Summary

Cambridge is a hub for medical innovation and world class care. However, the health economy has not delivered sufficient, equitable care for many of our residents. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened existing health disparities in Cambridge, with its disproportionate impact on our community members of color. Improved public health initiatives require centering these voices. As a City Councillor, I will fight for access and resources to ensure the health of every family and build a more resilient public health infrastructure.

COVID-19

As a community, we have come far in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re not done yet. We must continue to work alongside our frontline workers to ensure they receive the support they need, not just for battling the current Delta variant but also for dealing with the stress and PTSD from the past year and a half. With the Delta variant continuing to spread, it is imperative we build a robust system for testing, vaccinations, and trusted community outreach. We must also build better, more resilient healthcare infrastructure moving forward by starting to plan now for future pandemics. The battle against COVID-19 is a multifaceted one, where mental health, public safety, and personal responsibility are on the front lines. This is not simply down to one person or one group of people; this is a community effort. We are stronger together, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety of our community members. We will return to a sense of normalcy with everyone working together, but we will prepare for any more obstacles which we will face in the future.

Health Equity

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the disparities throughout the Cambridge healthcare system. To progress past this, we must create a meaningful framework to address widespread community health issues, expand digital access for all Cambridge residents, which includes providing culturally and linguistically competent healthcare for all, gender affirming care, and policy that cares for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Elder Care

A community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. The ongoing pandemic has laid bare existing vulnerabilities. Cambridge must build robust support systems in place for its elderly residents. Moving forward, Cambridge must bolster accessibility for elderly residents, which entails improving our transportation and healthcare services to meet their needs. As a City Councillor, I will pressure state officials to get the changes we require for our most vulnerable populations, including bolstering at-home healthcare. Last, we must also show respect and gratitude to those who care for our elderly residents. These dedicated people are some of our bravest professionals, and we must ensure they are respected for the great work they do.

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA)

No person should experience discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is committed to fighting discrimination. They are committed to providing high-quality and equitable healthcare to those who need it, especially in the case of the LGBTQIA+ community. CHA champions LGBTQIA+ healthcare rights, and given the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued discrimination across the nation, this is a timely issue. Given the increasing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the consequences of those who do not want to protect themselves or others, the important work of the CHA is critical. As a Councillor, I would work to bolster CHA’s cultural clinics and gender and sexuality clinic, which have suffered from resource constraints in recent years, to better CHA’s ability to meet its mission in these spaces.

Mental Health

Suicide is a global public health issue. All ages, sexes and regions of the world are affected. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 100 deaths is by suicide. Every year, more people die as a result of suicide than HIV, malaria or breast cancer - or war and homicide. And while globally, the suicide rate is decreasing; in the Americas, it is increasing.  

Mental health is critical, and we reject the false dichotomy between physical and mental health. Mental health is physical health. Our campaign is committed to prioritizing mental health care. We also understand how the stigma surrounding mental health is especially negative for people of color and people with lower incomes. 

We believe that the best way to treat those suffering from mental illness is not through the incarceratory measures, but rather to provide resources and avenues to treatment centers. Making these resources more readily available for the people of Cambridge is a priority. Once elected, I plan to establish crisis centers for teenagers and young adults to prevent “emergency room boarding” that often, counterproductively, worsens mental health situations. We must address these issues, especially for youth suffering from mental illness and who lack resources to seek the help they so desperately need.

Food Insecurity

In 2019, 12% of Cambridge households are enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); 45% of students enrolled in Cambridge Public Schools (CPSD) are enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program. The pandemic has only exacerbated food insecurity in our community. As a City Councillor, I will maximize access to SNAP for Cambridge residents including targeted outreach to seniors. No one should ever go hungry in Cambridge. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the struggles of families who live paycheck-to-paycheck, those who rely on social program assistance, and many more vulnerable people. The pandemic highlighted the importance of these programs, and I will do everything in my power to make available those necessary resources for the people of Cambridge.