Western MA Health Equity Network

12/18/2025

https://forms.gle/t6HbdrpU8p9NgHvdA
If you're interested in having a short-term public health intern for Feb-May 2026, send me a note and I will reply with more information. We know many of you are handling so many new threats to doing your vital work to protect the health of our western MA communities—a student may be able to lend a hand! Students can work remotely, in person or both so our reach can be near and far.

UMASS public health undergraduate students are always seeking experience working in and with our communities. We are seeking any short term opportunities with you where you and the student will mutually benefit! If you need an hour of help, or a few hours/week for 3 months in Spring 2026, complete t...

12/01/2025

A great graphic to recognize World AIDS Day and to fight for more justice in care and treatment for everyone locally and globally.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2025

As the world faces major setbacks and challenges in our fight against HIV and AIDS, these obstacles will not hinder or defeat us in achieving our goal to end AIDS by 2030.

This year's theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reminds us to remain resilient, protect the hard-won gains, and continue driving the HIV response forward.

If we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment, we can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2023.

11/13/2025

At a panel hosted at UMass last week, healthcare executives and state officials offered bleak projections and ideas for patching widening gaps in coverage.

11/05/2025

‼️ Two weeks until the MPHA 2025 Annual Conference & Meeting‼️

Join us online on November 19 for a powerful keynote and community conversation with Commissioner Robert Goldstein on how we can protect six decades of public health progress. When you register, and again during the Q&A section of the event, you can share your question(s) for the Commissioner. Your insights, concerns, and experiences will help shape this important discussion.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement for health equity and justice. Learn, connect, and take action alongside hundreds of public health advocates.

Secure your spot today before registration closes: https://lnkd.in/e5dV6qAB

10/30/2025

MA-based Resources around the Federal Shutdown and SNAP Impact--this will be updated as new information arrives.

On Friday, October 23rd, DTA sent an email to community partners and clients in Massachusetts [...]Read More

10/29/2025

11 things to know about SNAP (the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):

1. Donald Trump is the first president in U.S. history to stop SNAP payments during a government shutdown.

2. The federal government has some contingency funds that it could transfer during the government shutdown to avoid the total loss of SNAP benefits. The Trump Administration is making a choice to not fund SNAP.

3. One million people in Massachusetts receive SNAP. The majority older adults, people living with disabilities, and children. Nearly 12,000 are in Franklin County, nearly 13,000 in Hampshire County, upwards of 140,000 in Worcester County.

4. The average household benefit is $323 per month.

5. The total SNAP payment in Massachusetts is approximately $210 million per month.

6. SNAP accounts for $1 of every $5 spent at Massachusetts grocery stores.

7. Also on November 1, new SNAP requirements and eligibility changes adopted under the federal HR.1 (the big ugly bill) begin to go into effect. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) estimates these changes will eventually affect more 150,000 Massachusetts families once SNAP payments are restored. Changes include:
* Eliminating geographic waivers exempting households in western and central Massachusetts from strict work requirements,
* Eliminating eligibility for some immigrants including refugees and asylum seekers, and
* Eliminating eligibility for an automatic deduction in utility costs for households receiving fuel assistance.

(NOTE: Changes to eligibility and work rules and time limits which begin on Nov. 1 are not automatic. DTA will notify people if new rules apply to them when they come up for recertification, so it will roll out over 12 months. Also note that the Senate just passed $10 million so that DTA has the resources it needs to help as many people as possible navigate these cuts.)

8. Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), and the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) will continue normally (NOTE that SNAP users must have at least $0.01 (one cent) on their EBT card to access HIP.) Residents can still access WIC and school meals. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards will continue to function in November with any carryover benefits, though no new funds will be added. DTA offices remain open to provide other services.

9. People facing immediate need can access resources through the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at (800) 645-8333 and local food pantries. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please also reach out to [email protected] if you need help.

10. Our emergency emergency food system and providers (food pantries, meal sites, etc) cannot cover what will be lost if November SNAP is delayed. Governor Healey is working with the United Way’s across the state and ALL private help is needed. People looking to help can donate to their local United Way (https://uw-fh.org/) or to the United Response Fund (https://unitedwaymassbay.org/united-response).

11. But/and I believe the public’s food security must also be the responsibility of government. More information mass.gov/SNAPupdates.

10/16/2025

We hope you can join us for a free webinar exploring the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities across Western Massachusetts, featuring State Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district, Laura Kittross, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and Phoebe Walker, Franklin Regional Council of Governments.

