Walgreens increases support for flu prevention efforts
with donation of free flu shot vouchers
Following Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s declaration
of a public health emergency for the flu epidemic in Boston last week, 24 free
flu clinics throughout the city vaccinated over 7,000 people this past weekend.
To help support the city’s flu prevention efforts, Walgreens has provided
hundreds of flu shot vouchers to the Boston Public Health Commission. Each
voucher is good for one flu shot for an adult over the age of 18 at any
Walgreens pharmacy and available while supplies last for those without health
insurance and who cannot afford the cost of a flu shot without the voucher.
Vouchers may be obtained by contacting the Mayor’s Health Line at (617) 534-5050
weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We took swift action to raise awareness about
how severe this year’s flu season is, and we’re thrilled that so many people
responded by going out and getting their flu shot this weekend,” Mayor Menino
said. “The free public flu clinics were a great success, and I’m proud to have
such strong partners in our community health centers. They made sure that
residents could get their flu shot quickly and close to home. Now, I want to
thank Walgreens for its generous support and for helping us make sure people
have access to the flu vaccine.”
The Boston Public
Health Commission worked closely with community health centers over the weekend
to monitor their vaccine inventories and to ensure that locations had a
sufficient amount on hand to satisfy the increased demand. The commission
distributed approximately 6,500 doses of flu vaccine to help health centers
supplement their existing supplies, and officials have ordered an additional
2,500 doses to support upcoming public flu clinics. A calendar of free public
flu clinics is available at www.bphc.org, and people can call the Mayor’s
Health Line for more information.
According to the
latest figures from the Boston Public Health Commission, there have been over
950 confirmed cases of the flu among Boston residents since October 1, compared
to 70 cases all of last season. Eight residents, including seven seniors and one
child under the age of six, have passed away from flu-related illnesses this
season. Flu cases now account for over five percent of all emergency department
visits at Boston hospitals, compared to about one percent during non-influenza
season. Of the cases reported to date in Boston residents, twenty five percent
of those sick with the flu have been ill enough to require
hospitalization.
“We hope this
weekend’s efforts combined with the support of companies like Walgreens will
help to stem the flow of flu activity in Boston,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer,
Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We want to keep
encouraging folks get vaccinated if they haven’t already because we’re only
halfway through the flu season, and it doesn’t seem that activity has peaked
quite yet.”
Certain people, including the elderly, young
children, pregnant women, and people with certain underlying health conditions
(such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease), are at greater risk for serious
illness if they get influenza. Some individuals may not be at risk for severe
illness themselves, but can transmit the infection to others.
Health officials
suggest the follow tips to avoid getting sick or spreading germs:
- Wash your hands often with
soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. If water
is not nearby, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. - Try not to touch your eyes,
nose or mouth. Germs can spread this way. - As much as possible, avoid
close contact with people who are sick. - If you have a fever or feel
ill, stay home.
Mayor Menino
Submits 2013 Legislative Agenda for Support of the Boston
Delegation
Proposals aimed
at public school achievement,
public safety
reforms
Mayor Thomas M. Menino today presented the City’s
legislative initiatives for the 2013-2014 session and asked for the support of
Boston’s state delegation. The legislative package prioritizes initiatives to
boost student achievement in Boston Public Schools, reforms to the state’s
firearms background check and gun offender registry systems, and a bill to
address the next phase of sentencing reform. Mayor Menino thanked the delegation
for last session helping to pass his municipal health care reform act, slowing
the growth of employee health care costs by more than $70
million.
“Today, I’m asking for the state delegation’s
support of legislation that will make our schools stronger and our neighborhoods
safer,” Mayor Menino said. “There is nothing more effective than when the Boston
Delegation is united on an issue, and we need to stand together to fight for
common sense reforms and innovative solutions that will help not just the
residents of Boston, but residents of the entire Commonwealth.”
Filing 24 new bills in a total package of 49,
Mayor Menino’s key focuses for the 2013-2014 session are promoting public school
success and making communities across the Commonwealth safer through gun and
sentencing reform. The Mayor’s proposal to boost student achievement and improve
quality choices for Boston families would extend “turn-around” powers and
support grants to Level 3 schools, including High-Support Schools; eliminate the
cap on In-District charter schools; extend the school day for additional
instruction and professional development; and level the playing field for
charter schools and District schools.
