Canadian Wildfires Affecting Air Quality in the Region; Please Take Precautions
June 7, 2023
The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services released an advisory today about the poor air quality we are experiencing due to Canadian wildfires as well as the precautions we should take to stay healthy. Sarita Hudson was quoted in the press release.
Precautions you can take:
- Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity (Sensitive groups include people with heart and lung disease like COPD or asthma, older adults, children, and people with diabetes)
- If you have asthma, keep quick relief medication handy
- Keep windows and doors shut
- Use air conditioning on recirculation setting
- If you do not fall into a sensitive group, avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors and take frequent breaks
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Access the Action Alert on Google Docs or below. This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to: A. SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting AND B. OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Step 1. Write and send this email on your own time, from your personal email , unless you are representing your employer, with their approval. This action is lobbying. Step 2. Use any (or all) of the template below to write your email; be sure to tailor the highlighted blanks with your own words.

Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2023, 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? Speakers include 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 will be moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during a live Q&A.