"What PHIWM and regional partners have put together is basically a whole curriculum for us educators to use and empower our students..."

July 19, 2023
Gloria Caballero Roca is a Professor at Bard Micro College, and she serves on the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts' Board of Directors.

Gloria Caballero Roca is a Professor at Bard Micro College, and she serves on the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts' Board of Directors.


"I will be teaching a course this fall that´s titled Medical Humanities. The Race and Health Equity Resource Guide will be our main source of resources, data interpretation, and policies that in one way or the other affect the lives of our student population. We work with mostly a Latinx student body, all of whom are young mothers. This is a demographic that is generally highly affected by the social determinants of health; i.e., housing, access to quality education, access to healthcare, healthy food, transportation, etc. What PHIWM and regional partners have put together is basically a whole curriculum for us educators to use and empower our students with the language, the knowledge of the policies, and concepts, that would ultimately prepare them to be agents of change in their own communities." 


Visit the Race and Health Equity Guide to see resources and learn how other people in the region are working to advance race and health equity.


share this

Related Articles

September 14, 2026
Jessica Collins was named a 2026 Healthcare Hero , accepting the honor on behalf of the full PHIWM team. Congratulations to the other honorees!
September 14, 2026
Fall brings the return of respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV. While these illnesses can affect anyone, older adults, infants, pregnant individuals, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised are at greater risk for severe illness and complications. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools available to help reduce the risk of serious disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccine recommendations vary based on age, health status, pregnancy, and other individual factors. Check out the latest recommendations from the American Medical Association . Talk with your healthcare provider about what is right for you and your family. For additional information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's recommended vaccines page .
Poster promoting public health information kiosks and kiosk locations.
September 10, 2026
Healthy messages are rolling through our communities! We are excited to share that we are sponsoring three Valley Bike kiosks and one pedestal sign, featuring the Healthy Air Network , 413Cares , and tobacco cessation resources in Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or exploring downtown, keep an eye out for these public health resources that connect residents with support for healthier living. If you see one at the following locations, take a picture and tag us @publichealthma! 📍 Chicopee City Hall, 274 Front Street, Chicopee 📍 Downtown Holyoke, 201 Maple Street, Holyoke 📍 Springfield Court Square, 35 Court Street, Springfield 📍Springfield Union Station, 55 Frank B. Murray Street, Springfield