Washington (April 27, 2021) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) will host Michael Curry, President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, as his virtual guest for President Joseph R. Biden’s Address to the Joint Session of Congress on April 28. Through his role leading the League of Community Health Centers – which represents 52 health centers serving more than one million residents across the Commonwealth – and his work as a member of Governor Charlie Baker's COVID-19 Advisory Group and co-chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, Curry has played a critical role in the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and has led efforts to promote vaccine equity and education programs across Massachusetts. Through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP), Massachusetts health centers have already received $147 million in flexible funding that will support COVID-19 testing, vaccination, workforce, infrastructure, and community outreach. Additional ARP investments in health center capital, workforce, and other support are forthcoming.  

 

“Michael is a powerful voice for our communities, an advocate for justice, and a trusted leader in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Markey. “Throughout this public health crisis, Massachusetts community health centers have provided critical support to our neighborhoods, cities, and towns. I am grateful for Michael’s leadership in getting care and treatment to our most vulnerable communities, as well as for his work to promote equity as we tackle this crisis head-on.”

 

“Senator Markey’s leadership in making sure that communities unduly battered by COVID-19 have the resources to fight back against this pandemic as well as the support necessary for their social, health and economic recovery --  is incalculable,” said Michael Curry. “We are so appreciative of the Senator’s work and passion to build longer-term, sustainable responses to inequities in the communities we serve.”  

 

Born and raised in a Roxbury housing development, Michael Curry has dedicated his life to activism in the Greater Boston community and previously served as the president of the Boston Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and continues to serve on the Association’s National Board of Directors.