SPRINGFIELD — The YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently received $111,111.11 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for its youth violence-prevention program, called the H.E.R.E. (Healthy Empowering Relationships and Education) Project. This evidence-based project has been successfully embedded in many Springfield middle and high schools for about 18 months. With this new grant funding, the YWCA intends to hire additional staff to reach more youth within area schools beyond Springfield. The H.E.R.E. Project’s curriculum is specifically developed for teens, inclusive of all genders ..read more

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Health Connector is celebrating the 18th anniversary of healthcare reform in Massachusetts, highlighting all-time-high enrollment in health and dental plans and providing health insurance to more than 1.1 million Massachusetts residents since 2015. Today, 350,000 Massachusetts residents get their health or dental coverage (or both) through the Health Connector, the most in its history. This includes more than 250,000 in ConnectorCare coverage, the Health Connector’s landmark subsidized health-insurance program. “Massachusetts’s historic healthcare reform law was sign ..read more

CHICOPEE — Elms College and the St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture will present the fifth annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture in Catholic Thought on Wednesday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. The lecture, which will take place in person in the college’s Alumnae Library Theater, was rescheduled from its initial April 4 date. Click here to register. The distinguished speaker for this lecture is Dominic Doyle, associate professor of Systematic Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM). The theme for Doyle’s remarks will be “Christian Humanism and the The ..read more

LEEDS — The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is commemorating a century of dedication to serving U.S. veterans. Established in 1924, the healthcare system has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of veterans, delivering compassionate care and innovative services. To honor this significant milestone, the VA invites the community to an event on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 421 North Main St., Leeds. The festivities will include special events, recognition ceremonies, and opportunities for veterans and their families to connect with one another, as well a ..read more

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England announced a partnership with Wellth, a leading science-backed behavioral change solution that empowers members to prioritize their health and manage chronic conditions. The collaboration will help plan members of BeHealthy Partnership, Health New England’s Medicaid ACO, build lasting healthy habits, strengthen treatment-plan adherence, and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. BeHealthy Partnership plan members will gain access to Wellth’s customized and easy-to-use digital health solution, which rewards members for taking daily steps toward improving their well ..read more

CHICOPEE — Students at Elms College are nearing the conclusion of the spring 2024 semester and are making a difference throughout the region. “At Elms, we strive to provide every student with at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity during their college career,” said Jennifer Granger Sullivan, director of the Dolores Donlin Noonan ’39 Experiential Learning Program. “We want our students to be cognizant of their community and ready to step into their careers, and experiential learning is a way to make that happen.” Elms College will highlight all of the experiential learning o ..read more

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez joined the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development for an Employment Programs for Young Adults with Disabilities grant award of $13,125 for the Corporation for Public Management. This initiative prepares young adults with disabilities for employment by providing occupational skills training, individualized coaching, and post-placement support. “It’s self-evident that there are viable careers pathways for the young adults with disabilities in our community. Friends, family, and neighbors deserve the same dignity and respect that would be afforded to an ..read more

NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair and fairgrounds, will conduct its 2024 food drive on Saturday, April 13 outside of its main office at 54 Fair St., Northampton. The fair is seeking non-perishable foods such as canned fruit, vegetables, and tuna, plus cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, and peanut butter for area food pantries that have partnered with the fair. This year’s recipients include Providence Ministries’ Margaret’s Pantry in Holyoke, Easthampton Community Center, the Franklin County Communit ..read more

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is awarding almost $10 million in student-loan repayment to 221 DMH direct-care staff and clinicians across the state as part of the MA Repay program. The MA Repay DMH student-loan-repayment initiative, implemented by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (MLCHC), accepted applications last fall. Eligible applicants included clinical behavioral-health professionals and case managers in DMH state-operated programs. In exchange for four years of providing dire ..read more

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR announced the appointment of Kurtis Durocher as the new director of Learning and Employee Development. With a rich background in operations management and training, combined with extensive experience as a military veteran, Durocher brings more than a decade of expertise to drive forward the organization’s commitment to employee growth and organizational excellence. In his new role, Durocher will be responsible for spearheading the development of comprehensive training programs aimed at supporting employees’ career progression, fostering leadership capabilities, and ensuring ..read more