COVID in Western MA
Visit the Western MA COVID-19 Data Dashboard for the latest COVID-19 data for the region. The Dashboard is updated every Friday, by mid-afternoon.
In The News
  • Executive Director Jessica Collins was quoted in 7/7/21 article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.​​​​​​ Some communities are cutting back the frequency of their COVID-19 data updates. As captured in the article, we do not have any plans to scale back our dashboard any time soon, and in the future, we hope to expand the dashboard to include other issues that present health inequities. Read the full article.
  • Jessica Collins talks vaccines, messaging, and health equity in this 7/7/21 interview on "And Another Thing". Listen Now!

Delta Variant
You've probably heard about the delta variant. Here's what you should know.

Vaccines & Masks: Navigating Workplace Culture
The recording is now available from the June 24, 2021 webinar. Learn how different organizations are handling returning to work and workplace culture regarding COVID-19. Listen now!
Attention Springfield Residents!
The Live Well Springfield Climate Justice Initiative needs your help advocating for two policies addressing climate change, health equity, and systemic racism in Springfield.

Residents who join the committee will receive a monthly $100 stipend.


Email Samantha Hamilton for for information.
Age-Friendly Work Advances
The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts was awarded a two-year grant of $160,000 from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to work with the Live Well Springfield Coalition to foster an age-friendly ecosystem and health equity approach to policies and practices in Springfield and Hampden County.

“We are grateful to Tufts Health Plan Foundation for their continued partnership in building capacity for policy change so older adults can lead healthy lives. Our collaborative work in Springfield is a model for the state and nation,” said Jessica Collins, Executive Director.

The LiveWell Springfield Coalition will use this funding to ensure housing policies and solutions make resources accessible to all older people. The work includes: collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department, criminal justice reform advocates, housing, and behavioral health providers to advance supports for older adults with criminal records to ensure housing and health access; the development of an action plan and digital toolkit to support older adults’ health at home; and an effort to recruit and train older adult resident leaders who can advocate for age-friendly best practices and initiatives. Our key partners working to advance the ecosystem for older adults under this grant include Baystate Geriatrics, TechSpring, Baystate Neighborhood Health Centers, New North Citizen's Council, Men of Color Health Awareness, and the Alliance for Digital Equity as well as the Age Friendly Advisory Board.
Events
Upcoming Events
  • Making Sense of the Child Tax Credit, 7/14/21 from 12-12:45pm and 7/15/21 from 6-6:45pm: Community Action Pioneer Valley is hosting two sessions as part of their Money Matters Program to share information about the new 2021 Advanced Child Tax Credit payments. Open to residents of Hampshire County, Franklin County, and the North Quabbin region. Register here.
  • NOFA Summer Conference, 7/30/21-8/6/21: This years virtual conference will include over 45 expert presenters. Learn more and register.

Are you hosting an event that you would like us to promote in our newsletter or on social media? Please reach out to let us know!
Resources
Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Beginning July 15
Important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments of the credit starting this summer. The monthly payments are an advance of your 2021 expanded Child Tax Credit. The IRS will issue monthly payments of $250 to $300 starting July 15, 2021 based on family information in your 2020 or 2019 return. The remainder can be claimed as part of your 2021 tax return.

Learn more:
Good News for Greater Springfield!
Springfield Is No Longer the "Asthma Capital" of the US

A new report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America finds that Springfield now ranks number 12 on the list of the worst places in the country to live with asthma — an improvement from past years! Sarita Hudson, Director of Programs and Development, spoke with New England Public Media about efforts to address asthma and air quality in greater Springfield. Read the article.
Why Did You Get Vaccinated?
Share Your Story
Arise for Social Justice and the Mass Equality Education Fund have partnered to reduce vaccine hesitancy. They are looking for vaccinated individuals in the LGBT+ community to help by submitting a short video (less than 1 minute) explaining why you chose to get vaccinated. The hope is that these videos will encourage and inspire others to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

To submit a video, either upload here or email it to tanya@massequality.org.
Schedule your Vaccine Today!
Anyone 12 and older can now receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. People age 12-17 can receive the Pfizer vaccine. People age 18 and older can receive any vaccine. The vaccine is FREE!
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
  • Vaccine Clinics in Springfield: See listing of vaccine clinics and pop-ups in Springfield.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Finder: Search for appointments at pharmacies, health care providers, and other community locations. Appointment availability is updated daily. Some local vaccination sites may only be open to residents of select town. Check listing to see if the site is restricted.
  • Vaccination locations and bus routes in the PVTA service area: Find a list of COVID-19 vaccination sites in the PVTA service area and which bus routes service them.
  • Vaccine scheduling help lines: Baystate Health has compiled information about local contacts that offer assistance with vaccine scheduling.
  • Homebound Vaccination Program: Any individual who has trouble getting to a vaccine site is eligible for the homebound program. Individuals can call (833) 983-0485 to register for an in-home vaccination. The registration phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and has representatives who speak English and Spanish, as well as translation services available in 100+ languages.
Getting vaccinated will not only protect you, your family, and your community, but you will also have the chance to win $1 million or a college scholarship. Learn more.