Cooley Dickinson is the only hospital in western Mass. to earn a top score of 100 in a national benchmarking survey and earn the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation. “We are here for all patients no matter who they love, what they believe or where they come from,” says Lynnette Watkins, MD, president and COO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Last week's favorite click.

Community Health Equity Initiative (CHEI) Data is released.

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

MA startup streamlining name changes

From the Washington blade: Currently only 11% of trans people in the U.S. have all identity documents that correctly reflect their name and gender, per the National Center for Trans Equality. This MA-based startup is working to make the process simpler, thereby ensuring easier access for IDs, credit, and health matters.

Read it at the blade

Transhealth announces new CEO and COO

The Transhealth Board of Directors announces the appointment of Joan Erwin, RN, BSN (any pronouns) as interim CEO and Celia Overby (she/her) as interim COO. A registered nurse, Erwin brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership and delivery having served as the organization’s COO as well as in senior roles in three major healthcare organizations before joining Transhealth.

Full release

Family Town Hall on June 23

Join Sen. Jo Comerford on Sunday, June 23 at 4pm in the basement of Edwards Church in Northampton for a less formal (and likely more fun) event. Comerford will offer updates, share the story of how the Podokesaurus Holyokensis became the official dinosaur of the Commonwealth, and take your questions and feedback.

Info and register

35th Kids Count Data Book is out

The 35th edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT® Data Book examines the unprecedented declines in student math and reading proficiency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on education. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reveals that between 2019 and 2022, fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math scores plummeted, representing decades of lost progress.