Roslindale's Ken Duckworth Recognized as 2018 HUBweek Changemaker

Through its presenting partnership of HUBweek’s Ideas Dome, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts convened visionary speakers to explore innovative approaches to shape the future of health, work, mobility and environmental sustainability throughout the week last week. These leaders shared their insights as part of a series exploring how to build a more inclusive and equitable future.

In addition to Blue Cross' featured speakers from HUBweek, the health plan also featured additional speakers and opportunities for the public to share ideas and spark creative solutions at The HUB on City Hall Plaza throughout the festival. On Thursday, October 11, Blue Cross’ Senior Medical Director for Behavioral Health and Roslindale resident Dr. Ken Duckworth, a HUBweek 2018 Changemaker, shared his insights on mental health, the opioid crisis, and unveiled Blue Cross’ innovative Narcan toolkit during a sold-out “Brain Date” talk with consumers.

Ken Duckworth was recognized as a HUBweek 2018 Changemaker for his advocacy of and work dealing with the opioid crisis. His work focuses on mental health, the opioid crisis, BCBSMA's innovative Narcan toolkit and efforts to eliminate the stigma surrounding these topics. He is the senior Medical Director for Behavioral Health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Prior to coming Blue Cross, Ken spent 6 years as a Medical Director at Vinfen Corporation, the largest human service agency in Massachusetts. He has also served as both the Chief Medical Officer and Acting Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH). He is a double board certified adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is also an assistant professor at in the psychiatry department of Harvard Medical School.