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The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) is expanding its longstanding asthma prevention efforts into a regional Respiratory Health Coalition focused on reducing health inequities in the region with particular attention to Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee. Building on the success of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition and Healthy Air Network, the coalition will expand to address COPD, and lung cancer as well as asthma through coordinated action on prevention, education, environmental health, access to care, and policy advocacy. By bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, residents, employers, public health leaders, and policymakers, the coalition will advance sustainable solutions that improve respiratory health outcomes while reducing the social and economic burden of chronic lung disease. This new Respiratory Health coalition will be meeting through the fall to finalize planning on communications, education, and policy advocacy. We have recruited 10 Resident Advisors to bring community resident voices to our process. In addition, we have representatives from Baystate Health, the cities of Chicopee, Holyoke & Springfield, Caring Health Center, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Holyoke Health Center, Nuestras Raices, ReGreen Springfield, and Revitalize CDC. To learn more about Respiratory Health efforts, please sign up for our new Respiratory Health newsletter or contact Sarita Hudson, shudson@publichealthwm.org
Source: MDPH Hospital Admissions, State Tables
Allergy season is here, but COVID remains. COVID & seasonal allergies share some symptoms, but not others. Use this chart to compare the symptoms of COVID-19 & seasonal allergies so you can tell the difference. If you are unsure, get tested !
HUD Issues Notice Requiring Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors in HUD-Assisted Housing
Nov. 10th: Massachusetts Virtual Asthma Educational Forum
What health needs do you see in our region related to asthma or housing?
Sarita Hudson gives testimony in opposition to proposed state legislation
I mproving in Air Quality and Asthma Outcomes, More Work to be Done
On Wednesday, September 6, 2017, Mayor Sarno announced Springfield's "Strong, Healthy and Just: Climate Action and Resilience Plan" or CARP. This plan came together through the participation of hundreds of residents and the hard work of community partners and the Climate Action & Resilience working group, including Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Partners for a Healthier Community, Arise for Social Justice and the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition. The city aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and the mayor urged residents to take advantage of free home energy audits and financial aid to make their homes more energy efficient. Interested in a free energy audit? Visit Ener-G-Save for more information. If you receive fuel assistance, please contact Springfield Partners for Community Action . Masslive: Were thermal images taken of your Springfield house? Look for a postcard in the mail outlining energy-savings plan News 22: Springfield working to increase efficiency of city homes
