Western Mass. Public Health Progress Highlighted During Statewide Tour

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The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recently hosted Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Kiame Mahaniah as part of a statewide “Public Health Excellence Tour” showcasing advancements in public health across western Massachusetts. The visit spotlighted how state-funded Public Health Excellence grants and the Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community (SAPHE) laws are strengthening shared services, training, and infrastructure throughout the region.

At the Marieb College of Nursing, nursing leaders demonstrated the use of mannequins and simulators that prepare nurses for real-world public health scenarios. The new Local Public Health Nurse Consultant Program at UMass Amherst, a state-funded mentorship program in partnership with Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Office of Local and Regional Health (OLRH), equips public health nurses with vital training and resources, advancing community health outcomes.

Local collaborations like the Hampshire Public Health Shared Services Collaborative, supported by state funds, unite multiple communities to standardize public health practices and address complex challenges more efficiently.

These efforts reflect a growing commitment to modernize public health systems, improve training, and address emerging community health needs across Massachusetts.

• Read the full article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette (public)
• Read the full article (PDF for UMass Amherst members only)