April Newsletter
Hello from Boston Covid Action! Welcome to our newsletter where we’ll provide a monthly status of our resources and other important updates
General Updates
Community Notice
A major source of our rapid tests we distribute are from Boston Public Health Commission's rapid test distribution program. BPHC has decided to pause all rapid test distribution from May 1st through “cold and flu season” in the fall. In internal communications with distribution hubs such as ourselves, they cited limited resources and a lack of public demand. We know COVID does not only peak seasonally but also throughout the year, and that a lack of free testing resources will result in thousands of preventable infections. We cannot let this decision go unchallenged.
To address this decision, we have accumulated 7888 rapid tests from BPHC that we hope will carry us through the fall. We will continue to offer tests as usual but may eventually run low on stock. Please bear with us as we navigate this period of more limited resources!
We would appreciate you joining us in this call to action. Here are some action steps you can take:
Sign our petition urging BPHC to extend their distribution year-round
Call the mayor’s health board at 617-534-5393 or the BPHC director at 617-534-5395
Email BPHC at info@bphc.org
Grab rapid tests at BPHC hubs to show demand as they will pause 5/1
Sample script:
“Hello, I am calling today to express concern about BPHC’s decision to pause rapid test distribution until the fall. COVID-19 does not only peak seasonally but also throughout the year, and this lack of free testing resources will result in thousands of preventable infections. My community relies on these tests and it is BPHC’s job to keep us safe and healthy. Please reconsider this decision and continue to provide tests through the spring and summer. Thanks!”
If relevant, you can mention your name, where you live/work in Boston, and any organizational affiliations that are relevant.
Community news
Supporting Gatherings
This month we were able to support Glass Beach in creating a covid-safer entertainment environment by providing masks. Shout out to safer shows! Check out Glass Beach here!
We were also able to support a number of student encampments throughout the Boston area protesting against Israel’s genocide on Palestine and for university divestment from companies tied to the Israeli occupation. We are proud to see students taking a stand for collective liberation and keeping their communities safe by masking, and are so happy to have been able to materially support them.
Open Streets Boston
We are so excited to announce that we’ll be tabling at Open Streets Boston in Dorchester this upcoming Sunday (5/5)! This event connects communities to local businesses, organizations, and people throughout the city. Stop by our table anytime between 10:30- 5:00 PM for masks, information on COVID safety, and to request for more resources. Check here for more information about Open Streets Boston. We can’t wait to see you there!
Image description: An orange flyer for Open Streets Boston with community members pictured in the center. The text reads: Open Streets Boston. Sunday, May 5th from 10:30AM-5:00PM. Family fun zone, live art and entertainment, health and wellness, 1.3 miles of car free engagement. Located at Dorchester Ave., between Ashmont St. and Linden St. Street closed at 9AM. Activities start at 10:30 AM. Questions? Email us at infor@openstreetsboston.org or call 311. Boston.goc/open-streets. City of Boston”
Boston Dyke March
We are excited to announce we will be tabling at the Boston Dyke March on June 7th. This is a masks required outdoor event that will have tabling at the Boston Common and include a march throughout Boston. We hope to see you there!
Monthly Updates
Supplies Distributed
This month, we distributed 1,846 masks and 555 tests to bring our total amount of supplies delivered this year to 18,293 and overall number of resources distributed to 29,245.
Stock Updates
This month we purchased 700 large white KF94s from Mask Bloc Seattle. We also received 3,000 black KN95s from Somerville Bike Kitchen and 7,888 tests from BPHC.
Thank you to our fellow bloc organizers for making these resources accessible to those of us in Boston! Thank you to Somerville Bike Kitchen for your donation and BPHC for providing us with tests!
Volunteers
Onboarding has paused for now, but we are looking forward to expanding our team in the future!
Fundraising + Purchases
This month, we received $345 in donations, spent $49.85 on KF94s from Mask Bloc Seattle, and have a current balance of $1,603.21.
Image description: A table of a summary of mask purchases in April: 700 HAC KF94s for $49.85 from Mask Bloc Seattle.
Receipts
Image description: A receipt for the payment of 700 HAC KF94 masks from Mask Bloc Seattle.
Hubs
Please feel free to stop by our Hyde Park hub at Boston Acupuncture Project!
Image description: black and white KN95s set up on a table at Boston Acupuncture Project.
For more information on our hubs, check out our hubs Substack page here.
To connect with us about establishing a hub in a local business or space, shoot us an email at BostonCOVIDAction@proton.me!
Thank you for continuing to stay safe!
Solidarity,
Boston COVID Action