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.


share this

Related Articles

September 22, 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Heather Warner is unable to join the webinar. Catherine Brooks has agreed to participate in her place.
September 12, 2025
Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape Date: Friday, September 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Join us for an informative webinar as we explore the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine use, with a special focus on vaping and nicotine pouches like Zyns. This session will offer a high-level overview of emerging products, usage trends, and potential mitigation strategies—especially relevant for youth, families, community-based organizations (CBOs), and municipalities. Featured Speakers: Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Heather Warner, MPH, Hampshire Franklin Tobacco-Free Community Partnership Coordinator, Collaborative for Educational Services Moderator: Jessica Collins, Executive Director, Public Health Institute of Western MA
September 10, 2025
Check out our new report, Rural Realities: Financial insecurity and health inequities in our rural communities—insights from the 2023 Community Health Equity Survey - Western MA and Statewide . We created this report as part of our work as a Regional Data to Action Provider for the Community Health Equity Initiative . Rural communities have unique needs. It is important to understand how inequities and challenges manifest in rural areas in our Western MA region to support action based on assets and unique needs.