Hello Carlene,

The daily barrage of policy and funding news out of Washington, D.C. has us all on edge, and to be honest, angry that hard won public health advancements are under threat.

People are asking us how we are holding up, and the answer is, it’s rough. But nothing has shaken our belief in the power of alliance. We have tripled-down on our community connections with those working on immigration, housing, transportation, food, harm reduction, and access to health care. And we are focused on the critical work we can do here in Massachusetts that can make all the difference to the lives of people most impacted by racism, poverty, and xenophobia.

Thanks to your help and support, our commitment to health equity and racial justice will remain front and center.

We’re rolling up our sleeves. Please join us:

Become a member
Fuel the movement by donating today
Follow us on BlueSky and LinkedIn where we will share updates and calls to action
Join the MPHA team
Let us know about upcoming actions so that we can support one another.

Together, we can make a difference– from small and critical steps to bold and mighty change.

Onward,

Carlene and the MPHA Staff

In the news.

MPHA Statement on the Confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

‘Purposeful chaos’: Mass. health care faces deluge of confusion after Trump DEI, gender orders. MPHA Executive Director Carlene Pavlos speaks to the role of Community Health Centers and the importance of accurate, detailed data to address inequitable health outcomes for BIPOC and low-income people.

Trump is ‘putting the health and wellbeing of Americans at risk,’ says Massachusetts health commissioner. Carlene Pavlos along with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Robbie Goldstein, and colleague Nancy Kreiger, professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health address the federal gag order on sharing public health data, an act Carlene likened to book burning.

"Still analyzing what it really means for public health." MPHA added our voice to the effort to stop President Trump from freezing federal grants.

MPHA updates and happenings.

Mark your calendar for our signature event on June 6!

Thanks to everyone who nominated a public health hero for this year's Spring Awards Breakfast. It's such an honor to learn about the wealth of leaders who are making a difference in our shared quest for healthy, equitable, just, and thriving communities. The MPHA Board will have a hard time selecting from this illustrious group.

The week of March 10, we will announce the 2025 awardees, open early bird registration, and share sponsorship opportunities! If you have any questions, please contact MPHA's Development Manager, Ana Hidalgo, at ahidalgo@mapublichealth.org or 857-302-7256.

MPHA is Hiring!

Do you want to work with a tightknit team to advance health equity and racial justice? Come join our team! MPHA is seeking a Coalition Coordinator and Policy Analyst to join our Policy and Campaign Team working to advance MPHA’s policy agenda. The Coalition Coordinator and Policy Analyst will play a key role in coordinating MPHA-led coalition efforts to advance equity through health care. Learn more and apply.

Welcoming Communications Intern Anna Schultz

We are delighted to introduce the first MPHA Communications Intern: Anna Schultz. A senior at Boston University studying Health Science, Anna recalls first hearing the quote “Why treat people and send them back to the conditions that made them sick?” – Michael Marmot, during her freshman year. This framework continues to shape her passion for public health.

Anna will support our advocacy efforts through strategic messaging, outreach, and digital engagement. At MPHA, she’s eager to learn how communications can shape health policy and reduce disparities, while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit operations and advocacy.

Originally from Wisconsin, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors and loves the winter season. She’s looking forward to her upcoming graduation and the next steps in her public health journey!

Policy updates.

The FY2026 State Budget Process is Underway

The FY26 state budget process is underway on Beacon Hill. MPHA is deeply concerned about Governor Healey’s proposed budget cuts to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Particularly now, with serious threats to federal funding, Massachusetts can’t afford to cut state public health funding. Keep your eye out for opportunities to take action in support of public health in this year’s state budget process.

MPHA in action.

The MPHA Team has been out and about because being in alliance means showing up and building meaningful connections.

Alexis Walls, MPHA Campaign Director, facilitated a training for youth activists with the Roxbury Environmental Empowerment Project through ACE.
Carlene Pavlos, MPHA Executive Director, participated on a panel alongside Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH at the Progressive Mass Annual Conference to explore how we can continue to fight for public health despite what is happening at the federal level.
Jeneczka Roman, Assistant Director of Advocacy and Communications, and Veronica Cañas, Operations Coordinator, joined a State House action calling on the legislature to invest in the Emergency Assistance Shelter program and reject Governor Healey’s devastating proposals to roll back the right to shelter law.

Philanthropy corner.

Thank You Point32 Health Foundation

Point32Health has been a tremendous ally in our shared mission to address systemic inequities and advance social and racial justice. Whether as a sponsor of the Spring Awards Breakfast and the Annual Conference or through their philanthropic arm, Point32Health is always willing to share its expertise and show up when it counts!

Point32Health Foundation, the joint grant-making entity of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, recently awarded MPHA a 3-year grant to support our capacity building work. The grant will fund our work to lead advocacy and community mobilization campaigns to transform the local public health system and advance policy for a healthier built environment with a focus on critical health equity and healthy aging issues.

The grant was announced as part of their $15 million commitment to social and racial over the next five years. In their announcement, Point32 Health stated, “These social and racial justice investments are part of a broader strategy to improve conditions for older people, build community power, promote healthier lives and advance equitable communities. Through the multi-year commitments, the Foundation ensures there are dependable resources to advance unique and community centered solutions.”

Thanks to everyone at Point32Health for this generous support and ongoing partnership.