IPSWICH — A fire damaged a 2-½ story home on Drumlin Road in Ipswich on Monday night.
At 11:35 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, the Ipswich Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from the home at 10 Drumlin Road. While firefighters were en route, a police officer arrived on scene and reported fire showing from the house.
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WEST NEWBURY — Looking to make sure they are as prepared as possible during a hostile shooter situation, first responders from nearly a dozen communities spent the weekend training with Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) instructors at Pentucket Regional/Middle High School.
“I think it’s extremely important. You never know when something like this is going to happen, or where, or how, but as first responders, we can control how we prepare and train our people to respond to these types of events,” Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears said.
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METHUEN — Across the Merrimack Valley, signs for three longtime health care institutions are coming down.
On Tuesday, mayors, state legislators, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and other officials gathered outside Holy Family Hospital in Methuen to hear the new name for the medical facility and those for Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill and Lawrence General Hospital.
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NEWBURYPORT — Support for new projects addressing combined sewage overflows and updates on ongoing ones were discussed by dozens of local and state officials during Thursday’s meeting at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center.
BOSTON — More than 350,000 Massachusetts health care consumers will be receiving rebates from several major private health insurers under a state law requiring them to spend a majority of premiums on medical services.
That’s according to the Healey administration, which recently announced that a review by the state Division of Insurance determined that five of the state’s health insurance carriers had medical loss ratios lower than the required threshold and must return $75.6 million to ratepayers.
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PEABODY — The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last month is causing concern among residents and caregivers at a local nursing home who rely on Medicaid.
Medicaid provides health care coverage to low-income individuals and families, and about every six in 10 nursing home residents in America rely on the program to pay for such care, according to KFF, a national non-partisan policy research center.
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GLOUCESTER — At least one person was taken to the hospital as a blaze ripped through a home at 62 Woodward Ave. on Saturday afternoon.
Fire Chief Eric Smith said the Gloucester Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at the waterfront property about 2:20 p.m., finding heavy fire and smoke showing from the building.
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NEWBURY — A 54-year-old man who fell from a boat was rescued Sunday night at Riverfront Marina.
The unidentified man was pulled from the water shortly after 6:10 p.m. as the Newbury Police and Fire departments responded to the marina at 292 High Road, according to Deputy Police Chief Aaron Wojtkowski and Fire Chief David Evans.
Sgt. Jason DaCunha was the first officer to arrive and, along with Officer Manny Terrero, helped hold the man’s head above water until additional emergency personnel responded, the chiefs said in a release.
Police used flotation devices to assist the man. His wife tried to rescue him but could not and called 911.
Fire Department Lt. Keith Grant and firefighter Andrea Ball also assisted with the rescue. The man was taken to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport for a medical evaluation.
Evans praised first responders from both departments.
“We are very thankful for the outcome this evening and are glad we have a great working relationship between departments, as well as a great group of emergency personnel,” he said in the release.
BOSTON — More than 700 health care workers will have millions of dollars in student loans paid off under a taxpayer-funded state repayment program aimed at easing workforce shortages.
The program, which launched in 2022, pays off up to $300,000 in college loans for eligible health care professionals in a variety of disciplines, including dental, medical, mental health and substance abuse.
The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services, which oversees the MA Repay program, announced a new round of disbursements this week totaling $14.6 million.
The latest round of loan repayments specifically targets direct care human service workers, supervisors and home health professionals, the agency said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said the program provides “meaningful student loan relief to our dedicated human service and home health professionals.”
“Their work is vital to our communities, and these loan repayment opportunities are one way we can show how much we really value the people who do these important jobs,” she said in a statement.
The repayments are the latest under the program, which was approved as part of a $4 billion pandemic relief bill signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in December 2021.
The loan repayments are aimed at recruiting and retaining new workers in a sector of the state’s health care system that is traditionally among the lowest paid.
Under the program, psychiatrists are eligible for up to $300,000 if they are employed full time and $150,000 if they work part time. Psychologists can have up to $150,000 in loans repaid if they are full-time workers, $75,000 if they work part time.
Nurses, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and social workers with master’s degrees who are employed in mental health settings can receive $25,000 to $50,000. Workers in those professions with bachelor’s degrees can get between $15,000 and $30,000.
Those who qualify must commit to working for at least four years in the state under a “service commitment” to receive the financial relief. That employment can be with up to two employers, according to the program’s requirements.
To date, the state has repaid $117.5 million in college debt for health care workers under the program, according to the state agency.
The Healey administration is planning another round of disbursements through the program totaling $61 million and targeting behavioral health workers. The agency began accepting applications earlier this month.
The state’s loan repayment program comes as federal efforts to ease the impact of crushing college debt – including President Joe Biden’s federal loan forgiveness program which was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court – have been shot down amid court challenges.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Education launched a policy called the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan, which it touted as “the most affordable repayment plan ever created.” The plan is estimated to cost about $156 billion over the next 10 years.