As Co-Chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Mayor
Menino has been at the forefront of national gun violence prevention and is also
calling for stronger gun laws in Massachusetts. Working with Governor Patrick,
Mayor Menino is again filing legislation that would close loopholes that allow
people with mental illness to purchase handguns without detection by the
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The proposal would
bring Massachusetts into compliance with NICS, and require courts of the
Commonwealth transmit all required mental health records to the criminal justice
background system for the purpose of firearms licensing. The Mayor will also
file an act to establish a gun offender registry, modeled after Megan’s Law,
which would require defendants convicted of specified gun crimes to register
their addresses with police.
As a follow-up to the habitual offender
legislation that passed last session, Mayor Menino will file a bill to address
the next phase of sentencing reform. The bill aims to ensure strict enforcement
for the most violent repeat felons, while also providing adequate rehabilitation
for those demonstrating readiness to rejoin their communities as productive
members of society.
Mayor Menino’s new proposals also include an act
to allow for municipal innovation through procurement reform, granting
municipalities the authority to select partners quickly and work with them to
scope projects, rather than have terms defined through a conventional RFP. Other
new legislation includes an effort to fix problem properties, improve programs
for homeless families, and a bill that would help facilitate the growth of food
enterprises in the Commonwealth.
As in past years, Mayor Menino continues to push
for legislation that would provide concurrent jurisdiction for both the State
Police and Boston Police in order to improve public safety and coordination in
Boston’s growing South Boston waterfront; and will work closely with
environmental advocates on legislation to update the Commonwealth’s bottle bill.
With the support of the Boston delegation, Mayor
Menino succeeded in passing a number of important initiatives last session, most
notably an act to reform municipal health care. Mayor Menino will finalize the
City of Boston’s legislative submissions for the Legislature’s filing deadline
on January 18.
BOSTON LANDMARKS
COMMISSION
5:45 pm
TUESDAY, January 22, 2013
Room 900,
CITY HALL
REVISED: See Changes to Design Review Committee Hearing on
reverse.
After 5:30 PM, enter and exit City Hall at Dock Square entrance (on
Congress Street, across from Faneuil
Hall).
Subject of the Business
Meeting/Public Hearing will be action on the agenda below, and such other
business as
may come before the Commission in accordance with Chapter 772 of
the Acts of 1975, as amended. Sign
language interpreters are available upon
request. The Commission requests all cellphones and other
electronic
communication devices be turned off before entering the hearing
room.
BUSINESS MEETING
Applications are available for public inspection
during normal business hours.
cc: Mayor/ City Council/ City Clerk/ Boston
Redevelopment Authority/ Law Department/ Parks Department/
Inspectional
Services Department/ Boston Art Commission/ Neighborhood
Services/ Owner(s)/ Applicants/ Abutters/ Massachusetts
Historical
Commission/ Boston Preservation Alliance
* The Design Review Committee of the
Boston Landmarks Commission reviews Violations and Applications for
Certificate
of Design Approval at the afternoon Design Review Hearing, prior
to this business meeting. The following items are listed
for reference only;
contact BLC staff at 617-635-3859 to request further information. Applicants
listed below under
Violations or Design Review MUST attend the Design Review
afternoon hearing, but are not required to attend this evening
meeting.
Applicants listed under Administrative Review/Approval are not required to
attend either hearing. See detailed
references on the following
page.
Boston
Landmarks
Commission
City of Boston
The
Environment
Department
Boston City Hall/ Room 805
Boston, Massachusetts
02201
617/635-3850
www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks
Lynn
Smiledge, Chair
John Freeman, Vice Chair
John Amodeo
David
Berarducci
Susan Goganian
Thomas Herman
Kirsten Hoffman
Thomas
Hotaling
Adam Hundley
Diana Parcon
Susan D. Pranger
Yanni
Tsipis
Charles Vasiliades
Richard Yeager
Ellen J. Lipsey, Exec.
Director
1. Discussion and vote – Design Review Applications.
The Design
Review Committee will present summaries of applications
and make
recommendations for a vote on each agenda item discussed at
the Design Review
Hearing, which meets on 1/22/13 from 3:30-5:40 pm.
*(See references page
two).
2. Review and ratification of 12/11/12 meeting minutes.
3. Property
Updates and Staff Reports
4. Adjournment.
.
5:45 pm
6:00 pm
6:05
pm
6:10 pm
Boston Landmarks Commission 1/22/13 Design Review agenda
reference
Find information, maps, forms, instructions and more online at the
Boston Landmarks Commission website:
www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks
Design
Review: 4:00 pm TIME REVISED
(4:00 pm) Armory of the First Corps Cadets, 130
Columbus Avenue
Application: #13.588 (02.13.01) Design Review
Applicant:
Walsh/Cochis Associates
Re: Review of changes to The Plaza Castle including a
new accessible entrance and new front
entry stairs and handrails.
