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Race and Health Equity

COVID’s Tragic Impact on Native Americans

According to new data released by the CDC last week, the life expectancy of Native Americans fell nearly 7 years (from 71.8 to 65.2) between 2019 and 2021. For the total population, there was an average decline of nearly 3 years (from 78.8 to 76.1). As the New York Times reports, “the average Native American person is now expected to live as long as the average American did in 1944”. Though there was a decline across all races/ethnicities, Native Americans experienced a starkly greater decline.

 

The New York Times acknowledges that there is no one explanation for COVID-19’s death toll in these indigenous communities. Poverty, underlying health problems that exacerbate COVID-19 illness, as well as access to health care are likely contributors. Underlying all of this is the historical oppression, violence, and erasure created by the practices of White supremacy and colonization. This structural and systemic racism still plays out today creating health inequities, and it must be addressed.

 

We need more funding to address social determinants of health. In addition, we must listen to and center the voices of indigenous communities and support indigenous-led efforts to restore their lands and communities.

 

The Pocumtuc, Mohican, Nonotuck, Nipmuc, and Abenaki tribes—stewards of the land of Western Massachusetts long before White people colonized the region—are still here. Here are a few ways to learn more and support Native American cultures:

Race and Health Equity Resources

The Race and Health Equity Resource Guide was developed by our Board's Race & Health Equity Committee, but we continue to add new resources as they are created and shared by regional partners and collaborations. Our hope is that it will serve as a resource for the region.


We need YOU to keep this resource guide comprehensive and up to date! Do you have a resource that would be a great addition to the Guide? Would you like to share a story about your favorite resource and how you have used it to advance racial equity? Submit a resource here.

Resource Spotlight

The Race and Health Equity Glossary, developed by regional thinkers who are committed to advancing regional equity, is offered as a tool for moving forward conversations, initiatives, organizations, projects, programs, plans, and other types of efforts with an equity lens. Learn more.
 

Coalition Building

A New Approach for Disaster Planning 

Last winter Live Well Springfield brought the community to a disaster preparedness exercise that traditionally only engaged city and healthcare representatives. Involving community leaders and organizations offers an invaluable perspective. The extreme heat “tabletop” exercise was funded by Health Care Without Harm. Pioneer Valley Planning Commission coordinated the project with the Public Health Institute of Western MA, Live Well Springfield, and Baystate Health. The learnings from this exercise were incorporated into a guide, Partnering for Climate Resilience: A Practical Guide to Community Based Disaster Planning for Healthcare. 

With climate change, extreme heat and other extreme weather events are on the rise. This guide provides a playbook and sample materials for healthcare institutions to partner with emergency planners, public health professionals, and community-based organizations to run a disaster scenario exercise to identify and address vulnerabilities and enable communities to better withstand climate impacts. 


In addition to the Guide, the “tabletop” exercise informed two amendments to the recently passed climate bill. These amendments were introduced by Senator Adam Gomez and Senator Adam Hinds.

  • Provisions for energy storage such as battery backups to be paired with community cooling centers in environmental justice communities, which could prevent those facilities from having to run diesel generators that would add to health impacts in event of a black-out. 
  • Expanded eligibility for a Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) equity program to also include community-based organizations working on climate resilience and extreme heat issue 


Learn more. 

Speaking of Preparedness...

September is National Preparedness Month and a reminder to make sure you are your family are prepared. Disasters can happen anywhere, any time. That’s why it’s important you’re prepared. Do you have a plan for yourself, your pets, and your family? Consider the specific needs you might have in an emergency. Learn how to make a plan and build an emergency supplies kit. 

Policy Update

Support Reproductive Health & Transportation Justice

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) has joined efforts with the Western Massachusetts Transportation Advocacy Network to work on an education and awareness campaign at the intersection of reproductive health and transportation justice.


The campaign seeks to educate the community about the prevalence and proximity of Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPC). CPCs are anti-abortion counseling centers that operate under the guise of providing medical care and social services, but whose goal is to deceive, shame, and pressure people about their reproductive health decisions. Many do not even have medical licenses.


The WFWM campaign is collecting testimonials related to accessing abortion or reproductive care and the transportation barriers people face when attempting to access care. The WFWM will share these anonymous stories across their social media accounts on October 18, 2022, which is Pro-Life Day of Silence. Share your story and learn more about the campaign. If you would like to get involved with the Western Massachusetts Transportation Advocacy Network, contact Laura Sylvester or Kim Croce.

