Massachusetts Public Health Alliance

We are still celebrating the passage of SAPHE 2.0! As reported in this Boston Globe article, Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, lead sponsor Senator Jo Comerford and MPHA Deputy Director Oami Amarasingham explain how the SAPHE 2.0 Act will help increase quality as well as equity in communities across Massachusetts. Download the full article from our Press Room: https://lnkd.in/erVpj7fy

At the recent Massachusetts Health Officers Association (MHOA) Annual Conference, MPHA’s leadership and expertise were on full display! MPHA Coalition Coordinator & Policy Analyst, Kate Forrest, joined forces with Shin-Yi Lao, Ann Kissel, and Nancy Porter to lead a panel discussion titled "MA Large Cities Health Coalition: A Case Study on Coalition Building." The session explored the challenges and successes of coalition building, emphasizing the power of speaking with one voice to sustain an equitable public health future in uncertain times. And drumroll... We are thrilled to share that MPHA’s Deputy Director, Oami Amarasingham, was honored with the President’s Award! MHOA President Timothy Muir McDonald presented the award on the same day SAPHE 2.0 was expected to pass in the legislature—a testament to Oami’s tireless advocacy and leadership. Tim’s words capture it best: “Oami is a fierce, passionate advocate for public health. Her dogged determination and her optimism" have helped advance our collective work to advance equity and public health. In her acceptance speech, Oami reflected on the collaborative spirit that defines public health: “I have been so welcomed by the public health community and learned so much from many people here in this room, including MHOA. You have all helped me understand the very importance of the work we do, along with the acronyms and intricacies of regulations! I’m grateful to stand on the shoulders and work alongside with so many champions of public health.” ?? Congratulations, Oami! Thank you, MHOA, and kudos to Kate and all the panelists for showcasing the power of coalition building.

MPHA’s advocacy to shore up Massachusetts’ local #publichealth system long predates the COVID-19 pandemic and the current election cycle. However, these two seismic events threw into sharp relief the dire need for SAPHE 2.0 to help protect the public’s health and foster equity. As we await Governor Healey’s signature on SAPHE 2.0, we are reminded of the power of partnership and collective action in helping to reach this historic milestone. “Regardless of who ultimately heads HHS, working in alliance—across communities, demographics, and sectors—is essential to meeting the public health challenges of today and tomorrow." You can read MPHA's full Letter to the Editor by Carlene Pavlos and Oami Amarasingham, which was published in the Boston Globe, here: https://lnkd.in/evJ8xzQb #PublicHealthSavesLives #HealthEquity #MaPoli

Like many of you, we at MPHA are still processing the election results and what they will mean for our mission of #healthequity and the #justice that fuels it.?This is far from the first time equity and justice have had a setback.?And still,?the moral arc of history bends towards justice.?But, of course, that moral arc does not bend on its own.?It takes a movement: it takes a powerful, committed, strategic, aligned, sometimes angry, always compassionate movement pushing with all its might.? ?? MPHA is part of that movement – sometimes leading, sometimes working alongside in solidarity, sometimes following.?We know you are part of that movement too.? ?? Fueling that movement requires touchpoints.?It requires times when we gather and learn together, network, and align our next steps to push on that moral arc.? ?? For us, the MPHA Annual Conference has always been one of those touchpoints and we are glad we have that to look forward to.?To rise to the moment, however, we are finding we need to make a few tweaks, including a new theme.? ?? Please join us, virtually, on December 10th, from 9 am -1:30 pm for?Rising in Resistance: Advancing Community-Led Solutions.?More on our full agenda is below, and each of our speakers will be adjusting their presentations to respond to the updated theme, so expect to see updates on our website in the coming week.? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ecDYnNtQ

Want to work with a tightknit team to advance #healthequity and #racialjustice? MPHA is seeking a Community Health Integration Fellow. Learn more and apply below. Please share to help us attract a wide pool of candidates!

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." — Frederick Douglass First, I want to recognize and celebrate Kamala Harris. Her campaign was a testament to courage, resilience, and unyielding strength. She stood boldly on the national stage, representing Black women with integrity, grace, and grit. Her journey wasn’t easy, yet she exemplified qualities that we as Black women possess yet seldom receive recognition for: vision, resilience, and the courage to stand in their truth, even when the odds are stacked against us. For that, I am immensely proud. As we process the election results, let’s remember that rest is part of the resistance. Take time to care for yourselves, recharge, and gather strength. There is still work ahead for those committed to this journey. This is a moment for introspection, for clarity, and for action rooted in our values and vision of a just future. Let’s stay grounded in purpose, knowing that while change may be slow, our commitment to it doesn’t have to waver. Together, we can harness our collective power and keep pushing forward. #UnbreakableSpirit #StandForChange #LegacyOfStrength #Trailblazers #CourageToLead #ProgressThroughUnity #Empowerment #TogetherWeRise

What does it mean to move at the speed of trust and advance #community-led policy solutions that transform #publichealth? Find out at MPHA's 2024 Annual Conference: Moving at the Speed of Trust – Advancing Community-Led Policy Solutions on Tuesday, December 10th! This virtual event unites public health advocates & community partners from across the state to learn, connect, and re-energize for the movement for bold, structural change! You won't want to miss out - get your tickets today! https://lnkd.in/eZC5FHym

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance ‘s new commitments, please do. And then join MPHA to take bold and necessary action for transformative change!

A new era for MPHA! This year is special - it's our first annual conference as the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance! Join us on Tuesday, December 10th, for a virtual event to learn how we move at the speed of trust, advancing bold, community-led policy solutions that are transforming #publichealth in #MA. Don't miss out— learn more and register today: conta.cc/4f6lIfB