Focusing on Health & Equity in the Midst of COVID-19

March 19, 2020
PHIWM prioritizes the equity and well-being of our community, region and Commonwealth in accordance with our mission to create measurably healthier communities
COVID-19 Resources

Dear Partners and Friends of the Public Health Institute of Western MA,


We are empathetic to the public and those who are trying to do their best to understand the healthiest path forward in order to prevent spread of COVID-19. 


PHIWM prioritizes the equity and well-being of our community, region and Commonwealth in accordance with our mission to create measurably healthier communities. Our organization will be telecommuting and if you are part of any of our initiatives we will be sending teleconference and Zoom meeting invitations. The work will continue!


We encourage you to continue to follow good hygiene practices as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).


Follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and your local health departments for continued updates daily with current information.


We can ALL help combat the spread of germs and overwhelming sense of anxiety by taking simple steps to protect our own health and boost our immune systems.


  1. simply washing our hands regularly and vigorously, avoiding touching our faces, steering clear of anyone who is sick, avoiding large gatherings/crowds; AND
  2. prioritize well-being in our own lives—specifically good routines of sleep, fresh air, movement, nutrition, and hydration that help us mitigate stress, avoid burnout, and truly recharge.

​In the coming weeks, we will be sharing information from the Massachusetts Public Health Association regarding advocacy for how we can ensure policies that support individuals and families that are more at risk for not only being ill, but also are at risk of losing the supports in place that provide basic human needs. These include policies to ensure school meal benefits for healthy food for students and paid leave, as businesses and schools close and work is required at home.


As we worry for ourselves and our own loved ones, we must remember those at greatest risk. Check your local town websites for opportunities to support others.

Stay tuned and stay healthy,

 

Jessica Collins, Executive Director


share this

Related Articles

Fall 2025 Respiratory Virus Information

October 15, 2025
Get information about current vaccine recommendations and answers to common questions

Upcoming Webinar Nov 14 on Rural Health Equity

October 14, 2025
Join us for a free webinar, November 14, 2025, from 12:00 - 1:15 pm, exploring the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities across Western Massachusetts, featuring State Senator Jo Comerford , Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district, Laura Kittross , Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and Phoebe Walker, Franklin Regional Council of Governments.
group photo of resident advisors and staff

Resident Advisors Gather For Peer-to-Peer Learning

October 14, 2025
On September 27th, resident advisors (RAs) from the Public Health Institute of Western MA gathered at Regreen Springfield for a Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop. RAs from the following 5 coalitions shared successes, challenges, and key learnings. A team of RAs representing each initiative led presentations that sparked dialogue, allowing everyone to learn from one another, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of community efforts. Intergenerational Social Connections (ISC): Focuses on bringing youth and older adults together in Springfield to reduce loneliness, build relationships, and strengthen community across generations. Live Well Springfield Climate Change and Health Equity (CCHE): Focuses on advancing community choice energy for Springfield, creating strategies to address extreme heat, and developing a new Climate Change Action Plan for the city. Live Well Springfield Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI): Focuses on addressing Springfield’s housing needs by improving housing conditions, increasing affordability, and expanding opportunities for homeownership. Healthy Air Network: Focuses on monitoring air quality, exploring transportation issues, developing an innovative app, and tackling climate change challenges  The workshop also served as a warm welcome and orientation for new RAs joining the committees, especially our new Parent Advisors for the Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC), which is focused on youth mental health and problem gambling. Learn more about the resident advisor program .