Advancing Chicopee Together/Adelantando Chicopee Juntos Coalition to Launch
CHICOPEE — The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) and the city of Chicopee announced the launch of Advancing Chicopee Together/Adelantando Chicopee Juntos (ACT), a new community coalition bringing together residents, organizations, and local leaders to improve health and advance equity in Chicopee.
Rooted in extensive community feedback and collaboration, ACT will initially focus on two priority areas: access to nutritious food and maternal/perinatal health. Community health data indicate that Chicopee has higher rates of hypertension and obesity than the state overall, contributing to higher premature mortality. Additionally, the city has higher rates of gestational diabetes and is currently experiencing a shortage of obstetrics providers, limiting access to prenatal and postpartum care.
“The launch of Advancing Chicopee Together/Adelantando Chicopee Juntos reflects our city’s deep commitment to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live a healthy, thriving life,” Mayor John Vieau said. “We know that access to nutritious food and quality maternal and perinatal care are foundational to strong families and strong communities. By bringing residents, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local leaders to the same table, we are taking meaningful, data-driven action to address health inequities in Chicopee. I am proud to partner with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and our community stakeholders as we work together to build a healthier, more equitable future for all who call Chicopee home.”
Jessica Collins, executive director of PHIWM, added that “it’s been an honor for the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts to work with so many dedicated groups in Chicopee to learn more about these health challenges and how we can come together to address issues like food access, low birthweight, and diabetes. We have real momentum and are forging ahead.”
ACT was formed as part of Addressing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM), a statewide initiative centered on regional and racial equity in health. AHEM currently prioritizes maternal health and the social determinants of health, using a place-based framework that allows communities to identify their own strengths and solutions.
Coalition strategies include improving awareness, coordination, and connection to local food and maternal health resources; expanding education, support, and access for pregnant and postpartum individuals and those with chronic conditions; and increasing awareness and access to doula services to strengthen culturally responsive perinatal support.
The steering committee consists of resident advisors and representatives from Baystate Health, Breaking Oppression, city of Chicopee, Chicopee Health Department, Chicopee City Council, Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Elms College, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Holyoke Health Center, Tapestry Health, and Valley Opportunity Council. The project is funded by a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.
The official launch event will take place on Friday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chicopee City Hall, 274 Front St. At this event, the coalition will talk about its current priorities and the work it is implementing to improve health equity. Featured speakers include Vieau, Health & Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, Luz Lopez of Breaking Oppression, and Tammi Kozuch of Holyoke Health Center.