No Menthol in Massachusetts starting on June 1
NO MENTHOL
Starting June 1, 2020, menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products like flavored cigars, flavored chewing tobacco, and flavored vapes will no longer be sold in stores like gas stations and corner stores in Massachusetts. This includes brands with mint and menthol flavored products like Newports, Kools, and menthol Pall Malls.
 
KNOW WHY
The tobacco and vaping industries have a long history of unfairly targeting specific groups of people with their deadly products, including the black community, the LGBTQ community, and the Latinx community. Today, tobacco companies continue to target these communities in new ways, from ads placed in black neighborhoods to the price of menthols in corner stores. It’s no coincidence that so many people of color smoke menthols; it is by design. In response, Massachusetts is updating its tobacco laws – because everyone should have a fair chance to thrive and be healthy.
 
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free coaching and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 
You can also enroll online and access quit support at KeepTryingMA.org . Visit NoMentholKnowWhy.org to find out more about the new law including how it will help advance health equity and racial justice, and to share your own story about menthol. 
Events
Reopening and Your Rights
The MA Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health is hosting Reopening and Your Rights: A bilingual virtual Town Hall on Thursday May 28 th from 5-7pm. 

Gun Violence Program Hosts Peace Drive
On May 30, 2020 at 10:00 am, The Good Vibes Program is having their second Peace Drive, in response to the lives that have been tragically lost due to gun violence in Springfield.

They will gather at McDonald’s Parking lot in the North End located at 2397 Main Street in Springfield and f rom there guide the peace drive.  Please join in the Good Vibes Program Peace Drive!  The Peace Drive is one way that the Good Vibes Program supports Springfield’s young people and families who are impacted by recent gun violence. The Peace Drive serves to shine a light on gun violence, spread the word about resources that are available to young people at risk of being involved in gun violence, and change social norms around gun violence.

For more information contact Good Vibes Program Coordinator, Ray Planas at rplanas@newnorthcc.org or 413-455-2132.
Digital Divide Dialogue
Baystate Health and Community Foundation of Western MA invite you to join them Wednesday, June 3, 2020 from 10 AM to 12 PM for their conversation on Digital Divide.

Please register via Eventbrite . Registration will close Monday June 1, 2020 at 5pm.  
Take action to advance equity in MA
Emergency Paid Sick Time 
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development is accepting written and video testimonials on this legislation through Friday May 29.

Protect All Immigrants
Contact your legislators and the Public Safety Committee by Friday May 29 th to show support for the Safe Communities Act ( S.1401 / H.3573 ). During a public health crisis, it's critical for everyone to know that they can safely seek help and medical attention. In our communities, immigrants are not getting this message.
Black and Latinx People are on the Frontlines of the Pandemic
Sign this petition to tell Governor Baker to take action in prioritizing the health and economic safety of our communities who are on the front lines keeping the country running:                                         
PROTECT OUR HEALTH
  • Roll Back Phase 1 and create a board of community voices to weigh in on reopening and give it equal weight to the corporate board.
  • Guarantee income, housing, healthcare, food, and transportation (including access to drivers licenses regardless of immigration status) (no exceptions)
  • Decarcerate / End ICE Surveillance & Enforcement in MA / Pass Safe Communities Act

STABILIZE OUR COMMUNITIES
  •  Housing Stability Now And After the Crisis: Cancel Rent / Cancel Mortgages / Cancel Housing Debt
  •  No Budget Cuts to Education, Health Care, MBTA
  • Emergency Hazard Pay / Guaranteed Sick Time for Worker

Learn more about COVID-19 Advocacy on our website.
Prevention
Tips for Wearing Masks
As Massachusetts opens back up it is important to remember COVID-19 is still here! In order to keep our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors healthy we still need to wear masks when we leave the house. Make sure masks cover your nose and mouth at all times.
Thank You, Essential Workers!
There are so many ways to show gratitude and spread kindness while practicing social (physical) distancing. Even in these uncertain times, there is so much to be thankful for!

Thank you healthcare workers, sanitation workers, grocery workers, caretakers, utility workers, teachers, transit workers, truckers, warehouse workers, delivery and postal workers, farmers, food industry workers, and all other essential workers who are out there keeping society functioning (there are too many to name)! Thank you kind neighbors, people staying home, people social distancing, people wearing masks in public, and people taking steps to slow the spread of COVID19.
Featuring photos from PHIWM Staff Jessie Gleckel, Sandra Alvarado ,  Sarita Hudson  ,  Jessica Collins  , and Keleigh Waldner.
413CARES
Internet Resources
Some companies are providing customers with assistance on their internet bills. Check to see if your internet provider is listed and if you qualify:

Blink a light outside your home, or a light that can be seen by others outside for 1 minute. The campaign will run until Governor Baker reverses our state of emergency (as the days grow longer we'll be in touch to push back the time.) Thank you for spreading the light and hope.