Press Releases

Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris thank Congressman Richard E. Neal and the Baker-Polito Administration for their support of our city’s continued efforts on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Earlier today, Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris welcomed the arrival of much needed COVID-19 testing kits.  These kits will be put into immediate use to help address the city’s ongoing efforts to stopping the spread of the coronavirus by have a more direct access to testing for our most vulnerable populations. 

“Recognizing the urgency of this situation, I immediately got in touch with the state to release COVID-19 testing kits to be used at Mercy Medical Center's Healthcare for the Homeless site,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Phase One of the Coronavirus Relief Act was about testing, testing, testing. While it is imperative that the tests get into the hands of health care providers who need them most, we must not forget our most vulnerable populations as well. I am thankful to Mayor Sarno and his team, as well as Mercy Medical Center, the Friends of the Homeless and all those who worked on creating this space for their herculean effort in constructing, staffing, and preparing this facility for opening in such a timely manner.”

Mayor Sarno states, “Very appreciative of Congressman Neal, always advocating for us on the federal level and thankful to the Baker-Polito Administration for getting these testing kits to be utilized in our continued health care efforts in protecting our vulnerable homeless population.  These kits will go a long way in helping the city’s continuing efforts of being proactive with the preventative health measures the city continues to implement for the wellbeing of our residents and business community.”

HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “I am grateful to Congressman Neal for supporting our Health Services for the Homeless Health Center. Our Health Center is a collaboration between the City of Springfield, Mercy Medical Center and Open Door Community Services. In order to be effective in our mitigation strategies it is imperative that we are able to test our most vulnerable populations especially our homeless. These test kits will help us identify those who are infected with COVID-19 and rule out those who are negative. Effective public health intervention strategies for COVID 19 depend on our ability to test, identify and isolate those individuals who are positive. As has been his practice, Congressman Neal has heard our concerns and has taken swift action.”

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