A Major Win for Public Health!
 
On Monday, Governor Baker signed the Legislature’s bill allocating federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds earmarked for Massachusetts. In a monumental step forward, the bill included a $200 million investment in the Commonwealth’s local public health system! We are deeply grateful for the strong support of leadership in both the House and Senate, as well as the stalwart efforts of our legislative champions – Senator Jo Comerford, Vice Chair Denise Garlick, and Representative Hannah Kane – for bringing us to this historic moment. To be truly effective, however, this investment must be paired with essential policy change. That’s why we are advocating for immediate passage of the SAPHE 2.0 bill. This will establish minimum public health standards for every community, credential public health workers, create uniform data collection and reporting systems and build a state funding mechanism for local boards of health. Please take a moment to contact your elected officials TODAY and ask them to support the SAPHE 2.0 bill!
Coalition Calls for More Effective COVID Policies
 
MPHA has joined with more than 100 medical professionals and partner organizations to call on the Baker Administration to address the current surge of COVID infections, continuing inequities in vaccination, and rising rates of hospitalization. The coalition is calling for new state policies, including a statewide indoor mask mandate, increased surveillance testing in schools, improved workplace safety standards, and funding for daily mobile vaccination clinics in hard-hit frontline communities. We are grateful for the leadership of infectious disease clinicians Julia Koehler, Regina LaRocque, and Julia Raifman, as well as partner organizations MassCOSH, La Colaborativa, and the Brazilian Women’s Group.
Vaccine Equity Now! Coalition Issues Workplace Guidance
 
Last week, the Vaccine Equity Now! (VEN!) Coalition released new Equity Principles for Workplace COVID Vaccine Policies & Safety Practices. This multilingual resource will support employer efforts to increase vaccination, limit the spread of COVID-19 and promote employee health. By implementing these principles, employers can ensure that they develop vaccine policies in a way that supports the health and wellbeing of everyone in the community. The guide is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. MPHA is proud to be a founding member and cochair of VEN!
MPHA Board Member Named to Leadership Post at Mass General Brigham
 
MPHA Board Member Tavinder Phull, MPH, MBA, has been named Vice President of Community Health for Mass General Brigham. In this role, Tavinder will collaborate closely with community health leaders to develop a strategy aimed at reducing health inequities in the communities served by Mass General Brigham and improving community health outcomes. Tavinder joined Mass General Brigham in 2001 as a senior analyst for research and evaluation. Most recently, she has served as director of reporting and compliance for Mass General Brigham Community Health. Congratulations, Tavinder!
Massachusetts Public Health Association
(857) 263-7072 | @mapublichealth | mapublichealth.org
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