MVP HEAL: Healthy Communities Webinar

On December 5th, 2025, the Healthy Environments Advance Learning (HEAL) project hosted an exclusive webinar featuring Britney Daniels, planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Environmental and Energy Planning Department. Britney presented the Healthy Communities Handbook, developed under the EPA Healthy Communities Grant Program and now being updated into an online format. The session brought together environmental advocates, public health professionals, and community members committed to creating healthier living environments.

Key Highlights from the Session:

• Healthy Communities Handbook: Attendees received an overview of the handbook and its role in guiding healthier environments.

• Indoor Air Pollution: Presenters discussed major causes of indoor air pollution and their impact on communities.

• Practical Solutions: Participants explored remediation strategies to improve indoor air quality.

• Health Implications: The session highlighted the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality.

• Next Steps: Attendees learned about upcoming efforts to advance healthier living environments through the updated online handbook.

This session underscored the importance of equipping communities with practical tools, knowledge, and strategies to address indoor air quality challenges and foster healthier environments statewide.

MAAP Coalition Meeting: Advancing Air Quality with Groundwork MA

On November 5th, 2025, the MAAP Coalition hosted a webinar focused on advancing air quality with Groundwork MA. Presented by the Healthy Air Network in collaboration with Groundwork trusts across Massachusetts, the session brought together environmental advocates, public health professionals, and community organizers committed to building healthier communities through grassroots air quality monitoring.

Key Highlights from the Session:

• Community Data Findings: Attendees learned about key air quality data collected by Groundwork MA partners over the past year.

• Environmental Connections: Presenters shared how these findings align with ongoing community-based environmental projects.

• Action Strategies: Participants explored practical approaches for translating data into meaningful, on-the-ground impact.

Presenters included:

• Jeremy Hoffman, Groundwork USA

• Alejandra Juarez-Diaz, Groundwork Lawrence

• Eric Andrade, Groundwork Southcoast

• Kenzie Ballard, Groundwork Somerville

This session underscored the importance of equipping communities with the tools, data, and partnerships needed to advance environmental justice and improve air quality statewide.

MAAP Coalition Meeting: Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Support in Massachusetts

On September 3rd, 2025, the MAAP Coalition hosted a webinar focused on advancing tobacco and nicotine cessation efforts statewide. Presented by the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program (MTCP) at the Department of Public Health and the UMass Chan Medical School’s Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training (CTTRT), the session brought together healthcare providers, public health professionals, and care coordinators committed to helping residents quit tobacco for good.

Key Highlights from the Session:

• Statewide Resources: Attendees learned about free, evidence-based programs available to support individuals in their quit journey, including the Massachusetts Tobacco Quitline.

• Provider Support: The CTTRT team shared training, education, and technical assistance opportunities for providers across Massachusetts.

• Referral Tools: Participants received guidance on how to refer patients to the Quitline, including access to a fax referral form for streamlined support.

This session underscored the importance of equipping providers with the tools and knowledge to help patients make successful quit attempts.

Healthy Air, Healthy Communities: 2025 MAAP Summit Tackles Air Quality and Asthma Equity

Keynote Panel

Pictured left to right: Billy Spitzer (Hitchock Center), Francheska Bermudez (PHIWM), Kenzie Ballard (Groundwork Sommerville), Orlando Rivera (Resident Advisor), and Destiny Gonzalez (HRiA).

On June 12, 2025, over 60 participants gathered at Clark University for the annual MAAP Summit, Healthy Air, Healthy Communities: Understanding the Impact of Air Quality on Asthma in our Communities. The event convened educators, public health professionals, organizers, and advocates to explore the intersection of air quality, asthma outcomes, and environmental justice through data, community leadership, and hands-on learning.

The day opened with remarks from Destiny Gonzalez (Health Resources in Action) and Michelle Warner (MDPH), offering updates on statewide asthma prevention efforts and coalition priorities. The keynote—delivered by the Healthy Air Network—spotlighted new community air monitoring tools across New England, including Massachusetts’ Unhealthy Heat Forecast and hyperlocal air quality sensors designed to empower residents with real-time, actionable data.

Participants then moved into breakout sessions covering both outdoor and indoor air quality strategies. Pete Wilson of Transportation for Massachusetts led a conversation on how transportation infrastructure shapes air pollution and health outcomes, calling for more equitable and sustainable alternatives. In a parallel session, Dr. Patricia Fabian (Boston University) shared findings from a project using over 4,000 indoor air sensors in Boston Public Schools to improve classroom air quality and inform school operations.

