January 2019
 

Happy new year! 

I want to begin by thanking the  friends and partners who gave to our 2018 end-of-year appeal. Your support is invaluable in bolstering MPHA's ability to successfully secure long-term policy change to address the root causes of health inequity.  
 
I am pleased to announce that MPHA has been awarded a two-year grant by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. This grant will allow MPHA to continue and deepen our work to engage older adults and advocate for housing and transportation policy through a healthy aging lens.

January marks the beginning of a new two-year legislative cycle in Massachusetts a n d this  newsletter provides information on   MPHA's 2019-2020 policy priorities, below . These policies  will  build on our previous successes and take us even further in establishing a just, equitable, and healthy Commonwealth. In the year ahead, we will share with you many opportunities to join us in  advocacy efforts to promot e   this important work. Stay tuned!

I look forward to partnering with you in the year ahead and thank you in advance for your work with us to create an equitable and healthy Commonwealth! 

In partnership,





Carlene Pavlos
Executive Director
2019-2020 Policy Priorities PoPriorities
These priorities reflect MPHA's  commitment to advancing health equity in the Commonwealth through policies that align with the health needs and priorities of the communities we serve. MPHA is committed to policies that combat structural racism, integrate health into all policies, and reduce poverty. 

*MPHA-led Campaign 

Access to Healthy Affordable Food
Transportation Equity
  • Funding and Modernization of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)* 
  • Equitable Implementation of the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI)
Public Health Infrastructure
  • Passage of Municipal Health Excellence Program Bill*
  • Bureau of Environmental Health Funding*
  • Passage of a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Response Policies
Community Health Integration
  • Funding for the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund (PWTF)*
  • Enhanced Impact of MassHealth ACOs on Health-Related Social Needs*
  • Alignment of Hospital Investments with Community Needs*
  • Engagement of Health Care Institutions to Support SDOH Policy*  
Access to Quality, Affordable Housing

MPHA will support policies that increase access to affordable, quality homes for all residents by: 
  • Increasing resources to build new affordable housing and improve the quality of existing housing throughout the state
  • Supporting the stability of tenants and low-income homeowners preventing displacement
  • Reducing exclusionary land use practices that inhibit development of new affordable homes near transit and jobs
  • Expanding access to supportive services that prevent homelessness and help people maintain housing
More information on these policies, along with opportunities to take action, will be shared on our website and in emails in the months ahead. 

If you have any questions, please contact MPHA Policy Director Maddie Ribble at: mribble@mapublichealth.org
Policy Notes PNotes
Click image to enlarge
Trainings for Community Benefits Advisory Committee Members, Hosted by MPHA 
and Community Catalyst

MPHA, in collaboration with Community Catalyst, is holding a series of trainings for Community Benefit Advisory Committee members. Attendees will receive information and strategies to aid them in working with hospitals to better align their Community Benefits spending with community needs. 

There are two upcoming trainings

Lowell

Date: Friday, January 25th
Time: 11:30 am-3:00 pm
Location: Lowell General Hospital, Saints Campus (lunch will be provided)
Lowell, Massachusetts

To register for the 1/25 Lowell training, click here.

Worcester

Date: Monday, February 11th
Time: 8:30am-12pm
Location: UMASS Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts 

To register for the 2/11 Worcester training, click here

MPHA Updates
2018 Health Equity Champion Waleska Lugo-DeJesus
Call for Nominations: MPHA Spring Awards Breakfast is on June 7, 2019

Get ready to celebrate Massachusetts health equity champions! Our Spring Awards Breakfast will take place on  June 7, 2019 at the State Room, 60 State Street, in Boston.

Who inspires you? Who has worked tirelessly for health equity? It's time to honor those who have made a lasting impact on public health in Massachusetts. Please nominate your champion before January 22.

There are five award categories. You can l earn more about the award categories and submit your nominations, here. Please nominate any person, people, or organization whose commitment to public health inspires and excites you.

For more information about our Spring Awards Breakfast, please contact MPHA Development and Events Manager Alexa Piacenza at: apiacenza@mapublichealth.org
New Year, New Office! MPHA has a New Address and New Direct Numbers for Staff

Please update your records with MPHA's new address: 

Massachusetts Public Health Association
50 Federal Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02110

MPHA's phone number is the same: (857) 263-7072. You can also reach MPHA staff at their new direct lines, which you can find on MPHA's website, here
Thank you for a great year!

Thank you to our members and supporters for a great year advancing health equity in the Commonwealth. 

Check out MPHA's 2018 Annual Report, here
Massachusetts Public Health Association | (857) 263-7072 | mpha@mapublichealth.org |   mapublichealth.org
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