Learn more and register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7p9d7vf/lp/1560e0b9-8d47-4f20-800c-dcc40fcc9207

10/16/2025

EXCITING!

Trishan Panch, President of the Health Care for All Board of Directors, issued a statement in response to Governor Maura Healey’s announcement that Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director of Health Care for All, will be named Undersecretary of Health for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services:

“Amy Rosenthal is a true health care champion, and we are thrilled that Governor Healey has asked her to serve in this senior role supporting the people of Massachusetts. We at Health Care for All (HCFA) know that Amy will bring the same passionate, savvy and strategic approach to delivering for Governor Healey and Secretary Mahaniah as she has for the last eight years and throughout her career.

“Amy’s tenure at HCFA will be remembered for the sweeping policy, public health and grassroots successes made here since she took over in 2017. From overseeing the direct service work helping people enroll in health coverage and problem-solving real-world health care crises to leading groundbreaking legislative changes around prescription drugs and expanded coverage for people who need it most, Amy has driven powerful successes in every facet of our work.

“Ashley Blackburn has been promoted to HCFA’s Deputy Executive Director, a new and permanent leadership role where she will ensure HCFA’s programmatic goals are achieved. She will also serve as the Interim Executive Director while the board conducts a national search for an Executive Director.

“The strong team at HCFA is unwavering in their commitment to the organization’s mission. Whether they are answering calls on the HelpLine, staffing tables at community events or lobbying for policy changes at the State House, HCFA’s team is making a difference each and every day. We know the organization will continue to thrive and excel long after Amy’s departure.

To read the full statement, please click here: https://hcfama.org/health-care-for-all-celebrates-governor-healeys-appointment-of-amy-rosenthal-as-undersecretary-of-health-october-16-2025/

10/16/2025

Are you passionate about su***de prevention and awareness and promoting mental wellness? We invite you to attend a meeting (next one November 20 2-3 pm) and/or reach out to us. We are looking for more people to get involved!

10/01/2025

“Impacts of Medicaid Cuts on Western Massachusetts.”
Please join--all welcome! Free and open to the public.
Join us Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the UMass Amherst, Fine Arts Center for a forum entitled, “Impacts of Medicaid Cuts on Western Massachusetts.” Seating is limited, so please register as soon as possible: https://slate.brandeis.edu/register/?id=1e868c8e-8df5-45a3-9354-2cc318472280
Medicaid cuts resulting from the passage of H.R. 1, the federal budget reconciliation act known as the “One Big Beautiful Act” will lead to an estimated 141,000 to 203,000 MassHealth members losing health care coverage. The number of uninsured will likely increase significantly and adversely impact safety net providers and others throughout the health care system. Details of this law's impact on the Commonwealth will be followed by a deep dive panel discussion of the impact on Western Massachusetts.
A presentation of research by Kaitlyn Kenny Walsh, Vice President of Policy and Research, BCBSMA Foundation, will focus on the impact on Massachusetts federal funding regulations and policy changes. The panel on the implications for Western Massachusetts will be moderated by Audrey Shelto, President and CEO, BCBSMA Foundation and include Michael Levine, Undersecretary, MassHealth at EOHHS, Tania Barber, President and CEO, Caring Health Center, Dean Sanpei, COA, Baystate Health, and Iiana Steinhauer, Executive Director, Volunteers in Medicine.
This forum is supported by University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. The Philip W. Johnston Massachusetts Health Policy Forum is also supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Baystate Health.
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Location: UMass Amherst, Fine Arts Center
Free and open to the public.
Parking is available at the Campus Center Garage, 91 Campus Center Way, UMass, Amherst 01003. Please allow additional time to walk to the Fine Arts Center. Additional information including parking rates can be found on their website. A continental breakfast will be served during registration between 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. We hope that you will be able to join us.
The agenda is available on the Massachusetts Health Policy Forum website: https://heller.brandeis.edu/mass-health-policy-forum/categories/public-health/impacts-of-medicaid-cuts-on-western-massachusetts.html

09/05/2025

SBPHC will be hosting 19 mobile vaccine clinics throughout Southern Berkshire County that includes flu for everyone aged 6 months and older and COVID for everyone aged 5 or older. Register today at https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/tritown to reserve your slot or call (413) 243-5540 x109 for assistance.

09/05/2025

PVTA extends Try Transit program thru June 30, 2026!!!! No fares or passes needed to ride fixed route buses or paratransit vans!!!
(Premium service not included, B79)