Committee Structure

Purpose

The Western Massachusetts Community Health Impact Assessment will examine the potential direct and indirect health impacts of the licensing and siting of a casino-resort in Western Massachusetts. Information from the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) will be used to inform the state Gaming Commission, local municipal leaders, and community residents in the casino licensure decision-making process.

Goals

Promote the consideration of potential health impacts in decision-making related to the licensing and site selection of a casino in Western Massachusetts
Recommend possible health or health-related indicators for the Gaming Commission’s casino monitoring and evaluation plan
Promote the use of HIA in policy decisions in Western Massachusetts

Committee Structure

The Committee Structure is made up of the Core Leadership Team and the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee provides guidance and advice to the Core Leadership Team on the HIA process and design; technical data and information; and community engagement.

Core Leadership Team Purpose and Role

The core leadership team consists of the organizations and agencies responsible for conducting all activities of the HIA. The core leadership team will work closely with the Advisory Committee to develop the HIA processes and products and incorporate Advisory Committee feedback and advice into the process and Assessment Report. The core leadership team may reach out to other key stakeholders not included on the Advisory Committee in order to access technical and community expertise throughout the HIA.

Advisory Committee Purpose and Role

The Advisory Committee is made up of regional and community stakeholders from the three impacted communities with an interest in the health of those communities. It is an advisory body whose purpose is to provide the necessary technical, community, and process guidance and feedback to the core leadership team and to ensure that the diverse network of stakeholders’ health interests in the potentially impacted area are represented.