Area Legislators Celebrate Funding for Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD — This week, state Sen. Adam Gomez gathered alongside fellow Springfield legislators and members of the Western Mass. delegation to recognize the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts’ receipt of $150,000 through the fiscal year 2022 state budget.

The check presentation and funding announcement was an opportunity to formally congratulate the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts while also recognizing the advocacy efforts on the part of Gomez, who, with the help of his colleagues in the region, was able to secure said funding through an FY22 Senate budget earmark. The event was hosted at the institute’s office in downtown Springfield.

“The passion, energy, and work that the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts puts into our communities on a daily basis is incredible,” Gomez said. “It was a no-brainer for me to advocate for this earmark for the Public Health Institute because I saw firsthand their tireless efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that each vulnerable resident was reached and there was equitable access to necessary healthcare. I know that this funding will go to good use, and I look forward to seeing the Public Health Institute reach more people in our region as 2022 continues.”

Jessica Collins, the institute’s executive director, added that “we appreciate so much the leadership and partnership with Senator Gomez and the whole Western Mass. delegation for supporting a regional effort to address COVID-19 and its impact and ramifications on communities that we and the legislators serve. This funding will help us further build out the 413Cares platform and resources related to services that are more in need than ever.”