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Press Release: Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts Expands Respiratory Health Efforts with Support from Sanofi

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:14:22 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, MA — The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) is pleased to announce a new $300,000 investment from Sanofi to expand its work improving respiratory health across Western Massachusetts.

Building on years of work through the Healthy Air Network and Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition , PHIWM has launched a new Respiratory Health Advisory Board , bringing together resident leaders, community organizations, healthcare providers, community health workers, and other stakeholders to advance solutions that promote healthier lungs and healthier communities. The Advisory Board includes Resident Advisors from communities most impacted by respiratory health inequities, ensuring that residents help shape priorities, strategies, and solutions.

Respiratory health inequities are driven by a range of factors, including environmental exposures, substandard housing conditions, barriers to healthcare access, and limited awareness of strategies that can prevent emergencies and hospitalizations that increase healthcare costs and economic burdens on families and communities.

“We are grateful for Sanofi’s partnership as we deepen our coalition’s work to implement successful strategies and build more linkages to healthcare providers in Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke,” said Jessica Collins, Executive Director of PHIWM . “With the involvement of people who experience respiratory health issues and key partners, we can reduce inequities and help more people live healthier lives.”

The funding will support existing and new approaches to respiratory health that combine community engagement, healthy homes interventions, education, policy advocacy, and healthcare partnerships. Over the next three years, Sanofi's investment will support efforts to:

Convene and expand a regional respiratory health coalition and advisory board to guide the work.
Expand and strengthen the Healthy Homes initiative by working with healthcare and Revitalize CDC to provide education and home-based interventions to improve indoor air quality, connect residents with healthcare and community resources, and strengthen referral pathways supported by Community Health Workers.
Partner with statewide coalitions to advance respiratory health policies and systems changes which include :
Securing potential new bond funding for the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program --currently being considered by the MA Legislature’s conference committee for the environmental bond bill;
Implementing hopeful new policies (also in that conference committee) to better track and mitigate both indoor and outdoor air quality; and
Identifying sustainable financing approaches to support the work of Community Navigators and Community Health Workers.
Expand respiratory health communications and education to help residents recognize symptoms earlier, better manage respiratory conditions, and access available resources. Information will be shared through community workshops, partner networks, Resident Advisors, PHIWM’s website, and the AirWatch app, covering topics such as asthma and COPD management, indoor and outdoor air quality, tobacco and vaping cessation, lung cancer screening, and other respiratory health resources.

"At Sanofi, we believe some of the most promising solutions to local health challenges come from the communities closest to them. By working with community-based stakeholders, like PHIWM and including organizations, patients, providers, and legislative leaders, we aim to support those solutions," said Tanisha M. Sullivan, Head of External Engagement and U.S. Health Equity Strategy at Sanofi . “As a company with deep Massachusetts roots, our commitment to this work goes beyond a single program to lasting relationships and sustainable policy solutions designed to help improve respiratory health in Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, and across the state."

This funding from Sanofi comes at a critical time as communities across Western Massachusetts face growing respiratory health challenges driven by climate-related impacts and changes in healthcare access and insurance coverage that make it more difficult for some residents to access preventive care and treatment.

Statements of Support

“Western Massachusetts communities suffer from some of the highest rates of asthma in the nation. My office has long supported efforts to address the environmental, housing, and healthcare factors that contribute to this inequity,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell . “I’m grateful to Sanofi for their contributions to improve respiratory health in the area, including supporting increased access to medical care and education.”

“Springfield’s history as an environmentally overburdened community has contributed to respiratory disease rates among the highest in the nation. Sanofi’s investment is both timely and greatly appreciated, as it strengthens our collective efforts to confront these inequities and advance meaningful health improvements across the Hampden District,” said State Senator Adam Gómez. “Their partnership demonstrates what is possible when we work together to support healthier homes, healthier air, and healthier lives.”

“Massachusetts has some of the highest rates of adult and childhood asthma in the country, with Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee ranking near the top for the state,” said Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health . “This new funding will help to urgently address respiratory health in the region, and will support work the Department does in schools and communities to reduce asthma triggers. These types of partnerships – bringing communities and health care together – are exactly what we need to make our homes and schools healthier.”

ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts supports communities in their efforts to become measurably healthier and more equitable through community engagement, collaborative partnerships, communications, data analysis, research and evaluation, and policy advocacy. PHIWM is committed to continuous learning, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the voices of those we serve. For more information, visit PublicHealthWM.org.

Stay Healthy This Fall: Review the Latest Vaccine Recommendations

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:01:13 GMT

Key vaccine information for people with asthma and other lung conditions.

Fall brings the return of respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV. While these illnesses can affect anyone, older adults, infants, pregnant individuals, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised are at greater risk for severe illness and complications. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools available to help reduce the risk of serious disease, hospitalization, and death.

Vaccine recommendations vary based on age, health status, pregnancy, and other individual factors. Check out the latest recommendations from the American Medical Association . Talk with your healthcare provider about what is right for you and your family.

For additional information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's recommended vaccines page .

Fall Allergy Season

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:06:14 GMT

Fall Allergies Are Here: What to Know About Pollen, Mold & Air Quality

Fall in Massachusetts means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and more time enjoying the outdoors. But for many people, it also means the return of sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and other seasonal allergy symptoms.

