Public Health Institute of Western MA

08/31/2026

Chicopee residents only.

Free workshops in Chicopee for families who are expecting or in their postpartum journey. Uber vouchers and giveaways will be provided. Register for one or all of the workshops. The first one starts next week!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsyNB0z7PfHOL0wym5m_-3Ys8cHyQRLpFP5vFjIGFS9n6jxA/viewform

08/27/2026

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will use survey results to improve programs, guide funding and resource decisions, and support policies that address health inequities. They will also share survey findings with partners across the state to help strengthen their efforts to improve health in their communities. The survey will be open from July 2026 through early Fall 2026. Anyone age 12 or older can participate. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete and is available in 12 languages.

Take the survey now: https://www.mass.gov/community-health-equity-survey

08/25/2026

Join us today or tomorrow to provide your input on Springfield's comprehensive housing plan.

Stop by any of our upcoming Open Houses to:
• Preview draft housing recommendations
• Ask questions & explore key data
• Share your experiences and ideas directly with the planning team

📍 Tuesday, Aug 25
• 1:00–2:30 PM | Mason Square Library (765 State St)
• 5:30–7:00 PM | 52 Sumner Ave (formerly Faith Church)

📍 Wednesday, Aug 26
• 5:30–7:00 PM | Indian Orchard Community Center (117 Main St Indian Orchard)

Springfield, your voice matters!
We’re finalizing the City’s Comprehensive Housing Plan, and we need your input to get it right.

Stop by any of our upcoming Open Houses to:
• Preview draft housing recommendations
• Ask questions & explore key data
• Share your experiences and ideas directly with the planning team

📍 Tuesday, Aug 25
• 1:00–2:30 PM | Mason Square Library (765 State St)
• 5:30–7:00 PM | 52 Sumner Ave (formerly Faith Church)

📍 Wednesday, Aug 26
• 5:30–7:00 PM | Indian Orchard Community Center (117 Main St Indian Orchard)

08/17/2026

Springfield your voice matters.

Springfield, your voice matters!
We’re finalizing the City’s Comprehensive Housing Plan, and we need your input to get it right.

Stop by any of our upcoming Open Houses to:
• Preview draft housing recommendations
• Ask questions & explore key data
• Share your experiences and ideas directly with the planning team

📍 Tuesday, Aug 25
• 1:00–2:30 PM | Mason Square Library (765 State St)
• 5:30–7:00 PM | 52 Sumner Ave (formerly Faith Church)

📍 Wednesday, Aug 26
• 5:30–7:00 PM | Indian Orchard Community Center (117 Main St Indian Orchard)

08/07/2026

07/27/2026

Check out the one-year health grants Cooley Dickinson Health Care is offering local organizations.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital is now accepting applications for one-time community health grants to support local organizations working to improve health and well-being across our service area.

These one-year grants will support projects aligned with the housing and food access priorities identified in our Community Health Needs Assessment and prioritizing populations that have been historically underserved or marginalized."

To learn more, visit http://spklr.io/6181Eu88f

Applications are due Aug.1, 2026, at 5 p.m. Please apply using this electronic application form: http://spklr.io/6184Eu88C

07/24/2026

Another important step forward! We’re proud members of the Clean Slate MA Steering Committee and offer an extra round of thanks to the Western MA Senators who co-sponsored Amendment #511: Jo Senator Jo Comerford, Senator Adam Gomez, Paul Mark, and Senator Jake Oliveira

Great news! The MA Senate adopted 's amendment #511 to the economic development bill, and yes, we're thrilled!!
Many, many thanks to all the advocates who've made calls, emails, and visits to their legislators, to make sure they know that automated CORI-sealing is critical for our economy, our communities, and hundreds of thousands of individuals' well-being
Huge shouts out to Sen. Friedman, Sen. and for their fabulous floor speeches!

More info to come...our work isnt over yet to make Clean Slate a law in MA.
If you dont already receive emails from Clean Slate MA, signup here: https://tinyurl.com/JoinCleanSlateMA








Massachusetts Competitive Partnership

07/24/2026

🎉 Meet the newest members of the PHIWM team!

Please join us in welcoming:
⭐ Kat Kowalski, Data Coordinator
⭐ Rusty Polsgrove, Program Manager, Live Well Springfield
⭐ Shirley L Rodriguez Communications Coordinator

We're excited to have them join us as we continue our mission of advancing health equity throughout Western Massachusetts. Welcome to

Want to learn more about our newest staff members and the rest of the PHIWM team? Visit our staff page: 🔗 https://www.publichealthwm.org/who-we-are/staff