Anna Goldman, a primary care physician at Boston Medical Center, got tired of hearing that her patients couldn't afford the electricity needed to run breathing assistance machines, recharge wheelchairs, turn on air conditioning, or keep their refrigerators plugged in. So she worked with her hospital on a solution. The result is a pilot effort called the Clean Power Prescription program.
The initiative aims to help keep the lights on for roughly 80 patients with complex, chronic medical needs. The program relies on 519 solar panels installed on the roof of one of the hospital's office buildings. Half the energy generated by the panels helps power the medical center.
The rest goes to patients who receive a monthly credit of about $50 on their utility bills. Kiki Polk was among the first recipients. She has a history of Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
On a warm fall day, Polk, who was nine months pregnant at the time, leaned into the air conditioning window unit in her living room. "Oh my gosh, this feels so good, baby," Polk crooned, swaying back and forth. "This is my best friend and my worst enemy.
" An enemy, because Polk can't afford to run the AC. On cooler days, she has used a fan or opened a window instead. Polk knew the risks of overheating during pregnancy, including added stress on the pregnant person's heart and potential risks to the fetus.
She also has a teenage daughter who uses the AC in her bedroom — too much, according to her mom. Polk got behind on h.