(4:30
pm) Colonnade Building, 101 Belvidere Street,
Christian Science Church
Complex
Application: #13.607 (223.13.08) Design Review
Applicant: The
First Church of Christ, Scientist
Re: Addition of an accessible ramp and
signage at the north entrance.
WITHDRAWN Norbert School, Blessed Sacrament
Church Complex,
20 Sunnyside Street, Jamaica Plain
Application: #13.610
(214.13.05) Accelerated Design Review
Applicant: Norbert Associates
LLC
Re: Review of exterior changes for conversion to residential
use.
(5:10 pm) 1 Union Street, The Blackstone Block
Application: #13.611
(66.13.02) Design Review
Applicant: NORR Illinois Inc on behalf of Panera
LLC
Re: New storefront and signage at 1 Union Street.
Administrative
Review
Application: #13.551 (176.13.01)
Re: Make safe work on east
elevation 3rd floor windows.
Determination: Conforms to standards and
criteria—approved.
Application: #13.606 (186.13.01)
Re: Replacement of
laundry room addition flat roof.
Determination: Conforms to standards and
criteria—approved.
Public Schedule of
Mayor Thomas M. Menino
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tuesday, January 15
11:30 a.m. Success at Orchard Gardens
906 Albany Street, Roxbury
Mayor Menino will join Governor
Patrick to celebrate the success of local, state and federal investments at
Orchard Gardens K-8 school in Roxbury, and make the case for continued education
investments. Current Orchard Gardens students will participate in a Q&A
session, followed by remarks from Mayor Menino and Governor Patrick.
2:00 p.m. State Legislative Kick-off
Parkman House, 33 Beacon Street
Mayor Menino will unveil his state
legislative agenda for the 2013-14 session to the Boston delegation, and ask for
their support in fighting for important reforms.
____________________________________________________________________________________
MAYORS AGAINST ILLEGAL GUNS RELEASES NEW TELEVISION AD
DEMANDING ACTION FROM WASHINGTON AND REPORT ON GUN LOBBY SUPPRESSION OF RESEARCH
ON GUN VIOLENCE ON ONE-MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF NEWTOWN SHOOTING
Mayors Across the Country Endorse Common-Sense Gun Reforms
and Announce Ad Featuring Family Members of Gun Violence Victims; Co-Chair Mayor
Bloomberg Releases “Access Denied” Report at Johns Hopkins; Both Available on
www.DemandAPlan.org
Coalition Adds More than 100 New Mayors Since Newtown,
Reaches 1 Million Supporters
Marking one month since the
tragedy in Newtown, Mayors Against Illegal Guns today released a new national
television ad (available here)
featuring family members of gun violence victims demanding that political
leaders take immediate steps to end the gun violence that kills 33 Americans
every day. Co-chair Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg also released “Access Denied”, a
new report that surveys all the efforts by the gun lobby, with the cooperation
of Congress, to suppress data and research funding on gun violence, making it
difficult to study the causes of gun violence and to hold the firearms industry
accountable for their role in the epidemic. The report (available here)
was released at a summit focused on gun violence research at Johns Hopkins
University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“Thirty days have passed since 20 children and six adults
were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School – and still, no action has been
taken by Washington to end our country’s gun violence epidemic,” said Mayors
Against Illegal Guns Co-Chair and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “Now
is the time for Congress to buck the special interests of the gun lobby that
endanger our children. This means requiring background checks for every gun
sale, restricting assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and making gun
trafficking a federal crime. We cannot let another month go by with no
action.”
"Today
we remember the lives that were needlessly lost one month ago, and the 33 lives
taken by gun violence across our country every day,” Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Co-Chair and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “But we also continue our call
for action to take the illegal guns out of our neighborhoods, and tragedies like
Newtown out of our nation's future. This time must be different. Our leaders in
Washington must act, and pass the common-sense gun reforms necessary to protect
our children and communities."
Mayors
Against Illegal Guns also announced today that since the Newtown shooting, it
has added more than 100 mayors to its national bipartisan coalition to end gun
violence and grown to more than one million supporters.
The
“Access Denied” report released today reviews how the U.S. does nearly no
scientific research to understand or prevent gun violence – and blocks questions
from police, military officers and even doctors to learn more. All of this
despite the fact that Americans murder each other with guns at nearly 20 times
the rate of residents of other high-income countries. This is because for 20
years, the National Rifle Association’s Washington leadership has advanced
policies to obstruct access to and analysis of information related to firearms
and violence.
