New Collaborative to Help Marathon Victims Meet Medical Needs

By David Ertischek 

State and city organizations continue to address the ongoing needs of survivors and victims of the Boston Marathon, and are launching a collaborative effort to offer specialists to aide families in finding and providing programs to meet their unique needs.

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), One Fund Boston and Attorney General (AG) Martha Coakley’s Victim Services Division, said the collaborative effort will launch on Mon., Aug. 5, according to an AG press release. 

The "Collaborative" will provide a hotline at 855-617-3863 to offer services of trained specialists to help victims and their families identify and access programs available to meet their unique needs. The intent of this phone number along with plans to co-locate specialists in one office are designed to limit the need for victims to call many different places in seeking assistance.
“The attack on the Boston Marathon impacted the lives of hundreds of victims and their families and it is our responsibility to make sure they are provided the services they need not just now but in the future as well,” AG Coakley said. “This new joint partnership will help ensure that these families are not left alone on their long path to a full recovery.”

“Our city is strong because our people are strong and we must continue to support those whose lives have changed forever because the courage they have shown us throughout this most tragic time is inspiring and has helped our city heal more than they know – it is our duty to help them heal too,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. “Thank you to all of our partners, those most generous donors and volunteers in stepping up to the plate to assist these families in a seamless and less stressful manner as we try and continue to make their lives a little easier.”

Beginning August 1, the collaborative "will last at least six months as a formal assessment of the long term needs of victims is conducted and a permanent service delivery mechanism is established," according to the AG's office. Survivors and victims' families will be assisted in individual needs with services such as medical, mental and behavioral health, housing, employment, financial planning and insurance programs. Any victim with questions about resources and services available may call and be connected with a trained professional.

Officials said families of the four deceased victims, or anyone who suffered physical, emotional or financial injury as a direct result of the April 15 bombings or surrounding events in Cambridge and Watertown, are eligible for the services.

One Fund Boston funds, which reached a total of $64 million, have already started to be distributed, and will continue to support those most affected by the attacks through events, support groups, and other ways identified as helpful for their future success over the longer term. One Fund Boston is working to establish a longer term operating model through communication with survivors and families that will provide for "a productive transition from a victim relief fund to a service and support network."