Lunchtime with Lesser

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for all of us -- and in local communities it is each town's Health Department that is stepping up to the plate to provide guidance to its residents. In May Eric spoke with Springfield Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris about the ongoing pandemic -- this is that conversation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created damage that goes far beyond health impacts. Businesses across the country are closing their doors, many permanently because of the strain on their business. In Western Mass, we have the Greater Springfield Visitors and Convention bureau that works to use regional tourism to create economic impact. In May Eric spoke with John Doleva and MK Wydra from the Bureau about what they are doing to stay afloat -- this is that conversation.

Massachusetts has been one of the hardest hit states by COVID-19 in the country. April was ones of the darkest moments during the pandemic and Eric sat down with Baystate Medical Center’s President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack to discuss how things were going. Mark has been the public face for medical experts in Western Massachusetts during the pandemic -- this is that conversation.

Dr. Eric Ding is an Epidemiologist and Health Economist. He was one of the first people in the United States to raise the alarm and call for COVID-19 preparedness. He’s a lively tweeter and an old friend from our Harvard days. Back in April we spoke about his concerns about the pandemic and how we should be responding -- this is that conversation.