But Biden’s loan forgiveness plan is in jeopardy as he prepares to step down from office in January and a recent federal court ruling siding with Republican-led states that sued to block the program.
The plaintiffs, which include Alabama, Florida and Missouri, argue that the Biden administration exceeded its legal authority by enacting the student debt relief plan.
Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.
No injuries were reported after a fire broke out in equipment inside a large fish processing building at 3 State Fish Pier late Wednesday morning.
Gloucester fire companies responded to a working fire at 11:05 a.m. in a portion of the expansive industrial complex on the pier with a “Cape Seafoods Gloucester” sign on the exterior. They made quick work of the fire, according to a social media post by Gloucester Firefighters Local 762.
“Another great stop Group 1,” the post read.
“Upon arrival we had some thick, black smoke coming out the windows,” Deputy Chief Andrew McRobb, the Group 1 shift commander. said. “Employees informed me that it was a fiberglass turbine that got going, so it was fiberglass burning.”
“Crews showed up, made an offensive attack with an inch-and-three-quarter (hose), finished putting the fire out and we are in the process of venting the building right now,” he said at 11:45 a.m.
“No injuries,” McRobb said. “Crews did a search of the building,” he said, but nobody was inside when crews arrived.
“A lot of the employees did the bulk of the work prior to our arrival,” McRobb said. When asked what business this was, McRobb said it was “some type of fish processing.”
Fire companies responded to both sides of the large complex; Engine 1 and the deputy chief to the North Channel side of the building, and Ladder 1, Engine 5 and Engine 2 to the South Channel side. Also responding was Beauport Ambulance Service and a Gloucester Fire Rescue squad. The Police Department’s patrol boat was seen on the water in the North Channel.
After the fire was extinguished, a couple of firefighters could be seen opening a high window along the back of the facility to vent smoke. Some workers standing outside said everyone was OK when asked.
The company, Cape Seafoods, Inc., was able to remain open for business after firefighters conducted extensive ventilation of the building.
DANVERS — Care Dimensions, the largest hospice and palliative care provider in Massachusetts, invites the public to attend the 37th annual Walk for Hospice on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. on the campus of St. John’s Prep in Danvers.
The walk offers an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have died, while also raising funds for Care Dimensions, which is a non-profit hospice provider serving more than 100 communities across Eastern Massachusetts.
“The Walk for Hospice is both a morning of remembrance and a celebration of life,” said Heather Johnston, chief development officer at Care Dimensions. “Most attendees have been personally touched by the compassionate hospice care our organization provides. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps ensure that we can continue offering exceptional care and support to those in need.”
Funds from the walk support programs like grief support, music therapy, and other services that benefit hospice patients and their families.
This is a family and dog-friendly event. Before walkers step off, there will be activities and refreshments, as well as music and brief remarks. WCVB meteorologist A.J. Burnett will once again serve as emcee.
“Care Dimensions does incredibly valuable work that means so much to so many,” Burnett, who has emceed the event since 2020, said. “I am thrilled to continue supporting the annual Walk for Hospice and to help Care Dimensions fulfill their mission of providing meaningful and compassionate end-of-life care for individuals and families.”
Care Dimensions was founded in 1978 and provides hospice, palliative care, and in-home primary care to over 1,500 patients every day. St. John’s Prep is located at 72 Spring St., Danvers.
METHUEN — The city will be getting more than $600,000 for a host of projects and groups along with millions in general funding from the state’s $57 billion budget.
Methuen will be receiving at least $665,000 for various projects as part of the state’s fiscal 2025 budget. The city will also be getting $6.6 million in generalized state aid, according to a news release from state Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence.
The school district, which relies heavily on state aid, will be receiving $68.6 million in Chapter 70 funding. Although the funding represents a 6% increase over last year, it’s a smaller increase than the previous year and has forced officials to cut as many as 41 positions from the district, though almost entirely through unfilled positions.
The Greater Lawrence Health clinic will be getting a good chunk of the project money with $250,000 to expand its mobile health program. The center recently launched a new mobile health clinic with the help of a donation from the Arbella Insurance Foundation.
While the nonprofit MAN Inc will get $150,000 to “enhance entrepreneurial opportunities in the Methuen Arlington neighborhood.” The nonprofit offers programs to low and moderate income families in the area, including art therapy, yoga, karate, movies and crafts, a homework center and summer programming.
“With the FY25 budget now officially signed, I am particularly proud of the investments we have secured for Methuen,” Payano said. “This budget not only addresses the immediate needs of our community but also lays a foundation for future growth.
“From significant funding for education and workforce development to critical support for healthcare and housing, these allocations will have a lasting impact on our residents.”
The city will be getting another $50,000 to purchase Care Solace, a software that serves to help people access mental health resources, according to the group’s website.
“It will allow every resident to access a licensed mental health professional within 72 hours, allowing Methuen to lead the way when it comes to helping citizens secure quality mental health resources,” Rep. Ryan Hamilton, D-Methuen, said.
The budget also includes $20,000 for the Methuen Youth Basketball Summer league.
