Baystate Health - Partners for a Healthier Community

Overview

Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC) is the public health institute of western Massachusetts, advancing public health practice and making systematic improvements with policy changes to improve population health in the Pioneer Valley. It drives policy change leading to system-level improvements that impact the health outcomes of groups. PHC leads four community-wide public policy and system change initiatives:

• Live Well Springfield (LWS) is a coalition that strives to increase access and opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating for all residents, and also to make Springfield a regional destination for healthy living. LWS focuses on four specific strategies: securing a full-line grocery store in the Springfield Mason Square Neighborhood, which is a food desert; expanding the Go Fresh Mobile Market to increase food access; programming for the Riverwalk; and leading policy advocacy efforts to create a city that is more walking/biking friendly and integrate "Complete Streets" practices in all roadway projects.

• Live Well Springfield ~ KIDS is a coalition of public health and health care providers, health insurers, early child care and education providers, and parents, that ensures all children receive adequate developmental screening and treatment leading to academic success.

• Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition (PVAC) leads the healthy homes collaborative that addresses environmental triggers through community education, asthma home visiting, and home repair resources. PHC and PVAC were selected by Green & Healthy Homes Initiative and Calvert Foundation to receive technical assistance and complete a feasibility study for a "Pay for Success" initiative in partnership with Baystate Health.

• YEAH! Network (Youth Empowered Adolescent Health) convenes service providers and clinical partners to better serve teens, and create more opportunities for access with regard to sexual health.

Baystate Health is a partner in all of these programs.

Impact

In 2014, the EyeSEE (Early Screening, Education, and Exams) pilot was launched in five Springfield preschools programs. Using the SPOT Vision Screener, more than 400 preschool children were screened in three months, with 14 percent receiving referrals for a comprehensive eye exam. Baystate High Street Pediatric Health Center purchased the SPOT Vision Screener and is part of the effort to create a comprehensive vision system for the region. Through PVAC, the number of emergency visits for asthma has decreased. In 2013, YEAH! Network contributed to a decrease in teen births in both Holyoke and Springfield, specifically in teens who are either Hispanic and/or of African descent.

Lessons Learned

PHC provides "backbone" support to multiple coalitions by incorporating community organizing, coalition building and policy work.

Future Goals

PHC members are always learning how to better lead processes, foster productive relationships, and achieve impact.

Contact: Jessica Collins
Executive Director
Telephone: 413-794-2520
Email: jcollins@partnersforahealthiercommunity.org