Press Release  AG Healey Launches New Website for First Responders and Health Care Workers

BOSTON — Today, Attorney General Maura Healey launched a new website to provide resources for health care workers and first responders in Massachusetts and information to the public about how to help and thank our frontline heroes responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

The website – FrontlineMA.org – is an initiative spearheaded by the AG’s Office, in collaboration with HubSpot and IDEO, in response to the urgent need for centralized information for frontline workers, including personal protective equipment (PPE), prioritized testing, safe housing, meals, self-care and emergency child care. It also invites the public to help by offering messages of support, buying meals for frontline workers, helping to provide a safe place for workers to stay between shifts, and ways to donate PPE.

The new website features a “Hero Wall” with posters, messages, and pictures from the public showing support and an opportunity for frontline workers to share their experiences.

“Our medical providers and first responders are working nonstop to save lives, so we wanted to make it easier for them to access information about the services and support they need to take care of themselves,” AG Healey said. “We hope that this website will serve as a useful hub for statewide resources and as a way to say thank you for the sacrifices our frontline workers are making throughout this public health crisis.”

The website has specific pages catered to the everyday needs of first responders and health care workers, including:

• Request forms and statewide contacts to obtain PPE
• Details on the state’s free priority testing sites
• Alternative housing to limit the risk of transmission
• A list of free or discounted food from local restaurants
• Information on emergency childcare
• Guidance on self-isolation and quarantine

The AG’s Office will continue to update the website with information as it becomes available, including additional state resources, restaurant and hotel offers, and submissions to the Hero Wall.

In addition to the resources on FrontlineMA.org, the website also includes information on assistance the AG’s Office can provide to first responders and health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis related to health care, insurance coverage, consumer protection, student loans, debt collection, evictions, and utility rates and shutoffs. For more information, click here.

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Tim Foley, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

“The healthcare workers of 1199SEIU applaud the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for launching FrontlineMA.org. As workers navigate through this unprecedented moment in history, a vetted and trusted site that recognizes how this crisis is impacting workers in multiple ways is critical. FrontlineMA.org puts power in the hands of those on the frontlines who are looking for answers and support.”

Dr. Maryanne C. Bombaugh, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society

“For the physicians and students who comprise the Massachusetts Medical Society, the partnership of Attorney General Healey and her office since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency has been invaluable. While our health care workforce and first responders have fearlessly and selflessly answered the call to care for our critically ill patients, they are tired – physically, mentally and emotionally. A convenient, trusted one-stop portal that allows our frontline workers to connect with resources and support that can help mitigate some of the personal and professional burden they are encountering because of the pandemic is incredibly important and welcomed.”

Rich MacKinnon Jr., President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts   

“The over 12,000 members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts commend our Attorney General Maura Healey on partnering with us and recognizing the sacrifice our members face every day on the frontlines. In this time of uncertainty and change, know that your firefighters, EMTs and paramedics will respond no matter what the need. We are grateful Maura is there with us to have our back.”

Chief Jeff W. Farnsworth, President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association

“The motto of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association is ‘In Unity There is Strength.’ Our motto is very true today as we unite to fight COVID-19. Our Attorney General has facilitated this website, which is a great example of our unity. I want to thank the men and women of law enforcement, who day in and day out are on the frontline of the battle, for their unwavering commitment to our communities and thank you, our residents, who are helping us to help you.”

Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, President of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)

“Nurses and all frontline caregivers and responders are giving all they have to fight for everyone needing care and comfort during this crisis. The MNA is grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness from our communities.”

Chief Brian Kyes, President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police

“In these difficult times, we appreciate the Attorney General’s support of the men and women on the frontlines. This website provides information and resources that our frontline workers need right now as they fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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