Victory for Substance Use Disorder Policy  

MPHA and allies gathered at the State House on January 10, 2025, to celebrate the passage of substance use disorder legislation at a ceremonial bill signing with Governor Healey. This legislation will help save lives by expanding affordable and accessible treatment and recovery options. Notably, it moves away from punishment models and towards supportive, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches. For details on the new law, read the governor’s press release.

Photo from left to right: Oami Amarasingham, State Rep.

Sean Garballey, and Andrea Pessolano from Boston Medical Center.

Keep Kids Safe, Not on the Street. Stop Cuts to EA Shelter!



The Healey-Driscoll administration’s new proposed changes to the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program dismantle the Commonwealth's right to shelter law—a safeguard for over 40 years. These changes are forcing families with children, who have no other options, onto the streets and into unsafe and unhealthy spaces.

MPHA joined the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH), Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Homes for All Massachusetts, and community partners at the “People’s State of the Commonwealth: Spotlight on Family Homelessness” on January 16 at the State House to demand that the legislature reject the administration's proposed changes and provide supplemental funding for EA shelter, rehousing supports, and services for families with children. You can still add your voice by contacting your state legislators and urging them to uphold access to shelter for children and families! Learn more and take action.

Get Ready for Transit Equity Day

On February 4, advocates and community members across the Commonwealth will be out in force to amplify how we all deserve a transit system that recognizes how our health, our jobs, our education, and our lives rely on public transportation. Take a picture of yourself using public transit and post it on social media on February 4th with a simple message: #TransitEquityDay2025 and share your own story. Be sure to tag us:

• Facebook/LinkedIn: @MAPublicHealth
• BlueSky: @mapublichealth.org

FY26 State Budget Project Begins 

Kicking off the new state budget season, the governor’s FY2026 State Budget proposal (aka H1) was released yesterday, January 22. H1 lays the groundwork for discussion and advocacy with the House and Senate about state funding for all things public health over the coming months. We are deeply concerned by the proposed significant cuts to public health and other safety net programs. In the coming days, as MPHA conducts our own analysis and connects with our allies, we will have more information to share. One thing is clear: your voice will be critical as we advocate for continued investment in public health priorities. 

Wrapping up 2024 with Gratitude and Joy 

Advocating for an equitable and accessible food system in Massachusetts remains a priority for MPHA. Alexis Walls, MPHA Campaign Director, presented alongside fellow advocates at the Massachusetts Legislature’s Food Systems Caucus Briefing for new legislators on Tuesday, January 7. Walls’ highlighted the ways in which the Massachusetts Food Trust Program has helped increase access to nutritious, affordable food to over 418,000 residents since 2018 by providing loans, grants, and business assistance to food retailers in low-income, low food access communities. This legislative session, MPHA will continue to collaborate with food systems partners to advance policies that support healthy food options and invest in safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible food production and distribution. 

Congrats to the Graduate!

MPHA Executive Director Carlene Pavlos graduated from the 2024 Cohort of LeadBoston. This 11-month leadership development program sponsored by YW Boston explores barriers to inclusion and helps leaders build skills to drive equitable change within their own organization and the communities where they live and work. Carlene shared the following reflection on the experience:

"Spending a year with such a phenomenal cohort of social justice leaders was a true gift. I had the chance to step back from the day to day and hone my skills and learn more about the issues facing our communities. And I connected with life-long allies committed to promoting inclusivity and justice."

Opposing Nomination of RFK, Jr. to Head the Department of Health and Human Services 

In November, MPHA joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and others to express alarm at the anticipated nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to head the federal Department of Health and Human Services. MPHA Deputy Director Oami Amarasingham noted that we deserve leaders who understand that “health policy must focus on health equity along with trustworthy and science-based evidence that can save lives on a grand scale.” Oami also reminded us that we are not alone. Elected officials along with municipal and state public health departments here in Massachusetts and across the country will play a critical role in protecting our health. Catch the whole press conference here.  

New Law Will Improve Health Equity in Massachusetts 

Senator Jo Comerford and MPHA Deputy Director Oami Amarasingham spoke to the Harvard Public Health Magazine about how SAPHE 2.0 will help improve public health system efforts and serves as a model for other states. Read the full interview here.