The
report shows how the restrictions have affected many fields,
including:
- · Science: Since 1996,
CDC funding for firearm injury prevention has fallen 96 percent and is now just
$100,000 of its $5.6 billion budget.
- · Law
enforcement: The National Institute of
Justice, the principal research arm of the Justice Department, funded 32
gun-related studies between 1993 and 1999, yet it has not funded a single public
gun-related study during the Obama Administration.
- · Military leaders and doctors: In 2010, a defense funding bill prohibited commanding
officers and mental health counselors from talking with severely depressed
service members about the risks posed by guns in their private possession. This
was done during an epidemic of suicide among active-duty service members in
which suicides exceeded combat deaths in Afghanistan. The large majority of
military suicides are committed with guns. (Congress repealed this gag order
recently at the insistence of mayors, retired flag officers and mental health
advocates.) The gun lobby has also passed state laws that prohibit doctors from
discussing firearms with their patients.
The
report recommends that these restrictions be lifted and particularly that
Congress remove “policy riders”
onfederal appropriations bills that limit firearms research at the CDC
and NIH provide appropriate funding to study the role of firearms on public
health to reduce crime and save lives. Police departments also need data to
effectively fight crime. In 2006, New York City analyzed “trace data” for guns
found at crime scenes to identify the dealers who sold them. The City
investigated and sued 27 of those dealers, and 24 settled and were monitored by
the court to improve their sales practices. As a result, the share of guns sold
by those dealers that were recovered in New York City crimes dropped by 84
percent.
The new
television ad is being released at events hosted by 40 mayors and law
enforcement officials across the country including Cranston, NJ; Durham-Chapel
Hill, NC; Ft. Wayne, IN; Lancaster, PA; Lansing, MI; Miami, FL; Media, PA;
Portland, ME; Portland, OR; Santa Fe, NM and Telluride, CO. The ad will air
nationally on cable as well as in all of these markets.
In an
effort to keep their communities safe, local leaders at today’s events also
urged Washington to end gun violence in America by:
- · Requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales:
Background checks are
the only systematic way to stop felons, domestic abusers and other dangerous
people from buying firearms. But federal law only requires background checks for
gun sales at licensed dealers. Almost 6.6 million guns are sold each year in the
U.S. by unlicensed “private sellers,” including online and at gun shows. That
means that between 40% and 50% of gun sales may take place with no background
check for the buyer. According to Republican pollster Frank Luntz, 82% of gun
owners support criminal background checks on all gun sales.
- · Banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity
magazines: Military-style weapons and high-capacity
ammunition magazines (those with more than 10 rounds) have no place on our
streets. They are designed to kill large numbers of people quickly, and they
have no other use in civilian hands. Today, even people with criminal records,
or with serious mental illness, can and do buy assault weapons from unlicensed
private sellers who don’t conduct background checks.
- · Make
gun trafficking a federal crime: Every year, tens of thousands of guns
find their way into the hands of criminals through illegal trafficking channels.
But there is no clear and effective statute that makes gun trafficking a federal
crime. Prosecutors who want to combat traffickers are forced to rely on a weak
law that prohibits “engaging in the business of selling guns without a federal
license,” which carries the same punishment as trafficking chicken or
livestock.
Full ad script
follows:
|
VISUAL |
AUDIO |
|
GRAPHICS ON SCREEN: DemandAPlan.org (up throughout) My son. My daughter. My dad. My brother. Murdered with a gun. Murdered with a gun.
Enough. Enough. Enough.
Tell the President and Congress Demand a plan
Demand a plan. Demand a plan. Reduce gun violence.
Demand a Plan from Congress
202-224-3121
Paid for by Mayors Against Illegal Guns Action
|
Voice-Over: (Said by multiple
My son. My daughter. My dad. My brother. Was murdered with a gun. Murdered with a gun. It can happen to your child. Enough. Enough. Enough. A line has been crossed in Newtown. Tell the President and Congress That you demand a plan to reduce gun violence. They need to hear your voice. They’ve heard enough from the gun lobby. Our children are more important. Go to demandaplan.org. Add your name. Demand a plan. Demand a plan. Demand a plan to reduce gun violence.
Voice-Over: Call Congress and Demand a plan to reduce gun |
-30-
Contact: Mayor Bloomberg’s Press Office (212)
788-2958
Mayor Menino’s Press Office (617)
635-4461
