The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program’s (BHCHP) 2018 “Medicine that Matters” gala was held Monday, May 21, at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Over 600 guests gathered for cocktails, dinner and awards ceremony that honored two individuals who have worked for many years with BHCHP’s mission to deliver exceptional medical and behavioral health services to homeless individuals and families. Accepting the 9th Annual Tim Russert Award was Andrew Dreyfus, President & Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Accepting the 9th Annual Dr. Jim O’Connor Award was Mala Rafik, Managing Partner, Rosenfeld & Rafik, (she’s considered one of the state’s top health and disability rights attorneys, and is current chair of the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Sections of the Boston Bar Association). The gala raised over $ 1 million.
The evening was hosted by Reverend Liz Walker, award-winning journalist and pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church. Dinner co-chairs were Phil Johnston, former Mass. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Phyllis Yale, Advisory Partner with Bain & Company.
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.