2 Western MA COVID testing sites welcomed, but some say more needed in region
July 30, 2020
The Baker-Polito Administration has expanded free COVID-19 testing to 8 more sites, including 2 in Western MA. Some say the region needs more testing access.
"Western Mass. is a large area, and as we know, many people in our region rely on public transportation, so we have to be really thoughtful about spreading out testing sites around our large geographic area," said Jessica Collins, executive director of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. "For someone from Pittsfield to have to go to Agawam or Springfield, that is not an easy thing to do."
Read the full article from the Berkshire Eagle.
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Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2022, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Watch the recording from the 1/9/26 webinar. Speakers included Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion was moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Webinar Materials recording slides Video shared by Mark Gottlieb- Online Casino Gambling Ad Take Action This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting, AND, OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Instructions & Email Template Links Shared during webinar Read speaker bios Understanding Youth Gambling Behavior in Springfield: Findings from the Springfield Youth Health Survey PHIWM Written Testimony An Act relative to internet gaming An Act addressing economic, health and social harms caused by sports betting The MA Problem Gambling Helpline , 800-327-5050
