workers helping to transport personal protective equipment during COVID-19 outbreak in Boston

Healthcare professionals and other staff at Boston Medical Center got big help recently when Boston-headquartered Vicinity Energy donated 2,000 gloves and 1,000 protective masks to be used during COVID-19 crisis.  

Through conversations with the City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and at the direction of the Boston Public Health Department, Vicinity recently dropped off the gloves and masks at BMC's main campus in downtown Boston’s South End.

“Given the growing shortage of masks and other protective gear faced by medical facilities across Greater Boston, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to help,” says Bill DiCroce, president and CEO of Vicinity Energy. “Our district energy system provides heat, hot water and the ability to sterilize the surgical equipment at all the city’s downtown hospitals and as a result we have been partners with BMC for many years. We have a responsibility to support their unique and essential role on the front lines in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic during this pivotal time."

Like many parts of the United States, Massachusetts is experiencing a shortage of the personal protective equipment – such as masks, gloves and surgical gowns – that are needed by health care workers.

“I want to thank the Vicinity team for going above and beyond with this donation which will be very helpful in protecting our health care workers and hospital staff,” said Bob Biggio, senior vice president of facilities and support services at Boston Medical Center. “While medical centers around the country continue to grapple with a shortage in personal protective equipment, this generous donation, along with the others we have received, are essential until demand is met.”