In the afternoon, a hands-on workshop led by Francheska Bermudez (PHIWM) and Billy Spitzer (Hitchcock Center) gave attendees the opportunity to build their own DIY air filters to take home. Meanwhile, Victoria Hill and Michelle Warner (MDPH) facilitated a session on the impact of CHW-led asthma home visits, offering insight into how housing interventions can reduce asthma triggers and improve respiratory health.

Participants left the day energized and informed:

“I really enjoyed both sessions. As a CHW…it was especially meaningful to hear from someone who has firsthand experience in the field.” “It was an honor and privilege to attend the summit and breakout sessions.” “The presenters were very knowledgeable…the breakout sessions were both very informative and I learned a lot.”

The 2025 Summit reinforced MAAP’s commitment to supporting community-led solutions and cleaner, healthier air for all.

MAAP Coalition Meeting: Extreme Heat and Outdoor Worker Health

On June 4, 2025, MAAP hosted a timely webinar focused on protecting workers, residents, and communities from the growing threats of extreme heat. The session featured Al Vega, MAAP Steering Committee member and Chief of Strategy & Engagement at MassCOSH, along with representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health (BCEH).

The session highlighted practical strategies and new tools developed by BCEH to support public health professionals, labor advocates, and local leaders in responding to dangerous heat across the state.

Key takeaways from the session include:

• Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast: BCEH unveiled its new Unhealthy Heat Forecast tool, providing real-time, location-based alerts and guidance. Designed for use by clinicians, community members, and municipal leaders, it’s an essential resource for planning and responding to days with hazardous heat levels.

• Community Health and Safety Guidance: BCEH reviewed its updated Extreme Heat Guidance, outlining how to protect vulnerable populations during high-heat events through hydration, cooling access, risk communication, and outreach.

• Labor and Workplace Safety Advocacy: Al Vega spoke about the need for stronger protections for outdoor and frontline workers. Participants discussed opportunities to embed worker safety standards related to heat into local and state policies.

Meeting Recap: Healthy School Building Retrofits & Leveraging Grant Dollars

On April 8th, 2025, experts Jillian Wilson-Martin, Dr. Ben Weil, and Meg Howard presented at the MAAP webinar Healthy School Building Retrofits & Leveraging Grant Dollars (at any budget). The session focused on actionable strategies for retrofitting school buildings to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality while utilizing available funding opportunities. 

Key takeaways from the session include: 

1. Heat Pumps for Electrification: Heat pumps are essential for making school buildings fully electric, providing both heating and cooling while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving indoor air quality. 

2. Steps to Electrify and Retrofit Schools: Schools should begin with a comprehensive assessment of their HVAC systems, explore electrification options, and prioritize projects based on cost estimates. Aligning designs with grant criteria and collaborating with facilities and sustainability teams is crucial to securing funding and executing successful retrofits. 

3. Available Funding Resources: Schools can tap into programs like Green Schools, Green Communities, and META for funding. Additionally, local utility programs and technical studies offer valuable incentives and resources to improve energy systems. 

4. Path to Decarbonized Schools: Achieving net-zero emissions in schools involves focusing on four key areas: sealing building envelopes, installing high-performance windows, upgrading to heat pumps, and improving ventilation with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), which enhance air quality and energy efficiency. 

5. Funding Opportunities: The Green Schools Work Program offers up to $60 million in grants, targeting K-12 schools, especially those serving low-income students. Schools should apply for both technical services and implementation grants before the deadline to help fund energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects. 

By leveraging these strategies and resources, schools can reduce their carbon footprint and create healthier, more sustainable learning environments for students and staff.

MAAP Coalition Meeting: Rental Registries and Their Role in Promoting Healthy Housing

On April 2nd, 2025, experts from Boston and Worcester discussed their cities’ rental registry programs aimed at improving housing conditions through proactive inspections.

Boston’s Rental Registry
Boston’s Inspectional Services Department oversees the city’s rental registry, ensuring all rental units are safe and sanitary.

• Registration: Required for all rental units, with options to register online, by mail, or in person.

• Inspection Ordinance: A re-written ordinance allows for proactive inspections.

