Our monthly Longwood Happenings newsletter is the perfect way to get important, streamlined information about the LMA sent straight to your inbox. From travel advisories to upcoming Outside// events and everything in between, our newsletter has you covered! We'll keep you up-to-date on all you need to know about the Longwood Medical and Academic area.

Click here for our April edition which highlights Earth Week in the LMA, upcoming bike repair opportunities through the Longwood Collective TMA, and more.

A Message from the President 

Dear Longwood,

Each year, Patriots’ Day invites a wide range of emotions as we remember the lives lost on April 15, 2013 during the Boston Marathon bombings, while simultaneously recognizing the resilience of our community and the extraordinary role that institutions in the LMA played in responding to and caring for the victims on that tragic day over 10 years ago and in the days that followed.

This past Monday, in support of member institutions, and the Longwood community at large, Longwood Collective conducted its annual activation of our Emergency Operations Center throughout the duration of the 128th Boston Marathon. We brought together Longwood Collective staff from each department and convened with emergency response personnel from our member institutions to review protocols, test systems, and reaffirm our commitment to coordination and collaboration in the event of an emergency in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA).

Led by our Emergency Management and Security Manager Logan Denson (pictured above), our Emergency Operations Center ran smoothly over the course of the day without interruption.

We sincerely thank everyone who participated for their support in our district-wide emergency preparedness and security program, particularly our member hospitals who rise to the occasion each year to make the Boston Marathon safe and successful. Thank you to all the front-line healthcare workers, researchers, educators, students, and cultural stewards who contribute to the prosperity and unique identity of the LMA. We are Boston Strong on Patriots' Day and every day.

Sincerely, 

David Sweeney

President & CEO

Earth Week in the LMA

As we approach Earth Week, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the LMA's commitment to protecting our environment and its natural resources. Longwood Collective works to enhance the environment in and around the LMA for the benefit of our members and the public, including making improvements to the streetscape and taking care of green spaces. This work also includes a wide range of sustainability efforts undertaken by our members to reduce consumption, cost, and impacts on the environment.

It is with this in mind that we are highlighting several events and activities in our community that are planned in and around Earth Day with this year's theme "Planet vs. Plastics" in mind. This theme emphasizes the importance of reducing single-use plastic waste in favor of renewable materials and counteracting the culture of overconsumption, a mission many of our member institutions have incorporated into their sustainability efforts.

Earth Week Events

Spring has sprung and the Emerald Necklace’s volunteer events are just around the corner! This year’s Charles River Earth Day Cleanup is taking place on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 and includes opportunities all along the Charles. Now in its 25th year, this event is one of the biggest river cleanup events in the nation! From 2016 to 2019, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup was recognized by American Rivers for the Most Pounds of Trash Collected and Most Volunteers Mobilized.

Earth Day 365 is a series of events across Boston University that highlight how the importance of protecting our planet should not just be something we focus on solely on Earth Day, but every day of the year. Boston University invites you to celebrate our planet with events, activities, volunteer opportunities, and programs across the BU community happening now until April 22. Join in on the fun to get outside and participate in the celebration of our planet.

Take advantage of one of the many Bike Longwood events hosted by the Longwood Collective and get your bike geared up for the 2024 summer season!

Trading out a single passenger vehicle for a bike just once a day can reduce the average person's transportation-related emissions by 67%, according to research from the University of Oxford.

Celebrate Earth Day by making the switch to a carbon free commute!

Outside// is Returning to Longwood 

It's that time of year again! With the warmer temperatures moving in, our signature yellow umbrellas, outdoor seating, games, and books are coming back out. Be on the lookout around the district and on our social media platforms in the coming weeks as the Outside// season returns to Longwood.

New Bike Delineators on Brookline Avenue

The Longwood Collective Area Planning team recently debuted new and improved bike delineators on Brookline Avenue between Deaconess Road and Francis Street. They mark a significant improvement in protecting bikers in the LMA and help prevent vehicles from blocking the lane. Whether you commute to the LMA by bike, foot, car, the T, or shuttle, Longwood Collective is working to optimize your experience.

Spring Arrives in the District

It is true what they say: April showers bring May flowers, and thanks to the Longwood Collective Area Planning and Development team, the flowers are here early! Take a around the district stroll to enjoy the warm weather and see if you can spot all 13 of our brand new planters around the LMA.

