From Barriers to Bridges: Clean Slate Laws and Public Health
April 3, 2025
Celebrate Second Chance Month and National Public Health Week with a free webinar!
April is Second Chance Month and April 7-13 is National Public Health Week, the perfect time to explore how “clean slate” laws promote health, economic stability, and racial equity. Criminal records create lasting barriers to employment, housing, and healthcare—key social determinants of health. A Clean Slate law, which automates record sealing as soon as someone is eligible, is a powerful tool for reducing inequities and strengthening communities. Join us for a 60-minute webinar where we’ll discuss:
- How criminal offender record information (CORIs) impacts health and well-being;
- Why so few eligible people have sealed records;
- The status of clean slate legislation in Massachusetts;
- Why more and more employers support clean slate laws; and
- How you can take action to support these reforms.
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We are pleased to announce that the Youth Health Data Hub of Western Massachusetts is now live! The Hub is designed to help communities better understand youth experiences, learn from one another, and turn information into action. The Hub was shaped by prevention coalitions, schools, community organizations, public health professionals, legislators, young people, and many other partners across Western Massachusetts. We are deeply grateful to the countless individuals who shared their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout its development. The idea for the Hub emerged several years ago through our work on the Western MA Youth Mental Health Roadmap , when young people and community partners identified a need for better access to data, evidence-based strategies, and examples of work happening across the region. In response, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, with support from The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, convened a regional advisory group and worked collaboratively to bring this vision to life. The Hub brings together interactive data, research, prevention and promotion strategies, and examples from across the region. We view it as a living resource and will continue to expand it over time. We hope it becomes a shared space for learning, collaboration, and collective action that helps all young people in Western Massachusetts thrive. Learn the many ways you can get involved. Explore the Hub: YouthHealthDataHub.org