• Metrics: Success is measured by complaints and the number of registered units.

Worcester’s Rental Registry
Worcester’s program, now in the inspection phase, aims to improve housing quality by targeting areas with health disparities.

• Proactive Inspections: Data from UMass Medical School guides prioritization of areas for inspection.

• Inclusion: Covers all rental properties except owner-occupied units in multifamily buildings.

• Costs: $15 for the first inspection, $5 for renewals.

• Compliance: Landlords must live within 60 miles of the property or designate a local property manager.

Compliance and Data Use
Both cities emphasize compliance. Worcester uses fines and failure-to-register letters, while Boston calls landlords directly to enforce registration. Data, such as health metrics, helps identify priority inspection areas.

Success Metrics

• Boston: Focuses on the number of complaints and new registrants.

• Worcester: Aims for 60% registration of known rental units.

By utilizing data and proactive inspection strategies, both cities are working to create safer and healthier housing environments.

☆ SAVE THE DATE ☆ MAAP Summit 2025: June 12th, 2025

Healthy Air, Healthy Communities:
Understanding the Impact of Air Quality on Asthma in our Communities  

Thursday June 12th, 2025
Higgins University Center, 
Clark University, Worcester, MA
9:00 AM - 3:30PM EST

Register Now!

MAAP Coalition Meeting: Advancing Asthma Care: Emerging Therapies and Guidelines with Dr. Robyn Cohen

On February 5th, 2025, Dr. Robyn Cohen, a pediatric pulmonologist at Boston Medical Center, delivered a compelling presentation at the MAAP Coalition Meeting, "Advancing Asthma Care: Emerging Therapies and Guidelines." The session provided valuable insights into the latest developments in asthma management for children, with a focus on improving care for all children, irrespective of their clinic attendance. 

Dr. Cohen discussed her work with WellSense and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to bridge asthma care gaps. She also shared her expertise on the recent updates to asthma medication guidelines, including the SMART (Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) and AIR (Anti-inflammatory Reliever) approaches. Dr. Cohen emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address asthma-related disparities, particularly in reducing emergency visits among children from minority communities. 

Key takeaways from the session include: 

• The 2020 asthma management updates, recommending a combination inhaler for moderate persistent asthma to streamline treatment. 

• The importance of regular asthma assessments and clarifying common confusion around inhaler use. 

• Dr. Cohen’s insights on biologics for severe asthma patients, highlighting how these treatments target the root causes of symptoms and improve patient outcomes. 

The session also covered efforts by MassHealth WellSense ACO to enhance asthma management, access to biologics for Medicaid patients, and the services offered by the Boston Public Health Commission. 

HEAL Districts Present at the MAAP Coalition Meeting!

On December 4th, 2024, the HEAL districts hosted a dynamic presentation at the MAAP Coalition Meeting, “From Policies to Practice: How Schools Are Adapting for Asthma-Friendly Learning.” This meeting brought together key stakeholders to share the innovative ways in which schools are implementing asthma-friendly policies and practices. The districts presented their strategies for improving environmental health conditions and highlighted the short-term actions and policies they are piloting to support students with asthma. 

To learn more about the projects and the valuable insights shared, you can watch the full recording of the meeting and access the presentation materials [here]. 

Additionally, the following key resources were shared during the session: 

• Strategic Plan for Asthma in MA  

• MDPH's & MAAP's Clearing the Air Toolkit 

• MAAP's HEAL Webpage, featuring links to HEAL Modules that are available for CEUs through NEUSHA. 

• Asthma: SMART Therapy & More, NIH 2020 Asthma Clinical Guideline Update, also available for CEUs through NEUSHA. 

• Lynn Public Schools Staff Handbook 

• Funding Opportunity: EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program 

For more specific guidance on extreme heat policies, the following resources were highlighted: 

• Holyoke Public Schools' Extreme Heat Policy and Resources 

• Tools from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB), designed to help districts manage extreme heat, including customizable policy templates for: 

• District Wellness Policy  

• Faculty and Staff Handbooks  

• Emergency Cancellation, Delay, and Early Dismissal Procedures 

lynn handbook

Holyoke Public Schools' Extreme Heat Policy and Resources 

Haverhill public schools, emergency action plan

new bedford heal presentation

MDPH Press Release: Alternatives to Discontinued Asthma Medication

With respiratory season arrival, DPH reminds patients and providers of alternatives to discontinued asthma medication. 

