The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) was awarded a two-year grant of $160,000 from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to work with the Live Well Springfield Coalition to foster an age-friendly ecosystem and health equity approach to policies and practices in Springfield and Hampden County.

“We are grateful to Tufts Health Plan Foundation for their continued partnership in building capacity for policy change so older adults can lead healthy lives. Our collaborative work in Springfield is a model for the state and nation,” said Jessica Collins, Executive Director.

The LiveWell Springfield Coalition will use this funding to ensure housing policies and solutions make resources accessible to all older people. The work includes: collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department, criminal justice reform advocates, housing, and behavioral health providers to advance supports for older adults with criminal records to ensure housing and health access; the development of an action plan and digital toolkit to support older adults’ health at home; and an effort to recruit and train older adult resident leaders who can advocate for age-friendly best practices and initiatives. Our key partners working to advance the ecosystem for older adults under this grant include Baystate Geriatrics, TechSpring, Baystate Neighborhood Health Centers, New North Citizen’s Council, Men of Color Health Awareness, and the Alliance for Digital Equity as well as the Age Friendly Advisory Board.