Rick Dimino
In this uncertain and difficult time, we need of strong leadership from the public, private and nonprofit sectors of Massachusetts to overcome the challenges from COVID-19. So far, what we are seeing right now from our workers and business leaders is a reason to be hopeful.
Once again, we are showing why Boston and Massachusetts are unique and special places. We are models for other parts of the country, our leaders answering the call to keep us safe, prepared and well-coordinated. However, to get through this crisis, this spirit of selflessness and courage will need to continue.
Our most visible leaders, Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh are showing the heights of their own potential through their actions and effective approaches to communicating with the public. This should not be a surprise for those who have witnessed ether leader throughout their careers.
Champions and Heroes Abound
Beyond these two champions, there are many less visible examples that deserve recognition and similar praise throughout the region.
The doctors, nurses, direct care workers, and the support staff in our health care industry represent the best of Massachusetts and our entire human spirit. These professionals and first responders on the front lines deserve appreciation and gratitude today and long into the future. Their example should motivate every company and citizen to find a similar commitment to the common good, because we all can contribute in some positive way during this response.
The business community is united with the public and nonprofit sector to support different aspects of the response. After Mayor Walsh established the Boston Resiliency Fund to help Boston residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the pandemic. This fund raised more than $10 million in the first day, led by a $1 million donation from Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
There will certainly be a tremendous need for these funds, so hopefully the generosity and financial contributions will continue. The Boston Foundation also established a COVID-19 Response Fund that will provide support for non-profits who are serving vulnerable populations in Greater Boston. At the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, there are regular webinars focused on the critical needs of small businesses.
Different industries in Greater Boston are uniquely positioned to help with the specific medical challenges. Patriots CEO Bob Kraft deserves the praise for applying his international reach and the team airplane to deliver medical supplies from China. Meanwhile the entire life science industry is mobilizing through the MassBIO council to organize donations of personal protective equipment (PPE), lab supplies, and medical/scientific expertise. So far, hundreds have donated and dozens of businesses, from defense contractors to textile manufactures, are helping to produce necessary medical equipment, but the need continues.
Three Stellar Examples
We also need to find physical space in buildings, facilities, or infrastructures that may be adapted into temporary alternative hospital sites for patients. The Boston Society for Architecture is gathering information that will then be communicated to our public sector leaders. They are asking for nominations and ideas at architecs.org. Every industry and individual should think creatively about how their different facilities may be able to assist this effort.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Suffolk Construction and The Davis Cos. are three amazing examples of how buildings can fill a unique void. The Boston Convention and Exposition Center is providing the floor space and Suffolk Construction has turned it into a field hospital that can hold 1,000 beds.
This unbelievable achievement will not only provide bed space, it relieves pressure on our entire regional hospital system. The Davis Cos. is converting a future private development site into a facility that will provide 250 beds for COID-19 patients from the Boston’s homeless community. At this one site, the city will be able to meet almost half of its anticipated need for beds to serve for the city’s need, response, and recovery for Boston’s homeless population.
We Owe the MBTA
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the leadership and workers of the MBTA. They took action before the Greater Boston economy shifted to working from home and staying at home. This early decision to initiate a rapid cleaning and disinfecting program looks appropriate now, but it certainly helped to keep riders safe and limit the spread of the disease. Today the MBTA continues to provide a safe transportation option for the health care works, essential employees and others in Greater Boston.
The MBTA has shown once again that this is more than just a transportation agency; it is a key support system for the essential industries and services in the entire region. We are immensely grateful to the many bus and subway drivers, maintenance teams, security workers and other staff that enable our transportation service to continue. Last month, A Better City joined a national coalition to advocate for bailout funding from the federal CARES Act. We are fortunate that this effort proved successful and Massachusetts will receive approximately $1 billion to support transit operations, despite the lower ridership numbers and loss in fare revenue.
As we enter a critical stretch and react to the changing situations with the virus in our hospitals, people, and society, there are sure to more additional examples of leadership that are consistent with the proud history of the commonwealth. Let’s keep pushing to find new and innovative ways to contribute in order to meet this challenge. The rebuilding of our economy, our communities, and our piece of mind will take time, but it will happen like we have done with past challenges: with true leadership, selflessness and support for our community.
Rick Dimino is CEO of A Better City.
