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In the May 2023 edition of our e-newsletter, you will find:
- The Official Public Health Emergencies Ended—Now What?
- Future MD’s Focus on Upstream Policy Change
- Break the Stigma
- A Successful Youth Mental Health Summit Launches Mental Health Awareness Month
- Health in Western MA: A Glimpse at the 2023 County Health Rankings
- PHIWM In the News
- Upcoming Events in the Region
- COVID-19 News & Resources
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The Official Public Health Emergencies Ended—Now What? | |
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On May 11, 2023, Massachusetts and the federal government both ended their respective COVID-19 public health emergencies but sadly, the contagious virus is still with us. While we have many tools to prevent the infection, COVID-19 remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The CDC continues to advise that everyone stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, use at-home tests if you have been exposed or have symptoms, stay home when sick, and wear high-quality masks when COVID-19 levels are high.
Knowing that the policy changes will reduce a variety of pandemic-era resources, PHIWM conducted a survey in April 2023 of social service and healthcare providers in Western Massachusetts to identify their concerns. Nearly 400 providers in Berkshire, Franklin, Hamden, and Hampshire Counties responded, 80% of whom said they are aware and knowledgeable about the ending of the public health emergency. The top two concerns they identified are: 1) Possible reduced access to free COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatment (e.g. Paxlovid and Lagevrio), especially for uninsured people; and 2) Reduced benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for families experiencing food insecurity.
Information about who can access free COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatment is currently complex and fluid as the federal and state governments transition these tools to the private market. Here is what we currently know:
- Free COVID-19 vaccinations continue for everyone in Massachusetts;
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Free telehealth services for COVID-19 treatment continue to be available for adult residents; if determined appropriate, Paxlovid is free;
- Free home COVID-19 test availability will change as insurers are no longer required to cover monthly at-home tests and the federal government will no longer supply free at-home tests
- MassHealth and other insurance will continue to cover COVID-19 PCR testing when ordered by a healthcare provider
Learn more about what will change and what will stay the same now that the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration has been lifted.
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Future MD’s Focus on Upstream Policy Change | |
At the State House in Boston, it is rare to see coats and blazers in colors other than blue or black, so when dozens of people in white coats are in those marble halls, they definitely stand out. On May 3, 2023, with the help of Senator Adam Gomez and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, PHIWM collaborated with the UMass Chan Medical School’s Population-based Urban & Rural Community Health (PURCH) track and Baystate Health’s Government & Community Relations team to bring medical school students to Beacon Hill to learn about advocating for policy changes to improve the social determinants of their (future) patients’ lives. | |
Senator Jake Oliveira talk with UMass Chan Medical School students about the importance of sharing their expertise with legislators. | UMass Chan Medical School students learned some State House history in the ‘well’ of the Senate Chamber from former Senator Michael Knapik (now Baystate Health’s Vice President for Government & Community Relations. | |
The students learned about the Healthy Homes Program bill from House sponsors (Chicopee Representative Shirley Arriaga and Salem Representative Manny Cruz), plus advocates from Revitalize Community Development Corporation, the MA Association of Community Development Corporations, and the McKnight Community Development Corporation. The students then divided into small teams and met with several lawmakers from Western MA, and/or their staff to discuss ways to advance the bill that would help reduce substandard housing conditions that cause or exacerbate respiratory problems and lead to lead poisoning. The Healthy Homes Program bill is one of PHIWM’s legislative priorities. See WWLP/22News video. | |
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Break the Stigma
Gandara Center is leading a bilingual mass media campaign to Break the Stigma/Sin Estigma of substance use disorder. This is part of a collaborative project funded by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The focus is on overdose prevention strategies across rural and urban parts of Hampden County. PHIWM is providing administrative and convening support on this grant.
The campaign officially launched on Friday, May 5th. Both Jessica Collins and Liv Anna Homstead, Coalition Building Manager, spoke at the press event. Learn more about the campaign in both English and Spanish on 413Cares where people can also connect directly to services.
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A Successful Youth Mental Health Summit Launches Mental Health Awareness Month
Everyone Comes Together: Youth Mental Health Summit was a success and a great start to Mental Health Awareness Month. We have so many people to thank for making it a reality. We cannot express enough gratitude to the BTO youth for their leadership that made this event remarkable. We would also like to thank our sponsors, Baystate Health and the Springfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, for their generous support in making the keynote speaker possible. Additionally, we'd like to thank the Red Table Talk volunteers who shared impactful information. We invite you to watch the video of their conversation.
