There is Still Time to Register for MPHA’s Annual Conference & Meeting!

Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 9 AM to 1 PM for a morning of inspiration and reconnection at MPHA’s virtual Annual Conference & Meeting – Rooted in Community: Building Equity-Driven Policies. The agenda includes a keynote address by Dr. Lauren Smith of the CDC Foundation and a conversation about public health and environmental justice with State Senator-Elect Liz Miranda. In addition, Board Member and Boston University School of Public Health Associate Dean Dr. Craig Andrade will be speaking with our Deputy Director, Oami Amarasingham, about how MPHA works to implement our Health Equity Policy Framework with integrity, and MPHA Staff and Policy Council Members will unveil our 2023-2024 Policy Agenda. Registration closes on Monday, Dec. 12 at 5 PM, so register today!

Victories at the Ballot Box

MPHA is excited to report that both statewide ballot questions we endorsed passed by sizable margins in November! These victories represent an important step forward in our effort to achieve health equity across the Commonwealth. The first, Question 1: The Fair Share Amendment, will generate $2 billion every year for transportation and education, two important drivers of positive health outcomes. The second, Question 4 for Safer Roads, will allow all qualified state residents to apply for a standard driver’s license, regardless of their immigration status. This will improve road safety, while also allowing families to make essential trips, like dropping kids off at school and going to the doctor. Thank you to everyone who voted yes on Questions 1 and 4! 

New Administration Embraces Equity

With the election in November of Maura Healey as Governor and Kim Driscoll as Lt. Governor, Massachusetts prepares to welcome a new administration with a well-known commitment to public health. As Attorney General, Healey highlighted both the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and the need for a statewide plan to achieve health equity. Meanwhile, in her role as Mayor of Salem, Driscoll was a leader in the effort to transform the local public health system. The coming year will present many opportunities to work with the new administration, and MPHA is ready to hit the ground running! 

SAPHE 2.0 Nears the Finish Line

The Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community Act (SAPHE 2.0) passed unanimously in both the House and Senate last summer, but was returned to the legislature by Governor Baker with proposed changes. His amendment would dramatically weaken the bill by making minimum public health standards a local option, further entrenching the patchwork of policies that makes the Commonwealth’s local public health system both inequitable and ineffective. MPHA and our partners are working closely with our legislative champions to send the bill back to the governor's desk by the end of the year. Stay tuned for opportunities to take action! 

Heartfelt Thanks to Outgoing Board & Policy Council Members

MPHA celebrates the hard work and commitment of our outgoing Board and Policy Council members. Departing members of the Board of Directors are: 

• Heather McMann - Board Treasurer; Executive Director, Groundwork USA 
• Aswita Tan-McGrory - Board Member; Director, Equity in Care Implementation and the Disparities Solutions Center, Administrative Director of Research, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital 



Outgoing Policy Council members include: 

• Brenda Evans - Community Liaison, UMass-Amherst Center for Community Health Equity Research 
• Cheryl Sbarra - Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of Health Boards 
• Kerrie D'Entremont - Executive Director, Greater Lowell Health Alliance 
• Lesly Melendez - Executive Director, Groundwork Lawrence 
• Risa Silverman - Outreach Director, UMass-Amherst SPHHS/Western MA Health Equity Network 

We are deeply grateful for their insights and expertise, as well as their unwavering commitment to building healthy communities where all residents can thrive!