Racism is a Public Health Crisis
Several cities in Massachusetts have declared racism a public health crisis. On Tuesday the City of Springfield also followed suit, with Mayor Domenic Sarno announcing plans to create an Office of Racial Equity to help with making recommendations to his administration. Read more.
Here are other cities in Massachusetts who have also declared racism as a public health crisis:
Juneteenth
J une 19 th , known as Juneteenth , commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is a day of reflection and celebration. Recent events have elevated racial injustice in the national consciousness. These injustices, which have existed for centuries, go beyond police brutality to inequities embedded in our societal structures and institutions. We ask that you take some time on Friday to celebrate, reflect, and consider actions you can take to end systemic racism.
Resources
413Cares Collaboration with Mass 2-1-1and Aunt Bertha
413Cares.org, the online community resource database recently launched for the Western Massachusetts region, has announced a collaboration with Mass 2-1-1, the statewide free information and referral hotline. The collaboration will provide phone support for those searching for services on the 413Cares portal. Read more .
Housing Resources
Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance for Springfield Renters and Homeowners
The City of Springfield is making available $2 million in grant funding for renters and homeowners who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program will pay up to three months’ rent, mortgage, and utility charges for low- to moderate-income Springfield residents whose income has been adversely impacted by the pandemic public health orders. WayFinders is partnering with the City of Springfield to administer the program. Springfield residents can apply for the funds by completing an assessment at www.wayfinders.org/hcec-assessment or by phone at 413-233-1600.
News & Events
Free Community Health Worker Training
Registration is now open for a free Community Health Worker Core Competency Course in Fall 2020. The course focuses on increasing the overall capacity of CHWs, and it is built upon the 10 core competencies as defined by the MA Board of Certification of Community Health Workers. It consists of 4 live Zoom classes and 8 self-paced online modules. 

Training participants will be enrolled on a first-come first-served basis. Sign up here
Every Person Counts
Census data affects funding in your community, your voice in Congress, and your representation in state and local government. Learn more about the Pioneer Valley 2020 Census Complete Count Committee and why the 2020 census is so critical.

The Pioneer Valley Complete Count Initiative, is w orking hard to ensure everyone fills out the 2020 census. Each person counted from newborn baby through oldest living American - equals approximately $2,372 per year in state and federal funding for the coming decade.

Fill out your census online.
Your Input Needed on Transportation
The PVTA is updating their regional transit plan. They will be prioritizing service improvements with the help of the public by taking a survey.
Little Treatments, Big Effects
SPIFFY in partnership with Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and Communities that Care Coalition invite you to join a free webinar.

Profession of Psychology Jessica Schleider of Stony Brook University will share her promising research on brief interventions for depression and anxiety in youth. Please join us. You may pre-register or join at this  link . 
Data Update
COVID-19 Deaths in Western MA Long-Term Care Facilities
As of June 10, 2020, COVID-19 deaths in long-term care facilities accounted for 60% of total deaths in Western MA, with variation from county to county (see table below). This is similar to the rate statewide, where 63% (4671/7454) of probable or confirmed COVID-19 deaths were in Long-Term Care facilities ( MA DPH Daily Dashboard ). This data does not include the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) state-operated facilities and congregate care sites such as Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

Data about COVID-19 in long-term care facilities is reported by the facility, and it is not clear if it includes probable cases. Thus, it may not be directly comparable to daily case and death data reported by MA DPH, however, it provides a general sense of the impact COVID-19 has had among residents of long-term care facilities.
Please note that beginning June 1st, MA DPH began reporting both probable and confirmed COVID-19 deaths per CDC guidelines. This change resulted in an increased number of daily and cumulative cases and deaths compared to cases and deaths reported prior to June 1st.
Staying Safe While Staying Outside