Recording posted! Rural Health Equity Webinar
November 18, 2025
Rural Realities: Advancing Health Equity in Western MA's Rural Communities
Access materials from the November 14, 2025 webinar, Rural Realities: Advancing Health Equity in Western MA's Rural Communities, which featured State Senator Jo Comerford, Laura Kittross, Public Health Program Manager, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Lisa Ranghelli, Director of Assessment and Capacity Building, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and Phoebe Walker, Director of Community Health, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, with moderation by Andrea Freeman, Policy Director, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.
Webinar materials
Links shared
- Rural Realities: Financial Insecurity and Health Inequities in Our Rural Communities
- MA DPH Community Health Equity Initiative
- Coalition of Western Massachusetts Hospitals/Insurer Community Health Needs Assessments:
- Baystate Health Community Health Needs Assessments
- Mercy Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment
- Berkshire Health and Health New England CHNAs will be available soon!
- Public Health Excellence Grant Program
- Rural Health Transformation Program
- Franklin-Hampshire Public Health Training Hub
- Berkshire-Hampden Public Health Training Hub
- FRCOG, Age & Dementia Friendly Communities
- Age & Dementia Friendly Franklin County & North Quabbin
- Berkshire Overdose Addiction Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC)
- UPCOMING EVENT- LIVE Special National Rural Health Day Event, November 20, 2025
Media Coverage
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We’re excited to announce the release of The Health of Western & Central Massachusetts: Key Findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessments. Every three years, hospitals are required to do a Community Health Needs Assessment . While each hospital posts its report publicly and focuses on its specific service area, we recognized the value of stepping back to look at the broader regional picture. This regional health report thoughtfully synthesizes findings across the five counties represented in those service areas. By summarizing shared needs and opportunities at a regional level, we aim to support more coordinated action. Now, more than ever, working and advocating together across the region is essential! We hope this report is useful to your organization and strengthens your collaborative efforts. We would love to hear your feedback and learn how it’s been helpful in your work.
Putting Resources into Practice: A Race & Health Equity Blog
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