MBTA Updates Near the District

Orange Line

• Orange Line service will be suspended between Forest Hills and Ruggles station during the weekends of April 20-21 and April 27-28. Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Forest Hills and Ruggles.

Red Line

• Red Line service will be suspended between Park Street and JFK/UMass from May 1-8. Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Park Street and JFK/UMass.

Blue Line

• Blue Line service will be suspended between the Airport and Wonderland stations from April 20-28. Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between the Airport and Wonderland stations.

New Shuttle Resource: LMA Shuttle Interactive Map

We are excited to announce the launch of a new tool that makes it easy for commuters to learn about our shuttle system: the LMA Shuttle Interactive Map!

Created by our Operations team using ArcGIS technology, the Interactive Map comprehensively displays the routes offered by our LMA Shuttle and is a convenient way for commuters to see where bus stops are located from an on-the-ground perspective. Click on any route or stop to see photos, maps, and links for additional information.

Check it out here.

Longwood is Asking for Your Input

If you are a commuter that rides one of our LMA shuttles as part of your commute, then we would appreciate your input by filling out a brief survey on commuting with our shuttle bus service. By completing the survey, you will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $25 REI gift card. Your feedback can help us better understand our commuters and their commuting needs.

You can also help us gain insight into commuting in the LMA by being one of the first 10 commuters to answer ‘yes’ on question 23 or by emailing us using this link to participate in a short Zoom interview and you will get a $25 Visa gift card.

Take The Survey

Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure (BERDO) Upcoming Deadlines & Resources for Building Owners

May 15

Reporting deadline for 2023 energy and water usage

July 1*

Hardship Compliance Plan application deadline

*After 2024, long-term Hardship Compliance Plan applications are due 12 months in advance. Short-term Hardship Compliance Plan applications are due 6 months in advance

September 1

Individual Compliance Schedule application deadline

The City's Environment Department is offering resources and info sessions for building owners who need assistance, including:

• Weekly office hours on Fridays at 10am via Zoom (register here), or one-on-one building emissions consultations available (register here).
• Webinars on flexibility measures and emissions compliance (upcoming sessions listed here).

Massachusetts to Offer E-Bike Purchase Rebates

The Commonwealth has released plans to spend $4.5 million to help low- and moderate-income households purchase new electric bikes with the goal of reducing pollution by replacing car trips. Low-income households would be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $1,200, with an additional $150 for accessories such as helmets, locks, and lights. Middle-income households are eligible for rebates up to $800.

Once eligibility is approved, participating bike shops will apply the rebate at the check out counter. The Clean Energy Center is accepting proposals through May 24 from organizations to administer and track the program.

Read more about the plans here.

Longwood in the News

Glimcher & Lathan: Community hospitals vital to cancer care

Boston Herald

The CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher, and Chief Clinical Access and Equity Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Christopher Lathan, co-authored this piece describing the vital importance of community-based hospitals that build a more equitable, affordable, and accessible health care system.



Healey announces $3 million in grants for women's health research projects

GBH News

Women's health is getting a big boost from Gov. Maura Healey's administration. During a visit to Brigham and Women's Hospital, Healey announced nearly $3 million in grant money to support 15 projects, including efforts to diagnose and treat endometriosis, develop less invasive screenings for cervical cancer, and advance new technologies to better understand pregnancy risks.

Boston Children's Hospital Names Client of the Year for Creating World-class Central Sterile Processing Department

PR Newswire

Boston Children's Hospital has been honored with the prestigious "Client of the Year" award by Surgical Directions, recognizing the hospital's exceptional achievements in revolutionizing its Central Sterile Processing Department (SPD). This accolade celebrates Boston Children's commitment to innovation, quality, and patient safety in healthcare delivery.

Mass Eye and Ear Says More People Coming In For Eye Damage After Eclipse

WBZ News Radio

In the days following the April 8 total solar eclipse, Mass Eye and Ear has been seeing more and more people coming in for consultations about a rare kind of eye damage related to bright light. The director of the Ocular Trauma Service at Mass Eye and Ear, Dr. Isaac Bleicher, said that around 30 to 40 people have come to the office with concerns about potential eye damage.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center cardiologist to be honored by American Heart Association

American Heart Association Newsroom

The American Heart Association will present the 2024 Paul Dudley White Award to Dr Robert E. Gerszten in recognition of his contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine and outstanding record of mentoring the next generation of researchers, educators and health care professionals. Dr. Gerszten is chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Herman Dana Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.