Boston Medical Center

07/18/2025

BMC Health System returns to Martha’s Vineyard with "Legacy and Longevity: Cultivating Black Health and Wealth," a two-day event held during the African American Film Festival and presented by AARP.

Among the voices leading the conversation is Christine M. Crawford, MD, MPH, BMC psychiatrist and associate medical director at NAMI. In a recent article, she shares her thoughts on mental health, menopause, and embracing the idea of being a “good enough” mom — themes that will be central to the event.

“As women, as parents, we often sacrifice ourselves and our free time and, in the process of doing that, we sacrifice our own identity to prioritize our kids.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4m53P4p

BMC Psychiatrist Dr. Christine Crawford previews upcoming conversation about women's health, parenting, and much more on Martha's Vineyard.

07/16/2025

When Mike Platt, MD, became residency program director of otolaryngology at BMC in 2016, his mission was to ensure his residents were leading active, healthy lifestyles despite their busy schedules. He created Team Runny Noses, a BMC community fundraiser inviting otolaryngology residents and employees to compete in local athletic events while raising funds for their department.
Read more about Team Runny Noses and BMC community fundraising: https://bit.ly/4nPEM7b

07/15/2025

We are grateful to have AARP join us as the presenting sponsor of BMC Health System’s Legacy and Longevity: Cultivating Black Health and Wealth on Martha’s Vineyard. We are excited to welcome Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP, as an esteemed speaker on both panel discussions.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a mission to empower people as they age by advocating for their needs and helping them live with dignity.

Thank you, AARP, for helping fuel our work to advance health, wealth, and wellness in Black communities through meaningful dialogue and connection.

Secure your seat to be part of the conversation: https://bit.ly/4kEDusI

07/11/2025

BMC's genetics team is small but extremely dedicated to helping patients and families navigate the maze of genetic testing. Their job is to guide families through tough decisions, explain what tests mean, and help them understand the costs and logistics involved.

Baby Jean's story is a reminder to healthcare providers, policymakers, and scientists alike: The promise of genetic medicine has powerful impacts in improving children’s health, but comes with serious barriers to access. Read more about Jean and his family on : https://bit.ly/44I4K3Q

This is how healthcare providers, policymakers, and scientists can work together to improve wider access to genetic testing.

07/11/2025

Each summer, BMC’s Nourishing Our Community team hosts the Farm to Table Kids program – a hands-on, half-day experience for children of BMC staff.

At our Rooftop Farms, kids help plant and harvest crops like lettuce and carrots, then prepare delicious dishes such as tacos, pizza from scratch, and handmade pasta and pesto in our Teaching Kitchen. Through these activities, they learn essential life skills by exploring sustainable food practices, cooking healthy meals, and understanding preventive health.

"This was an absolutely wonderful experience that my children really enjoyed... They enjoyed every bit of it and all the staff were really warm and welcoming and did a fantastic job. Makes me very proud to work at BMC!" – BMC Parent

07/09/2025

While living in Anguilla in 2022, Rolanda Henry started feeling very sick, “I had a cold and cough that hung on for months. My nose was bleeding, and I was feeling really drained.” Though her local hospital ran some blood tests and suspected multiple myeloma, they couldn’t test for it or treat it there. Luckily for Rolanda, her sisters lived in the Boston area, so she was able to get diagnosed with and treated for multiple myeloma at BMC.

After several serious setbacks, including a heart attack, a seizure, and pneumonia, Rolanda started chemotherapy and received a stem cell transplant. And in May 2023, Rolanda got the good news that her cancer is in remission. “My experience at BMC has been second to none,” says Rolanda today. “Every provider I have met is so kind, and they really care about how I am doing. That has made me feel so much better.”

Read Rolanda's full journey to remission: https://bit.ly/3TtrzD1

07/04/2025

Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!

07/02/2025

Some common anxiety and depression medications can affect how your body manages heat, making it harder to stay cool on hot days. This is due to the impact selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can have on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation.

BMC psychiatrist Christine M. Crawford, MD, MPH, spoke with Washington Post about why this happens, how to stay safe in hot weather, and why it’s important to work with your provider before making any changes to your medication. Read more:

SSRIs can impact your thermoregulation. That can mean more sweat and misery on hot days.

07/02/2025

At last year’s "Elevating Health Equity" event on Martha's Vineyard, BMC Chair of Psychiatry David Henderson, MD led a powerful session titled "Beyond Stereotypes: Navigating the Complexity of Black Men’s Mental Wellbeing." The conversation highlighted the urgent need to break stigma and address the barriers Black men face in accessing mental health care.

This year, BMC Health System returns to Martha’s Vineyard with "Legacy and Longevity: Cultivating Black Health and Wealth," a two-day event held during the African American Film Festival. It’s a chance to connect with thought leaders, changemakers, and cultural influencers in a space grounded in legacy and belonging.

Join us as we bring together voices across sectors to drive change. Register now: https://bit.ly/4lcev1c

07/01/2025

Peggy James has been through a lot in her 67 years — heart issues, chronic pain, and mental health challenges. “But right now, I’m feeling good,” she says. Since having a heart attack in her 50s, Peggy has entrusted the care of her heart to the Cardiovascular Center at Boston Medical Center.

Peggy says the open relationship she has with cardiologist Dr. Claudia Hochberg has made all the difference in her health. “She sees me as a person,” Peggy says. “She doesn’t make me feel bad about anything that I am, or that I do. That helps me get better care. She’s known me for so long, I know she trusts me. And I trust her.”

Today, Peggy is managing several health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure, blocked arteries, chronic pain from sciatica, lung disease, anxiety, and depression. She says sometimes her care can feel like a lot to keep track of, but Dr. Hochberg and Peggy’s primary care provider, Dr. Emily Hurstack, help her stay on top of everything — and always treat her with compassion.

Learn more about Peggy's journey and the power of a trusting patient-provider relationship: https://bit.ly/45Qtol0

07/01/2025

This weekend, our Community Engagement team attended the Walk for Health Equity hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to raise awareness of the health services we proudly provide to our patients.

BMC understands that health equity is foundational to community wellbeing, which is why we're invested in going above and beyond what is traditionally considered medicine to meet the needs of our communities.

07/01/2025

"That is where trust is being built, right? We're not parachuting in to see if we're able to gather data. We're building relationships, long term relationships, trusted relationships and ensuring that we are looking beyond just clinical." - BMC's Garey Lywood, Community Engagement & External Affairs Senior Manager

BMC, alongside Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, The Faith-Based Cancer Disparities Network, and Boston Public Health Commission, was proud to support Healing Power 2025: A Celebration of Cancer Survivorship. The event included cancer support resources, information on clinical research, inspirational local healers and art, and opportunities to build meaningful community connections.

Thanks to all organizers for uplifting cancer survivors, caregivers, and community supporters through a day of wellness, connection, and joy.