From the Front Lines: our commitment to community, especially now
- bostoncommunityped
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Dear Friends,
When we first launched the From the Front Lines series, we had a simple goal: to speak directly and honestly about the issues affecting BCP's children and families. Despite the relentless "ping" of news alerts we are all experiencing, BCP remains committed to staying focused. That means speaking about–and rapidly addressing–the challenges our families face in accessing equitable pediatric healthcare.
Like so many of you, I have watched the unfolding immigration crackdown across the country with horror and sadness. Every day, we witness the impact of the federal government’s cruel tactics on members of our own community, not the least of which is a state of chronic fear among children and families. The fear of the unknown, of being taken from their loved ones, of being unable to freely travel for school, work, or medical care.
I am no stranger to delivering healthcare during hard times–we opened BCP in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. But this feels different. It isn’t a disease our communities are facing. It is human cruelty.
As a pediatrician, my lifeblood is dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable among us: our children. No matter their race, ethnicity, immigration status, or ability to pay. I have built my personal life and my career on a fundamental belief in love, care, and mutual respect–a respect that recognizes the humanity in every life.
At BCP, we continue to put one foot in front of the other, because families are counting on us more than ever. We may not have the power to change immigration policies overnight, but whatever is in our power to do, we can and must do it. That means:
helping families feel safe enough to access medical care and get groceries for their children, by offering telehealth, free Uber rides to and from appointments, and food assistance delivered right to their homes;
ensuring that families can obtain legal expertise through our medical-legal partnership with the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts;
developing protocols and training staff on immigrants’ rights and our rights as a healthcare provider;
offering rapid access to mental health support for children and caregivers; and
letting our patients know that we will continue to be trusted partners in their health and well-being, that we are here, and that they are welcome.
When I think of our moral duty to address inhumanity, I am reminded of the famous words of German pastor Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
When we face extraordinary circumstances–no matter their form–we ask ourselves, what are ordinary people to do? But we already know the answer:
What we can.
I believe deeply that together, we can all find our collective humanity to stop the inhumane and unlawful policies and actions of the current administration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robyn Riseberg
Founder, Boston Community Pediatrics
Stay tuned for further updates from the front lines, and do not hesitate to send us your questions, thoughts, and feedback.