While spring often gets most of the attention when it comes to allergies, late summer and fall can be a difficult time for people with seasonal allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Knowing what triggers fall allergies and paying attention to the air around you can help you breathe a little easier this season.

Download the AirWatch App Today!

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:07:15 GMT

The AirWatch app puts real-time, hyper-local air quality information right in your hands.

See what’s happening in the air around you, get personalized alerts when air quality is poor, and stay informed about environmental conditions that can affect your health.

This app was developed through an extensive, community-driven design and testing process. The app transforms complex air quality data into clear, easy-to-understand information so individuals and families can make informed decisions about their health. Download the AirWatch app today .

Tobacco and Vaping Cessation Resources for Organizations

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:10:32 GMT

The Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program offers free resources that connect individuals to quit coaching, personalized quit plans, medication support, and the Massachusetts Quitline. These services are available for both tobacco users and individuals looking to quit vaping, including young adults.

To help organizations promote these resources, the state provides a social media toolkit with ready-made graphics, videos, and messaging that can be incorporated into newsletters, social media campaigns, websites, and community outreach efforts.

Through the Capacity Building for Racial Equity in Tobacco project, PHIWM partnered with Springfield Cultural Partnership’s Trust Transfer Project, which commissioned local artists to create posters that promote hope, wellness, and tobacco cessation through culturally relevant artwork. These posters can be downloaded and displayed to increase awareness and connect individuals with available support.

Explore the resources:

PHIWM Announces New Regional Respiratory Health Coalition

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:17:44 GMT

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

Latest Data on Asthma In Hampden County!

Tue, 24 May 2022 13:50:29 GMT

Source: MDPH Hospital Admissions, State Tables

Although Springfield and the Pioneer Valley region has dropped from #1 to #12 Asthma and Allergy Capital as determined by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is still a serious issue with concerning inequities for Black and Latino communities. Hampden County residents continue to be impacted by asthma with emergency room visit rates more than two times that of the state in 2019 (1,128 vs 518 per 100,000, respectively and hospitalization rates over 70% greater (145 vs 84 per 100,000 respectively). Within Hampden County, there were large differences in admission rates for asthma between races.

In 2019, the most recent year in the data set, Black residents of Hampden County were admitted to the emergency department for asthma at a rate double that of White residents. Black hospital admission rates for asthma rose since the last CHNA, whereas they declined or held steady for other racial groups. The state did not provide 2019 data on Latinx admission rates, but in the last CHNA, Latinx rates for ER visits were double Black rates (2617 per 100,000 vs. 1310). The disparities were even more extreme for Latinx pediatric ER visits.

COVID-19 or Allergies?

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:51:11 GMT

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 !

Federal Updates on Healthy Housing!

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:32:51 GMT

HUD Issues Notice Requiring Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors in HUD-Assisted Housing

HUD's Offices of Public and Indian Housing , Multifamily Housing Programs , and Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes recently posted a joint notice requiring carbon monoxide alarms or detectors in their HUD-assisted housing programs starting December 27, 2022 .

Read more on the HUD website
Read the specific notice here .

ALA Forum

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:50:40 GMT

Nov. 10th: Massachusetts Virtual Asthma Educational Forum

On November 10th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. , Join the American Lung Association Western Mass colleagues as we speak at the American Lung Association's educational forum about asthma in the Commonwealth. Attendees will learn about asthma prevalence and disparities, current programming throughout the state, and how they can get involved in local, state, and national advocacy initiatives.

Speakers include:

· Sen. Adam Gomez, Hampden District

· Sarita Hudson, Public Health Institute of Western Mass

· Stacey Chacker, the MA Asthma Action Partnership,

· Jodi Sugerman-Brozan, MA Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

Registration for this event is free and can be completed via this link

Community Chat on Health Needs and Assets

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:50:37 GMT

What health needs do you see in our region related to asthma or housing?

Join us on November 16th 2:00-3:00 pm for a Community Chat for the Hospital Coalition of Western Massachusetts 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment . The objective is to understand what a Community Health Needs Assessment is, why it is done, and to share experiences about community assets and emerging health needs in our communities.

Anti-Biomass Testimony

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:34:01 GMT

Sarita Hudson gives testimony in opposition to proposed state legislation

July 30, 2021: Sarita Hudson, Director of Programs and Development of the Public Health Institute, gave public comment on proposed changes to Massachusetts’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Class I and Class II Regulations as part of a western MA delegation. Air pollution is a major health danger for children and adults. Outdoor air pollution from burning fossil fuels has been shown to contribute to morbidity for several chronic diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and most recently COVID-19. In addition, air pollution affects the development of lungs and is linked to low birth weight and pre-term birth and susceptibility to infections. According to the EPA, fine particle pollution causes early death (both short-term and long-term exposure) and may cause reproductive and developmental harm (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter, December2009 EPA 600/R-08/139F).

Recording of public comment

Testimony

Springfield improves from #1 to #12 Asthma Capital

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:28:06 GMT

I mproving in Air Quality and Asthma Outcomes, More Work to be Done

Promotion of Energy Audits kicks off launch to Springfield's Climate Action and Resilience Plan

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:54:19 GMT

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 .