Published November 13, 2024, DPH issued a press release with information to help patients, families, providers, and pharmacists identify and access the best options for timely and effective asthma medications, particularly in the wake of the discontinuation of two commonly used inhaled treatments—Flovent® HFA and Flovent® Diskus by manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Access the full press release here to view key information on alternatives to discontinued asthma medications. 

MAAP Coalition Meeting: Understanding Air Quality: Insights from the Healthy Air Network

On October 2, 2024, the MAAP Coalition hosted a valuable session focused on local air quality issues, their impact on public health, and strategies to improve our environment. This meeting provided participants with insights into regional trends and findings, specifically from Western Massachusetts. 

The session featured expert presentations from Sarita Hudson of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Billy Spitzer from the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, and Destiny Gonzalez from Health Resources in Action. They shared critical data from their ongoing work, offering a closer look at air quality challenges and their direct effects on public health. 

Presenters discussed key strategies for improving air quality at the community level, empowering participants with practical knowledge to tackle these issues locally. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of how air pollution impacts public health and how communities can collaborate to make meaningful changes for cleaner, healthier environments. 

Highlights from the 2024 MAAP Summit: Asthma in a Changing Climate – Collaborative Strategies for Resilience

The 2024 MAAP Summit brought together over 80 participants to explore community-driven strategies for addressing asthma in the context of climate change. The event offered a space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration from a range of experts and practitioners working on the front lines of environmental health. 

The Summit opened with an inspiring keynote address by Destiny Gonzalez, who focused on Lawrence Pa’lante, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates urban planning, advocacy, and community empowerment to create safer, cooler, and more affordable transportation options in Lawrence. Gonzalez highlighted the critical connection between extreme heat, poor air quality, and the disproportionate impacts on environmental justice communities like Lawrence. 

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of breakout sessions centered around equity and resilience in the face of climate change. Cynthia Espinosa Marrero from HRiA led a session on the importance of relationship-building in community engagement, stressing that power-sharing is key to sustainable collaboration. Rita Longe from Revitalize CDC facilitated a discussion on maintaining healthy housing and living spaces, where attendees brainstormed solutions to mold and moisture problems through real-world case studies. 

Karina Ramos and Sarah Kielsmeier-Jones from MyRWA presented the CLEANAIR Study, a community-based outdoor air quality monitoring project in Greater Boston. Francheska Bermudez from the Public Health Institute of Western MA led a hands-on workshop where participants created DIY air quality filters to improve indoor air quality. Molly Fairchild and Angie Alberto Escobar from the Home Energy Efficiency Team explored the impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality and asthma, sharing practical solutions for transitioning away from gas stoves and improving ventilation. 

Suellen Breaky from the Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health at MGH School of Nursing addressed the health impacts of climate change across the lifespan and provided actionable steps for individuals and communities to take in response to these challenges. 

Participants left the event with valuable takeaways, including one participant noting, "Very informative day. Enjoyed the opportunity to connect and interact with others." Another shared, "A great collaborative gathering and discussion." Many attendees also expressed how much they appreciated the hands-on DIY activity, with one remarking, "The DIY activity was great!" Overall, it was a day full of learning and connection, with attendees reflecting on the wealth of knowledge shared throughout the sessions. 

Highlights from the 2023 MAAP Summit: Addressing Asthma in Our Communities: Where we Live, Work, and Play

On June 1st, the Massachusetts Asthma Action Partnership (MAAP) held our first in-person summit since 2019, at Framingham State University. Over 90 individuals from 57 organizations across Massachusetts attended; for more than half, it was their first MAAP Summit. Among the attendees were community health workers, school nurses, clinicians, academics, and representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and community-based organizations. This year’s theme was “Addressing Asthma in Our Communities: Where we Live, work, and Play,” and featured a keynote address from Douglas Brown, President of Community Hospitals and Chief Administrative & Legal Officer for UMass Memorial Health. Dr. Brown was accompanied by a panel of colleagues to discuss how UMass Memorial Hospital's Anchor Program is addressing root causes of asthma and other inequities in Worcester. 

