The opportunity was presented by the Congresswoman, a steadfast supporter of Lowell General Hospital who experienced Lowell General’s patient-centered care first-hand during the birth of her two children. The visit included a brief tour of the hospital, which included a stop on the Labor and Delivery Unit at her request.
The tour was followed by a roundtable discussion led by Lowell General President and CEO Jody White that brought together more than a dozen local, state and community leaders, including Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. Lowell General was also represented by Chief Operating Officer Amy Hoey, Emergency Department physician Dr. Susan Ly and Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Adam Weston, as well as Wellforce CEO Michael Dandorph.
The discussion focused on several topics, including the hospital’s pandemic response, public health collaboration across Lowell to address health equity and the need to support frontline healthcare workers and their mental health.
Secretary Becerra told the group how impressed he was with Lowell General and the caring, patients-first atmosphere he witnessed inside the hospital. A lawyer, Secretary Becerra also referenced his wife, Carolyna Reyes, a renowned OB/GYN who has dedicated much of her career to advocating for underserved populations and diversity in healthcare.
“I will tell her that Lowell General Hospital is doing it right,” he said.
