Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) honored Mayor Martin J. Walsh and entrepreneur-philanthropist Paul English at its Medicine that Matters gala on May 20 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Mayor Walsh received the program’s esteemed Dr. Jim O’Connell Award for his dedication to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of every Bostonian, especially our most vulnerable and those suffering from substance use disorder. English received the program’s highly regarded Tim Russert Award for his activism and philanthropy — particularly in the area of homelessness— that is rooted in his belief that compassion must be accompanied by action.
“We are proud to be honoring two very good friends of BHCHP, who, in different, but equally critical ways, have been stalwart supporters of our patients and our work,” said BHCHP CEO Barry Bock.
The gala, which raised over $1million was attended by 660 people and emceed by Karen Holmes Ward, host of WCVB’s CityLine and director of public affairs at the station. The dinner’s co-chairs were Dan Koh, a partner with HqO and Amy J. Sennett, Head of Legal at Catalant Technologies. Honorary co-chairs were Governor Charlie Baker & First Lady Lauren Baker, Eileen & Jack Connors and Jean C. Tempel.
Since 1985, BHCHP has been delivering exceptional medical and behavioral health services to homeless individuals and families in Greater Boston. Each year, BHCHP cares for more than 11,000 patients wherever they are— on the streets, at 45 clinics including ones at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Medical Center, and in our medical respite facilities, the Barbara McInnis House and the Stacy Kirkpatrick House.