New Report! Rural Realities: Financial insecurity and health inequities in our rural communities
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.
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On February 9, 2026, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts convened partners and legislators to celebrate the FY26 earmark for 413Cares.org and to share updates on major regional initiatives. PHIWM extends deep appreciation to Representative Michael Finn, Senator Adam Gomez, and the entire Western Massachusetts legislative delegation for their continued partnership and support for 413Cares.org , which remains a critical tool for connecting Western MA residents to help when they need it most. 413Cares.org saw major growth in 2025, with searches doubling and the number of users increasing more than fourfold. Check out photos from the gathering below!
Learn more about our work in 2025 bringing communities together, advocating for policy change, engaging community, and using data to drive change.
In 1996, courageous and visionary leaders from competing healthcare institutions created a public health organization to bring people together, secure resources, and convene multiple sectors to focus on community health issues that were not being addressed. That collective vision and action manifested in Partners for a Healthier Community, now the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Over the past 30 year s, we have strengthened partnerships and uplifted community voices. We are more committed than ever to ensure everyone has what they need to lead a healthy life. Thank you for your decades of partnership and lifetime of active hope.