“Our support for the Methuen Youth Basketball Association’s summer tournament highlights our belief in our young people’s potential. These earmarks aren’t just funding allocations; they’re a promise to safeguard our community’s well-being, drive economic growth, and ensure everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive,” Rep. Francisco Paulino, D-Methuen, said.
The Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project will also be getting $25,000.
Other funding includes:
$75,000 for Youth Development Organization for STEM, arts, and leadership development.
$50,000 for Merrimack Volleyball Academy for youth sports activities.
$20,000 for Olive In July Inc. to support disabled children, young adults, and low to moderate- income families in Lawrence and Methuen.
$25,000 for the Methuen Senior Activity Center.
“This budget exemplifies our legislative delegation’s commitment to ensuring Methuen remains a vibrant and equitable place for all its citizens,” Payano said.
“I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of my legislative colleagues, and together we will continue to champion the needs of our district.”
SALEM, N.H. — A data breach at a local hospital network caused more than 500 patients’ personal information to be leaked.
Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network, 70 Butler St., announced on its website that between May 13 and May 22, there was unauthorized access to the company’s network and files containing sensitive information may have been accessed.
Information was accessed from Neuro Rehab Associates Inc., a subsidiary founded in 1983, according to the data breach portal for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights.
The breach was reported to the Department of Health and Human Services on July 17.
Despite claiming it was an instance of unauthorized access, the department categorized the breach as a hacking and IT incident and noted the information was found on network servers.
NRHN said it is investigating the breach’s severity and will only notify people who have been affected and that it reported the incident to a federal law enforcement agency.
NRHN has four inpatient hospitals in New Hampshire and more than 25 outpatient rehabilitation clinics across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The company said while it is still investigating the breach’s extent, the information that could have been stolen includes patients’ names, contact information, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license and ID numbers, financial account information, diagnoses, treatments and health insurance information.
NRHN has asked for patients to remain vigilant and, if they believe they are a victim of this breach, to contact it by email at NRHNCyberInfo@northeastrehab.com.
The Salem Pantry and Mass General Brigham announced they will be continuing their partnership to bring their “Community Care Van” weekly free health service to the Pantry’s The Market location at 47 Leavitt St. in Salem.
In an effort to increase access to essential health care services for residents of Salem and neighboring communities, the van serves as a sort of mobile doctor’s office to provide individuals with medical services like blood pressure screenings, diabetes screenings and care, health education, and care kits. No appointment is needed, and the hospital staffers will not ask about immigration status.
“Our work with Mass General Brigham is an important part of our commitment to creating an overall healthier community,” said Director of Programs and Partnerships Mike Lilley. “It allows us to address both the immediate need for food and the long-term health needs of our neighbors.”
“Community Care vans extend the front door of our hospital into the neighborhoods we serve, providing place-based care. Our efforts aim not only to deliver clinical care but also to address social risks, such as food insecurity, which significantly impact health. Community partnerships like these at food pantries are essential to the care we strive to deliver,” said Priya Sarin Gupta, MD MPH, medical director, Clinical Community Programs at Mass General Brigham.
The Salem Pantry, Mass General Brigham, and the Salem Hospital also offer a weekly mobile food pantry at the North Shore Physicians Group Salem location. Mass General Brigham, which has remained a key financial supporter of the Salem Pantry since 2022, has also helped to develop the pantry’s Food is Medicine program and nutritional services to combat food insecurity locally.
The Market currently hosts an average of 1,350 weekly visits from residents of Salem and surrounding areas, including Lynn, Peabody, and Beverly. The addition of the Community Care Van at this location is hoped to further support the health and well-being of these communities.
For more information about The Salem Pantry’s services and walk-in clinic hours, visit thesalempantry.org.
IPSWICH — The Fire Department extinguished a brush fire near a home on Wednesday and no injuries were reported, officials said.
About 4:41 p.m., the Fire Department was called to the area of 19 James Road, near Dix Road and the Ipswich Country Club, for a report of a brush fire, Fire Chief Paul Parisi reported in a news release.
Engine 4, under the command of Lt. Gus McInnis, was the first company to arrive and found an estimated 75-foot-by-75-foot section of brush burning about 100 yards from a home.
An additional engine was called. Mutual aid firefighters from Rowley responded, while firefighters from Essex and Topsfield covered Ipswich stations. Off-duty and call members of the Ipswich Fire Department responded as well.
Through a spokesman, Parisi said the fire was under control within an hour. First responders cleared the scene in less than two hours.
The cause of the brush fire is under investigation and it would be unusual for such a fire to spontaneously ignite, he said.
While the brush fire was being extinguished, Ipswich Police and Action EMS responded to a motor vehicle crash in the area of 80 Linebrook Road, and to medical calls on County Road and Water Street.
“The three-tiered response system we operate under here in Ipswich with police, fire and EMS, as well as our mutual aid partners, were critical in handling these simultaneous emergencies today,” Parisi said in the release. “We thank our partners for helping us when we needed them.”
