Advocating for Health Equity and Green & Healthy Schools

September 21, 2023
This week PHIWM staff provided oral testimony in support of two policies that will improve public health in our region.

This week PHIWM staff provided oral testimony in support of two policies that will improve public health in our region.


Executive Director Jessica Collins spoke to the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance about the need to pass An Act to Advance Health Equity (H.1250/S.799). Among other things, this legislation would create an Executive Office of Equity reporting to the governor and would also standardize health equity data collection and reporting. Springfield Representative Bud Williams is one of the lead sponsors of this bill. More information | Jessica’s testimony


Speaking on behalf of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition and PHIWM, Senior Director of Strategy & Development Sarita Hudson spoke to the Joint Committee on Education in support of the “Green & Healthy Schools bill” (H.469/S.242).” This legislation seeks to establish an interagency work group to advise school districts and others how to “provide students with a healthy environment that is conducive to learning, protects safety and public health, and efficiently uses energy and natural resources.” Both lead sponsors for this bill represent Western MA—Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Mindy Domb. More information | Sarita’s testimony

If you would like to provide written testimony for either of these bills before the end of this month, please contact PHIWM Policy Director Andrea Freeman.


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Beyonca Twiggs is a Project Coordinator at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Read her reflection below about engaging in equity work and showing up even when it is hard. Showing Up When It's Hard There are days when the work feels heavy. Not just the tasks or the meetings, but the weight of what we’re trying to change. Systems that were never built for everyone. Patterns that repeat across generations. Stories that aren’t told, because they’ve been ignored for so long. On those days, I remind myself why I’m here. I didn’t get into this work because I had all the answers. I got into it because I kept seeing the same harm, the same gaps, the same silence, especially around race and health. And I wanted to be part of interrupting that silence. I’ve learned that equity work isn’t about checking boxes or writing the right statement. It’s about being willing to stay in the room when things are uncomfortable. It’s about asking, “Who’s not here?” and meaning it. It’s about choosing to be accountable, not just when someone is watching, but especially when no one is. It means listening even when the truth stings. It means making space for stories that challenge how we see the world and how we see ourselves. Sometimes, it’s slow. Sometimes, it’s painful. But every time we choose to show up differently— more aware, more honest, more intentional—something shifts. And over time, those shifts start to matter. I’ve also learned that change doesn’t always look like a policy passed or a report released. Sometimes, it looks like someone feeling seen for the first time. Sometimes, it’s a door that wasn’t open before. Sometimes, it’s just staying committed when it would be easier to walk away. I am doing this work because I believe in the possibility of something better, and not just in theory, but in practice. In neighborhoods. In classrooms. In clinics. In the everyday places where people deserve to be safe, to be well, and to be valued. This isn’t just professional for me. It’s personal. Because the stakes are real. Because our communities deserve more than survival. They deserve care. They deserve joy. They deserve justice. So no, I don’t have all the answers. But I’m here. I’m learning. I’m listening. And I’m staying. Because the work is worth it. And so are the people we do it for. If you’re looking for ways to deepen your understanding, continue learning, or spend more time with the stories and voices that shape this work, I encourage you to explore the Race and Health Equity Resource Guide . It offers tools, reflections, and local resources to support ongoing growth.