Boston City Councillor at-Large Henry Santana issued a statement on Tuesday (July 21) announcing that he remains hospitalized following what he called “persistent and unresolved health issues” and that he will miss this week’s Council meeting.
Santana said he sought medical attention on July 16 and is undergoing additional testing and evaluation at the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
“This has been an unexpected and difficult moment for me personally,” Santana said, adding that he is receiving “exceptional care” from the hospital’s medical team.
Santana said his immediate focus is following doctors’ guidance, completing the necessary testing, and making a full recovery.
“I look forward to returning to City Hall and to the communities I have the privilege of representing as soon as I am able,” he said. His council office remains staffed and open for constituents, he said.
Santana’s announcement comes as another at-large councillor, Julia Mejia, is recovering from a recent health scare when she collapsed during a meeting in the council chamber on July 8.
In a message to supporters the next day, Mejia said doctors believed her illness may have been caused by dehydration and exhaustion.
“I am happy to report that I am stable, in high spirits, and focused on making a full recovery,” Mejia wrote in a post on July 9. She said she plans to rest and recuperate over the next few weeks before returning to “the people’s business.”
–REPORTER STAFF