    Other key segments of the summit included the debut of the MA Department of Public Health’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan for Asthma.  Participants reflected on how their organizations are working to meet the goals set within the strategic plan. Afternoon breakouts focused on asthma-related equity initiatives taking place to address extreme heat in Massachusetts schools, outdoor air quality in asthma-burdened communities, and healthy housing. In addition to the presentations, there were demonstrations on how to use a portable induction stove, how to build a DIY (do-it-yourself) box fan air purifier, and how to read a particle reader; MAAP raffled two induction stove cooktops; and Monano Arts lead an energizing bucket drumming activity, which was powerful and a big hit! The educational and networking opportunities provided throughout the day compelled some participants to share this information with their staff and community partners and expand their partnerships. 

    On behalf of MAAP, thank you to the MAAP Steering Committee members for their help with planning, with a special shout out to Jim Brooks, Director, Housing Development and Healthy Homes, City of Worcester. We are grateful to all the presenters, facilitators, and attendees who contributed to making this year’s Summit so invigorating and productive. We look forward to seeing even more of you in 2024. 

Thank you to our presenters: 

Douglas S. Brown (Keynote Speaker), Jennifer Delaney, Yvette Dyson, Jeshenia Luyando, David Turcotte, Khafayat Kadiri, James Brooks, Sarita Hudson, Francheska Bermudez, Emmanuell De Barros, Carla Caraballo, Cynthia Carbone, Liam Quinn  

New England Healthy Air Network Launched with Webinar!

The Healthy Air Network (HAN), a project of the Public Health Institute of Western MA (PHIWM), Krystal Pollitt, PhD, P. Engineering, Yale School of Public Health (Yale) and the MA Asthma Action Partnership (MAAP) at Health Resources in Action, hosted a webinar on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 to connect with air quality stakeholders in New England. The webinar was an opportunity for stakeholders to learn how they could connect their air quality sensors to HAN’s website, which will serve as a universal platform to provide real-time, easily accessible, actionable data for any interested community across MA and New England monitoring for PM2.5 (and O₃ (ozone) where applicable). To learn more about the Healthy Air Network and their work, you can watch a recording of the informational webinar, review the presentation slide deck, or refer to the HAN fact sheet or our FAQ sheet.

The Community Health Worker Asthma Home Visiting Learning Community: A Recap

 December 15th marked the last of six sessions for MAAP’s Community Health Worker (CHW) Learning Community for Asthma Home Visiting which provided continuing education and networking opportunities.  Fourteen CHWs  -- all working in the 11 communities prioritized in the Strategic Plan for Asthma in MA participated; these CHWs were certified or seeking MA CHW Certification. We hosted guest speakers – including Bridgette Jones, MD, MSCR ,who discussed achieving justice in asthma care; Jody Kenneally Chase, CPNP, who gave a talk on asthma medications & delivery devices; Carmen Pagan, who spoke about her experience with home assessments and asthma trigger remediation; Shanyn Toulouse, DNP, MEd, RN, NCSN, who spoke about the role of the school nurse in asthma care and opportunities for collaboration with CHWs; and Nathalie Bazil, BSW, CCHW, Kamille M. Carthy, and Shanina Rosado, who promoted various professional development opportunities for CHWs through the MDPH Office of Community Health Workers and the Massachusetts Association of CHWs. Carla Caraballo, CHW and SDOH Program Manager from Lowell Community Health Center, co-facilitated the series, and throughout shared her journey as a CHW working on asthma and a variety of experiences that enriched the series. MAAP thanks all our wonderful guest speakers, as well as all CHWs who attended our sessions, for creating an active and collaborative learning space.

Funding Opportunities for Mass. Schools to Invest in Indoor Air Quality & Heat Resilience

$100M in HVAC Grants Available for MA School Districts

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be granting $100 million to school districts to improve ventilation and indoor air-quality to support healthy learning environments (hereinafter the HVAC Grant). Schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students, English learners, and communities disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are given priority for this funding. Grant applications for FY23 are due on Friday, October 28. These funds must be obligated by 2024 and spent by 2026. More information is available here.

If you work in a municipality or are involved in your parent teacher organization or school board, please share this opportunity and the importance of investing in healthy learning environments with your school leadership. If you work in a school district, please consider applying.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity and others, please visit this article published on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council's website, written by Sharon Ron, MAPC senior public health planner, Paula Giraldo and Geri Medina, Massachusetts Asthma Action Partnership / Health Resources in Action

Holyoke Schools Spotlight: Collaboration Between School Nurses and Custodians

Nurses and custodians are perfect collaboration partners! Even before the pandemic, Cynthia Carbone, MEd, MSN, RN, Director of Health, Wellness, and Nursing for Holyoke Public Schools, and her nursing team worked closely with the facilities team and were looking at how school nurses could work more effectively with facilities management. They ramped this up during COVID – proving to be an invaluable asset to improving conditions for student and staff health within their schools.

