Many Signs of Hope

I just had the most inspiring lunch with students and staff at Bard Microcollege Holyoke. During our conversation, they reminded me of the depth of human courage and resilience, the power of providing opportunities, and the importance of believing in people. I was also reminded of the vastness of the field of public health and the importance of cross-sector collaborations. I am proud to say that PHIWM nurtures collaborative culture, and I admit that one of our greatest challenges is choosing which of the many directions to take, given the tremendous need for research, coalition building, and policy change that exists in the public health realm.

On Monday I popped into the Springfield Cultural Partnership’s celebration of local artists who inspired so many people with their creative artwork about health, love, and care for the community. Then, I attended a truly transformational training with the BeHealthy Partnership ACO leadership and front-line care teams about Disability History, Rights, and Healthcare Inclusion led by the Disability Policy Consortium; please take a moment to look at this video of Disability Activist Ed Roberts on "60 Minutes" with Harry Reasoner.

Lastly, I wanted to give a shout-out to MA State Senator Jo Comerford, another recent source of inspiration for me. She is a true champion for regional equity, as demonstrated by her leadership to get additional “Chapter 90 funds” set aside for communities with low population density but miles of roads. Her recent remarks inspired me because she spoke of the need for a new Chapter 90 funding formula—one of the many key changes we need for regional equity in Western MA.   

These are just a few glimpses I’ve recently seen of the hard work and celebrations that go into the steady push toward equity. I am grateful for the broad array of partners who make these wins possible, as we continue to work together to unveil inequities, support individuals, work toward community enhancements, and advance equitable policy change.

-Jessica Collins, Executive Director 

Policy

ACTION ALERT: TODAY, Please Make A Phone Call for Local Public Health & Housing Security

On Monday, April 24, the Massachusetts House of Representatives will begin debating the more than 1,500 amendments they recently filed after reviewing the House Ways & Means Committee’s $56.2 billion draft budget for fiscal year 2024. Among these amendments are many that can significantly advance public health and health equity, including by transforming local public health and investing more in housing security. At this stage of the annual budget process, our State Representatives (not Senators, yet) are able to co-sponsor specific budget amendments, and they look to constituents for recommendations. This is where we need your help. Please contact your MA State Representative TODAY and ask them to co-sponsor some or all of these eight budget amendments to advance local public health and improve access to housing at this very challenging time. Thank you in advance for your advocacy!

PHIWM’s Policy Director Andrea Freeman & Franklin Regional Council of Government’s Community Services Director Phoebe Walker participated in the Massachusetts Public Health Association’s Lobby Day at the State House to advocate for a critical local public health bill to transform local public health (SAPHE 2.0)

Coalition Building

Quick Survey

We are asking for your help in gathering information on the ever-changing world here in Western MA, because your experience and perspectives are very important to us.  We kindly ask you to complete this brief, anonymous survey and share it with your network. This survey is intended to be completed by those living and/or working in Western Massachusetts. The survey will remain open until April 23, 2023.

Take Survey Now!

413 Cares Partnerships

413Cares has been partnering with Springfield WORKS and their partners involved in collaborative work to close service gaps and create access to the needed resources for justice-involved individuals and their families. The Employment Resources page was developed for residents, case managers, and coaches to find the services they need in the Greater Springfield area to support a successful journey to employment.

413Cares Office Hours

413Cares is holding ‘Office Hours’ for organizations and individuals to learn more about 413Cares and ask specific questions to help everyone use the platform to the fullest capacity. Register and drop in for the time needed. 

• April 25th, 12:00-1:30 pm. Register
• May 17th, 1:30-3:00 pm. Register

Western MA Events

Upcoming Events

• 2nd Annual Springfield Earth Day Celebration, 4/22/23 from 11:00 am-5:00 pm at Myrtle Street Park, Springfield, MA. The event is open to the public. Come say hello to the Healthy Air Network, who will be tabling at this event!
• Food Insecurity Webinar, 4/25/23 from 5:30 pm-6:40 pm: This virtual webinar, hosted by the Faith Based Health Alliance, is open to the public. Join in a conversation about the history of food insecurity in the greater Springfield area. Register now!
• Self Care and Transformation for BIPOC Women & Allies, 4/26/23 from 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm: Join the Healing Racism Institute of Western Massachusetts for a special free community conversation. Register now!
• Check out Springfield Health and Human Services Public Health Month Calendar for even more upcoming events!

News & Resources

Gray to Green Initiative in Pittsfield

Gray to Green is a five-year resident-centered planning initiative in Pittsfield, overseen by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. It is funded by the Department of Public Health. Gray to Green works with partners on projects focused on environmental, racial, climate, and social equity. Read the Gray to Green story in the Berkshire Eagle.

New Commissioner Appointed to MA DPH

Dr. Robert Goldstein was Appointed Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, effective April 18. Dr. Goldstein is currently a senior policy advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an infectious-disease physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Learn More.

Important News for MassHealth Members

MassHealth members will soon need to renew their health coverage. Here’s some helpful information to help them stay covered.

Noticias importantes para los miembros de MassHealth

Los miembros de MassHealth deberán renovar pronto su cobertura de salud. Les damos información útil para que mantengan su cobertura. 

State-Funded Extra SNAP Payments

Massachusetts households will receive state-funded extra SNAP payments on April 7, May 2, and June 2, 2023, following Governor Healey’s signing of a supplemental budget that created an offramp from the extra federal COVID SNAP benefits. Learn more.

COVID-19 News & Resources

Western MA COVID-19 Data Dashboard

The Western Massachusetts COVID-19 Data Dashboard is updated on the third Friday of each month.