News from the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts: The Community Health Equity Initiative (CHEI) collects data on the social and structural causes of health needs facing Massachusetts residents, specifically among communities who are disproportionately affected by health emergencies. Through this data collection CHEI strives to help communities, along with state and local partners, prioritize changes to policy and how and where resources go. CHEI was previously known as CCIS, the COVID-19 Community Impact Survey. View the CHES 2023 Overview & Key Findings Slides (PDF) to learn more about CHES history, frameworks, methods, and early key findings.

Last week's favorite click.

CHD Family Outreach of Amherst: Light up the night!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

HUD Equal Access Rule Workshop August 8

The Three County Continuum of Care invites you to register for this essential workshop. HUD’s Equal Access Rule ensures that HUD’s housing and shelter programs are open to all eligible individuals and families regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. This session will provide participants with a better understanding and help ensure that housing project(s) are in compliance.

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Healey Admin: Shelter exit notices in July

After previously warning that families in Massachusetts' emergency shelters could get notice starting June 1 that they have 90 days to exit the state-funded housing, the Healey administration said on May 31 that it is holding off on delivering those notices until early July.

Long COVID and Health Equity in MA

On June 25, a virtual briefing on Long COVID in Massachusetts hosted by State Representative Mindy Domb, Representative Marjorie Decker and Senator Julian Cyr, Chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Health; State Senator Jo Comerford, and the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. Hear from those living with Long COVID, clinicians, community organizers, and advocates. Learn about actions the Massachusetts legislature can take to best support our constituents experiencing Long COVID.

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The Family Connections Center is closing

After five and half years, The Family Connections Center will be closing its doors at the end of this month. Working with new parents and young children in the community has been a focus at the Center. The Director, Carolyn Broudy, will continue in the psychotherapy field as the Director of Women’s Mental Health at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

Family Connections Center

COSA hosts a monthly meeting online or in-person from September to May each year. Last week, we asked what you want to hear more about - and you answered! There were some key trends and ideas. While COSA may not get to every suggestion, we're happy to work on ways to respond to popular subjects. Here's your chance to vote for your favorites from the most popular suggested topics. This survey closes on June 14th. THANK YOU for sharing your ideas.

VOTE for your favorite topics by June 14th!