Webinar Recording Posted, Clean Slate Laws and Public Health
April 11, 2025
From Barriers to Bridges: Clean Slate Laws & Public Health
This webinar features insights from leaders across public health, policy, and advocacy who will offer a well-rounded conversation on the health, legislative, and economic dimensions of clean slate policy:
- Dr. Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, a national organization championing policies that expand second chances through record clearance.
- Senator Adam Gomez, representing the Massachusetts State Senate and a key advocate for criminal justice reform and economic equity.
- Jessica Collins, Executive Director of the Public Health Institute of Western MA, whose work centers health equity and community well-being.
- Jay Ash, CEO of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, bringing a business perspective to the importance of second chances and economic inclusion.
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Join us for a free webinar, November 14, 2025, from 12:00 - 1:15 pm, 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.
On September 27th, resident advisors (RAs) from the Public Health Institute of Western MA gathered at Regreen Springfield for a Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop. RAs from the following 5 coalitions shared successes, challenges, and key learnings. A team of RAs representing each initiative led presentations that sparked dialogue, allowing everyone to learn from one another, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of community efforts. Intergenerational Social Connections (ISC): Focuses on bringing youth and older adults together in Springfield to reduce loneliness, build relationships, and strengthen community across generations. Live Well Springfield Climate Change and Health Equity (CCHE): Focuses on advancing community choice energy for Springfield, creating strategies to address extreme heat, and developing a new Climate Change Action Plan for the city. Live Well Springfield Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI): Focuses on addressing Springfield’s housing needs by improving housing conditions, increasing affordability, and expanding opportunities for homeownership. Healthy Air Network: Focuses on monitoring air quality, exploring transportation issues, developing an innovative app, and tackling climate change challenges The workshop also served as a warm welcome and orientation for new RAs joining the committees, especially our new Parent Advisors for the Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC), which is focused on youth mental health and problem gambling. Learn more about the resident advisor program .
