By Bob Katzen
“Utility accidents from damaged underground lines and pipes are both dangerous and costly. Calling 811 is the best way to ensure a line won’t be hit when starting a new home project this year.”
— James Van Nostrand, chair of the Department of Public Utilities, highlighting April as Dig Safe Awareness Month to remind excavators, contractors and residents to call Dig Safe’s 811 line before starting any outdoor digging projects. 811 is the line for Dig Safe, an organization that notifies gas, electric, telephone and cable companies about any intended digging project to ensure underground lines and pipes are not tampered with.
“I am honored to be here tonight to express my support for Dana-Farber’s proposed adult inpatient hospital that will expand access and equity, reduce costs and save lives. I’ve always had great respect for the work Dana-Farber does, and even more so now that I’m a patient. This proposed cancer hospital will ensure Dana-Farber is equipped to provide every patient with world-class care in an environment that supports the best health outcomes. But most importantly, it will offer more of what every single cancer patient and their families is looking for, which is hope.”
—Rep. Frank Moran (D-Lawrence) testifying in support of a new hospital dedicated to cancer patients and a new collaboration between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
“Although we are heading into warmer weather, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can provide much needed assistance for customers who are struggling to keep up with their energy costs and helps to cover energy usage dating back to November 1, 2023.”
— Damaris Dominguez, Manager of Customer Advocacy at National Grid, urging people to sign up before April 30 for the fuel assistance program that can help them pay and manage their energy costs.
“Over a million people each year use the MassLegalHelp website, often in moments of crisis. By providing information that folks can trust and presenting it in an understandable format, we hope to help make stressful situations less overwhelming and make the legal system more navigable.”
—Marlena Idrobo, MassLegalHelp Website Project Manager, announcing the official relaunch of MassLegalHelp.org –one of five websites it manages.
“Our hospitals and research institutions are key contributors to Massachusetts’ global leadership in health care and thriving sectors such as the life sciences. Every day, patients’ lives are being transformed thanks to the hard work and innovation taking place at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and across Mass General Brigham. The Mass Leads Act aims to accelerate these efforts, particularly in areas like women’s health that have been historically overlooked and inspire breakthroughs for a generation to come.”
—Gov. Maura Healey, announcing $2.8 million in new grants through the Women’s Health Project and highlighting Massachusetts’ leadership in life sciences and her proposed 10-year reauthorization of the Life Sciences Initiative in her Mass Leads Act