MVP HEAL Session: Indoor Air Quality Training with USGBC

On April 10, 2026, the Healthy Environments Advance Learning (HEAL) project hosted a webinar featuring Medea Villeré, Regional Program Manager at the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Medea presented an overview of the Center for Green Schools’ Energy‑Efficient Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Professional Development Program. The session convened school district staff, public health professionals, and sustainability leaders committed to improving indoor air quality and energy performance in K–12 schools.

Key Highlights from the Session:

• Energy‑Efficient IAQ Program Overview: Attendees were introduced to the Center for Green Schools’ free professional development program designed to support K–12 school districts in improving indoor air quality while optimizing energy efficiency.

• Program Offerings: Participants learned about available opportunities, including in‑person workshops, virtual trainings, fellowships, funding opportunities, and peer‑to‑peer learning networks.

• Tools and Resources: The session highlighted practical tools such as the K–12 School Energy‑Efficient Indoor Air Quality Management Toolkit and School IAQ Factsheets to support district-level implementation.

• Target Audience and Applications: The program’s relevance for district-level staff—including facilities, operations, environmental health, finance, sustainability, IAQ, and energy management professionals—was emphasized.

• Implementation and Next Steps: Attendees gained insight into how to access program offerings and apply available resources to strengthen IAQ management strategies and create healthier learning environments.

This session underscored the importance of integrating energy efficiency and indoor air quality strategies to support healthier, more sustainable school environments for students and staff.

MVP HEAL: Strategic Communications Webinar

On March 27, 2026, the Healthy Environments Advance Learning (HEAL) project hosted a practical communications training led by staff from Health Resources in Action (HRiA). The session focused on helping participants refine their messaging and develop effective elevator pitches to better connect with audiences and advance their goals. The webinar brought together public health professionals, advocates, and community partners working to strengthen communication strategies in support of healthier environments.

Key Highlights from the Session:

• Elevator Pitch Fundamentals: Participants were introduced to the core elements of a strong elevator pitch, including clarity, conciseness, and audience alignment.

• Audience-Centered Messaging: The training emphasized the importance of tailoring messages to resonate with key audiences who can help advance organizational goals.

• Step-by-Step Development: Attendees were guided through the process of crafting their own elevator pitches, reflecting their work, mission, and impact.

• Interactive Practice: The session provided opportunities to begin drafting and refining pitches with practical tips for delivering messages with confidence.

• Tools for Continued Growth: Participants received strategies and resources to continue shaping and strengthening their communication approach beyond the session.

This training underscored the value of clear, compelling communication in advancing public health initiatives and building support for healthier communities.

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.

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