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The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an official statement; our thoughts go out to all.
For Residents and Businesses of Back Bay
Full public access to Boylston St. and affected areas was restored as of 3AM on Wednesday, April 24.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced plans for re-entry to the Back Bay area. Details can be found here.
The business and resident resource center at Hynes Convention Center will be open 8AM-5PM 4/24 or call the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500.
For additional resources, information, or to make a donation visit the City of Boston's One Boston website.
Resources for families trying to reach loved ones:
Call the Mayor’s Hotline 617-635-4500
Red Cross Safe and Well – 1-800-REDCROSS or redcross.org/safeandwell
Person Finder – Boston Marathon
For crisis counseling:
Events of mass violence can trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger or fear. The Department of Mental Health has identified a number of resources to help you cope with the trauma, grief and aftermath of this incident.
The Federal Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990,can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy. This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is also available via SMS (text TalkWithUs to 66746) to anyone experiencing psychological distress as a result of this event. Callers and texters are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network. The Helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.
You can also visit the Federal Disaster Distress webpage on distress and coping with incidents of mass violence
Visit the American Red Cross website
Claiming Property from the Scene:
Items not taken as evidence by the FBI will be turned over to Boston Police. Items can be collected in three ways:
- Visit in person at One Schroder Plaza, Media Room – 8am to 8pm beginning Tuesday 4/23 to Friday 4/26. Bring proper identification. Parking will be available on Tremont St. Please follow direction of officers.
- Email lostproperty.bpd@cityofboston.gov with name, phone number, email address and description of items lost (as detailed as possible). You will be contacted if the item is in possession of BPD.
- Call the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500 with a description of lost items. You will receive a follow up call from BPD.
Police will also attempt to personally deliver items to owners if the items contain owner information.
How to help:
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. Visit onefundboston.org to donate.
Traffic and Commuter Information:
Expect delays and increased law enforcement presence throughout the city and the transit system. For additional information visit the Department of Transportation Blog
TRANSPORTATION CLOSURES / RESTRICTIONS
- The MBTA Copley Station is reopened
A crime scene perimeter was established in Back Bay.
If you have any photos or knowledge of the events or persons involved, please contact the Boston Crime Tips Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS or the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (Prompt #3).
For more information, visit the City of Boston website and be sure to follow organizations listed below on Twitter for real-time updates:
Boston Police – @Boston_Police
Massachusetts State Police – @MassStatePolice
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency – @MassEMA
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick – @MassGovernor
City of Boston Emergency Notifications and Alerts – @AlertBoston
City of Boston Office of Constituent Engagement – @NotifyBoston
MBTA – @mbtaGM
And utilize the hashtags #BostonMarathon or #BostonHelp to join the Twitter conversation with any information or offers of assistance.
AGENCY ACTIONS
- The American Red Cross will be conducting canteen operations to support responders in several locations in Boston today. These will include The Public Garden, Arlington Castle, and in the vicinity of the crime scene perimeter.
- ARC is working with DPH and the Dept. of Mental Health to support mental health needs.
Department of Public Health (DPH):
- DPH is working with The Dept. of Mental Health, Boston Public Health Commission, and US Dept. of Health and Human Services to coordinate resources and needs for crisis counselors.
Tags: Boston, Boston Marathon, Marathon, Red Cross
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I feel that the City of Boston and all of its inhabitants need time to grieve after this hideous tragedy. It seems that people are not feeling truly safe in their own town today and it seems somewhat unrealistic to expect people to be at their places of work when so many bomb threats and suspicious packages continue to be found less than 24 hours after such a gruesome event in our city. Specifically, is there any way to close schools/daycare centers that are not affected by spring break at the moment? I work in a day care center that remains open and worry about the safety of the children and staff that I work with every day. I understand the added safety precautions that have been taken, but feel that we as a community need to decompress and find stability again before returning to work. I think we all need to be home with our loved ones to appreciate those we have and may have lost while we process this horrible event. Thank you.
The events of yesterday were shocking and distressing to us all and reaching out for help is important for healing. The Federal Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy. This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is also available via SMS (text TalkWithUs to 66746) to anyone experiencing psychological distress as a result of this event.
I think this is valuable, but I also think many people would like to contribute to others who were dealt a cruel blow. We would like to help the family of the 8 year old who was killed and the others who were injured or worse. Can someone set up a fund or several funds that will help the Marathon victims?
My hearts and prayers for the victims of this tragedy.
Hooray for Boston and their first responders.
Hawaii prays for you and stands with you.
Please know that those who love Boston but who reside far away are with you in our thoughts and prayers. Bostonians are nothing if not strong. How cheered I was by the first responders, the volunteers, and others running to help those in need — smiling through my tears. God bless law enforcement officials in their investigation of this heinous crime. Even as we seek to console the victims and seek justice, we can not forget others in the world who suffer even more grievously and on a more sustained basis.
Obviously, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families affected by this heinous, senseless act of terrorism. It is my ardent prayers that the law enforcement agencies apprehend and prosecute these terrorists.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. Visit www.onefundboston.org to donate.
Is it known whether the Massachusetts Department of Public Health vis-à-vis Tewksbury Hospital intends to provide services (i.e., rehabilitative services) to any of the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy? As a dedicated member of a team of nursing professionals and state employees at Tewksbury Hospital, I both urge and welcome the opportunity to provide comprehensive treatment, care, and comfort to these unfortunate victims of violence.
What an AMAZING police force! the leadership’s organization and to all involved to carry out this mission to task! Way to Go Massachusetts! Alaska supports and stands with you!
Dear Mr. Moore, per the Department of Public Health: Tewksbury Hospital is more than ready to accept patients from the Boston hospitals for further rehab as is Shattuck. They have not received inquiries yet but anticipate more referrals this week. Thank you.