Cynthia shared, “Custodians are everywhere in the building – and see things that nurses may not. So, to have a healthy school environment, school nurses and custodians need to interact daily. To help promote this, at the start of each school year the school nurses reach out to each member of the building’s custodial team, introduce themselves to new staff, provide contact information, and reacquaint themselves with returning custodians. Each nurse regularly meets with her lead custodian who is their go-to for facilities concerns. Likewise, nurses are available for consultation with the custodial team. During the pandemic, we created a multidisciplinary checklist for each positive COVID case in the district, and the nurse notified the building principal, custodian, and HR (for staff) and each had action steps to follow. The nurses and custodial staff regularly connect to discuss cleaning procedures and best practices to maintain a healthy school environment. The facilities team is constantly looking to improve practice and has done a lot of work around green cleaning. They are always willing to share information and demonstrate products for the nurses.”

Cynthia continued, “This has been possible because of the generous spirit of our facilities team and their willingness to actively collaborate with health services. The custodial team is our go-to for setting up and conducting our annual flu shot clinics for staff and multiple COVID vaccine clinics that we have held since the spring of 2021. The facilities team members have regularly presented at our school nurse meetings and Districtwide School Community Health Advisory Council. They have spoken about COVID-19 management concerns and mitigation strategies, cleaning products, ventilation, air quality, and other environmental health issues. In turn, I am invited to Senior Custodian meetings to discuss topics of concern or interest. These actions have helped us to build strong relationships and practices. We see our roles as interdependent in keeping schools safe and healthy for students and staff.”

This year, schools face an unusually high flu season, as well as possible COVID resurgences, but Cynthia stated that she’s confident in her team’s ability to tackle this, and much more.

We applaud Holyoke for taking this collaborative approach!

From left to right: Brian Harris, Facilities Manager, and Cynthia Carbone, Director of Health, Wellness, & Nursing

Update on MA Statewide Asthma Strategic Planning

A snapshot of some participants from MAAP Strategic Planning Session 1

Over the past several months, the MA DPH Asthma Prevention and Control Program (APCP) and MAAP, led a planning process to inform the development of the Strategic Plan for Asthma for MA: 2021-2026, facilitated by Health Resources in Action. This plan is meant to provide guidance and inspiration for asthma work focused on prevention and control across the Commonwealth over these five years.

It includes broad goals and strategies focused on four priority areas: schools, housing, outdoor air quality, and clinical care & linkages. Promoting racial and health equity were guiding principles for the plan, designed for the entire state and prioritizing the following communities: Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Holyoke Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. These eleven cities were identified as having the highest burden of asthma in Massachusetts based according to higher asthma hospitalization/ED rates, higher prevalence of COVID-19, and lower ICE scores (Index of Concentrations at the Extremes), a ratio of the concentration of the most privileged to the concentration of the most deprived in a given community.

Many of these strategic planning discussions focused on how we can foster effective partnerships to advance work to address asthma across the state. For example, one objective for outdoor air quality is “By 2024, implement quarterly communications about real time local air quality and related public health threats to the 11 targeted communities and other vulnerable neighborhoods near major sources of mobile/point sources of pollution”. Through this process, MAAP has learned about local monitoring efforts starting and led by community-based organizations with residents. This includes in Chelsea led by GreenRoots, with assistance from the MA Department of Environmental Protection, and in Codman Square led by the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation and in Lynn, in collaboration with EarthWatch Institute. We look forward to lifting up their efforts, and helping to spread best practices and lessons across the State.

When completed, the plan will be posted on both MA DPH APCP’s and MAAP’s website. We thank everyone who participated and appreciate the level of thoughtfulness and respect put into this process; there were 65 participants, representing more than 40 institutions (community-based organizations, health care, schools and academia, government agencies, etc.), who donated their time and mental energy to develop the plan! After nearly a year of Covid-19 disruption and loss, we are feeling hopeful in the New Year and excited to press forward to tackle this work together.