PHIWM Calls for HIA to Inform Decision about Closing Holyoke Medical Center Birthing Center

August 4, 2020

How do we ensure that are healthcare system thrives financially, while also providing services that reduce health inequities? Holyoke Medical Center wanting to close its award winning Birthing Center is just one example of a larger looming challenge in our state—the need for hospitals to cut services for financial reasons, but risking the ability to provide for the most vulnerable. 


PHIWM recommended to the MA Department of Public Health that before any decision like this is made, a Health Impact Assessment should be conducted. Both side can argue passionately and compellingly, however, what is the true impact of a decision? It must be assessed.


A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a research and public engagement process designed to make predictions about how a policy or practice change would impact health and equity. HIAs engage people across silos in a process of deep discussion, bringing data and evidence into the conversation. Check out our Western MA Casino Health Impact Assessment to learn more about HIA. 


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 .