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

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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: Understanding Air Quality: Insights from the Healthy Air Network

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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.