If I had a Million Dollars

In November’s general election is a ballot question that could change a tax rate in Massachusetts. While this may not sound like a public health or health equity issue, it very much is. Currently, everyone in MA pays the same state income tax rate, but this long-time flat rate no longer brings in enough revenue for two key social determinant so health—education and transportation. The ballot question known as the Fair Share Amendment or the Millionaire’s Tax proposes this: Tax millionaires’ income above $1 million four points higher and use the $2 billion it would generate annually for more equitable public education; more affordable public colleges and universities; to repair and maintain roads and bridges; and for more public transportation. In doing this, less than 1% of MA residents would have higher taxes and the 6.83 million people in the Commonwealth could be a little healthier. To learn more about the Fair Share Amendment visit https://www.fairsharema.com/

Research & Evaluation

Using Data for Action

The Public Health Institute of Western MA is the technical assistance provider for the COVID-19 Community Impact Survey (CCIS) for Western MA. The CCIS has a wealth of data related to housing, employment. healthcare, intimate partner violence, substance use, youth, mental health, and more. We have received several requests for data analysis and presentations from organizations across our region. Learn more here and send us a data request.


Project Spotlight

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) wanted a greater understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on women and non-binary people in Hampden County to support the Greater Springfield Women’s Economic Security Hub. As part of our technical assistance, we worked with WFWM to create an infographic using CCIS data about the pandemic’s economic impact. To learn more about how to request data and create similar products for your organization, please contact us.

COVID-19

Updated Booster Shots are Here!

On September 1, 2022, the CDC issued new recommendations for COVID-19 boosters, after the FDA authorized updated booster formulas from both Pfizer and Moderna. The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 18 and older. 

 

These new boosters contain an updated bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain AND also protect against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. Updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time. Learn more about boosters.

¡Ya Están Aquí los Booster Shots Actualizados!

El 1 de Septiembre de 2022, los CDC emitieron nuevas recomendaciones para los refuerzos de COVID-19, luego de que la FDA autorizara fórmulas de refuerzo actualizadas tanto de Pfizer como de Moderna. Los CDC recomiendan que todas las personas elegibles se mantengan al día con las vacunas recibiendo una dosis de refuerzo actualizada al menos 2 meses después de su última vacuna contra el COVID-19, ya sea desde su última dosis de refuerzo o desde que completaron su serie primaria. La vacuna de refuerzo actualizada de Pfizer se recomienda para personas mayores de 12 años, y la vacuna de refuerzo actualizada de Moderna se recomienda para personas mayores de 18 años.


Estos nuevos refuerzos contienen una fórmula bivalente actualizada que aumenta la inmunidad contra la cepa de coronavirus original Y también protege contra las variantes más nuevas de Omicron que representan la mayoría de los casos actuales. Los refuerzos actualizados están destinados a brindar una protección óptima contra el virus y abordar la disminución de la efectividad de la vacuna con el tiempo. Obtenga más información sobre los refuerzos.

Event for Providers: Successes and Challenges in Administering COVID-19 Vaccines to Children

On September 28, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) is hosting a meeting for medical professionals to discuss the successes and challenges of administering COVID-19 vaccines to children in their practices. The meeting is open to members and non-members, and there will be ample time for questions and discussion. Learn more and register here. 

COVID-19 Data

Visit the Western MA COVID-19 Data Dashboard for the latest COVID-19 data for the region.

PHIWM in The News
  • Springfield Works to partner with 413Cares "so that no matter what door you are coming from, you are going to be able to access a resource". Read the MassLive article.
  • Samantha Hamilton joined State Senator Jo Comerford as a keynote speaker for the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy to kick off the 2022-2023 academic year. Photos below.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. During this month we celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of Latino/a/e and Hispanic Americans. Learn more.

Celebrate!

  • The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade, 9/18/22 at 11am: This year’s parade will part from between Main and Wason Ave and will march through downtown ending where Boland Way and Main Street. The parade highlights Latino music and traditions and is a way for residents in Western Massachusetts to learn about and celebrate the culture.
  • Festival Latino of the Berkshires, 9/24/22 from 12-6pm: Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Great Barrington. Learn more.


Events & Resources

Upcoming Events

Check out upcoming events in Western MA for Recovery Month and more.

Resources

  • Receive SNAP? Make sure your benefits are protected and you are aware of the latest scams. Learn more


  • 988 Mental Health Line: 988 mental health line is officially live! This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. If you call or text 988 you will be connected to support for mental health-related distress. Here's where you'll be connected in Massachusetts. Learn more.
 
 
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