coordinator for the Injury Prevention Program at the Boston Public Health Commission. Recently she blogged about keeping kids safe at home.

Community Initiatives

bike_helmets, child_safety, injury_prevention

May 15, 2013

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It’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

By Latifah Hassan 

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is Thursday, May 9. It’s a day to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health, and make sure people know that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development from birth.

“Mental health” doesn’t mean that something is wrong with a child. Instead, it refers to aspects of their growth and development that aren’t physical – for example, developing feelings and emotions; learning to cope with tough situations; and interacting with others in a positive way.

It’s important that parents, family members, childcare providers, and pediatricians all work together to make sure that a child’s mental health and emotional development is on track – just like their physical health.

Next time you see your child’s physician, take a moment to ask them about mental health and emotional development. In the meantime, take a look at the resources we have on our website.

Child and Family Health

childrens_mental_health, mental_health

May 9, 2013

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