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Health in Western MA: A Glimpse at the 2023 County Health Rankings
The 2023 County Health Rankings are now available. Our health is shaped by a variety of factors, including the social, economic, cultural, and physical environments we live in. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program provides data on more than 90 factors that influence our health, such as education, employment, community safety, housing, and access to health care. By examining these factors and how they vary among different populations and geographies, we can identify strategies to advance health and equity.
Below is a map illustrating the ratio of population to mental health providers in each county. Access to mental health care is essential for improving overall health and well-being. There have been many efforts to improve mental health in the region and state, such as the designation of 25 new Community Behavioral Health Centers that offer 24/7 crisis care as well as routine appointments and walk-ins.
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In the News
Our projects and staff frequently appear in the news. Check out some of the latest:
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Ounce of Prevention 2023 Conference, 5/23/23 from 9:30 am- 3:45 pm at the DCU Center, 3rd Floor, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA: The annual Ounce of Prevention conference offers professional development, networking, resources, and skill-building sessions. This year's focus is on Working Together for Healthier, More Equitable Communities. PHIWM staff members Samantha Hamilton, Jessica Collins, Sarita Hudson, and Dr. Kathleen Szegda will be presenting at workshops about disrupting structural racism and strengthening age-friendly communities through systems change and community engagement, measuring local air quality to address asthma inequities, and translating community data into action. Learn more and register.
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Age-Friendly Health and Tech Showcase, 5/31/23 from 11:30 am-2:00 pm at the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center located at 1476 Roosevelt Street, Springfield: Join LiveWell Springfield for a free event to highlight Health, Wellness, and Tech Innovations for older adults in celebration of Older Americans Month. This event aims to support caregivers and empower older adults to take control of their own health & wellness by sharing possible tech solutions to foster easier connectivity between older adults, caregivers, and providers. The showcase will feature 15-20 tech venders, and it will kick off with remarks from Mayor Dominic J. Sarno, Commissioner of Health and Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris, and PHIWM Executive Director Jessica Collins. Register
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Western Mass Transportation Advocacy Network Forum, 6/2/23 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at Gateway City Arts, 92 Race Street, Holyoke, MA: Enjoy networking, brainstorming, and great food at this free event. Learn more and register.
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Healthy Hampden County, 6/4/23 from 5:30pm-7:30pm: Join the Hampden County Health Improvement Plan (HCHIP) Network to hear about our work, share YOUR vision of a healthy Hampden County and get involved with the programs and policies affecting the health of communities throughout Hampden County. Register
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Coffee with the Compact, 6/7/23 from 10:00 am-11:00 am: The Health Equity Compact (HEC) invites Western MA leaders-- community-based leaders, faith-based leaders, elected officials, philanthropists, and social service leaders -- to a virtual event to learn about HEC, their legislative priorities, & partnership opportunities. Register
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2023 Office of Problem Gambling Services 7th Annual Stakeholder Listening Session - Springfield, 6/21/23: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services invites you to participate in a discussion about modern day gambling and its effects. Learn more and register.
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COVID-19 News & Resources | |
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New COVID Vaccination Recommendations
On April 19, 2023 the CDC updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to simplify guidance and allow people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 to get an additional vaccine dose. Let’s break down what you need to know:
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Adults who are 65 or older or immunocompromised, can now get one additional bivalent dose if it has been at least four months since your previous (bivalent) dose.
- Why did the CDC make this recommendation? Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, and data show that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time. An additional dose of the updated vaccine offers this group extra protection from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.
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Individuals ages 6 years and older are recommended to get one updated (bivalent) booster dose, regardless of whether they have completed a primary series.
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Find a COVID vaccine location
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Nuevas recomendaciones de vacunación contra el COVID
El 19 de abril de 2023, los CDC actualizaron sus recomendaciones de vacunas contra la COVID-19 para simplificar la guía y permitir que las personas con mayor riesgo de contraer COVID-19 grave, reciban una dosis adicional de la vacuna. Analicemos lo que necesita saber:
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Los adultos mayores de 65 años o inmunocomprometidos ahora pueden recibir una dosis bivalente adicional si han pasado al menos cuatro meses desde su dosis anterior (bivalente).
- ¿Por qué los CDC hicieron esta recomendación? Los adultos mayores y las personas con sistemas inmunitarios comprometidos corren un mayor riesgo de sufrir COVID-19 grave, y los datos muestran que la eficacia de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 disminuye con el tiempo. Una dosis adicional de la vacuna actualizada ofrece a este grupo protección adicional contra la enfermedad grave de COVID-19.
- Se recomienda que las personas de 6 años en adelante reciban una dosis de refuerzo actualizada (bivalente), independientemente de si han completado una serie primaria.
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Encuentre una ubicación de vacunas COVID
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