Celebrating sixty years of impact and a new home in Boston’s Chinatown, Health Resources in Action hosted friends old and new at our open house on Wednesday May 2, 2018. With the goal of bringing diverse partners together to recognize our collective accomplishments and to spark new conversations and opportunities for collaboration, HRiA was thrilled to welcome over 200 guests into our new space.
HRiA’s Board Chair Harriet Tolpin, and Vice-Chair Michele Courton Brown, welcomed guests, and President and CEO Steven Ridini recognized the advancements in public health and social change made by partners and colleagues. Highlighting the night were remarks by special guest, Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts. On the topic of “Equity as a Public Health Priority,” she emphasized the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation: “We need to remember who we are in Massachusetts. We led the way on healthcare. We need to remember our history.” Stressing that “health is a civil rights issue,” the Attorney General stood firmly beside HRiA in the pursuit of equity and justice in the areas of healthcare and public health.
Board member Thaleia Tsongas Schlesinger honored the memory of long-time HRiA board member, Dr. Walter Guralnick, by dedicating HRiA’s new wellness room in his name. His son, Peter Guaralnick, accepted the award for his father, who was a leader in bringing dental insurance, water fluoridation, and overall improved oral health to countless patients in Massachusetts and beyond.
Throughout the evening, HRiA staff shared some of the work that exemplifies our mission and demonstrates our impact through the power of collaboration. And while a commitment to social justice and healthy outcomes for all people brought us together, event photos illustrate the comradery and personal connection we all share.
Thanks to our guests who made the night such a special and joyful occasion!
Pictures and videos from the event
Videos from the event
