Massachusetts Public Health AssociationHealth Equity Policy Framework
Five key areas inform our health equity and racial justice work.
Public Health Enthusiasts
We are building a public health ecosystem for everyone.
Take Action Now
Advocate with MPHA and our partners for systems change.
What We Do.
The effectiveness of our state and local public health systems relies on addressing foundational building blocks of good health such as reliable public transportation, stable housing, nutritious food, clean air, safe drinking water, and strong public health protections.
Our work falls into three main areas: policy, community building, and social change.
What’s at stake.
110,000
Households behind on rent
Evictions and foreclosures have skyrocketed since the state moratorium expired in October 2020. Now 111,000 households are behind on rent. Housing instability increases pressure to cut back on necessities like food and health care and disrupts education, employment, and family bonds.
55%
Massachusetts residents with limited public transportation
The Commonwealth’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) are a lifeline to the 55% of Massachusetts residents who live beyond the reach of MBTA bus and subway service, providing access to jobs, health care, grocery stores, and other basic needs.
303,000
Residents helped by food access program
The Massachusetts Food Trust Program has improved access to health food retail for more than 303,000 residents in low- and moderate-income communities. 40% of the businesses receiving MFTP support are owned or controlled by a person of color and 58% owned by a woman.
23-years
Difference in life expectancy based on zip code
Life expectancy in Roxbury is 68.8 years but 91.6 years in Back Bay. Environmental and public health inequities including fuel and diesel emissions, industrial pollution, poor water quality, limited access to green spaces and systemic barriers such as poor monitoring, enforcement, and standards cause disparate health outcomes by race.
Latest Happenings.
MPHA
In the News
2/4/2024: Alexis Walls, MPHA Assistant Campaign Director, spoke to Bob Seay on WGBH, on Transit Equity Day about regional transit and how we are honoring the legacy of Rosa Parks and other civil rights champions. Click here to listen.
12/13/2023: Massachusetts public health officials release latest opioid-related overdose reports. Read more….
11/27/2023: Efforts aim for greater equity in the state’s fractured public health system (Boston Globe). Read more….
Events and conferences.
We’re heading to the State House on May 2nd for our 2nd Annual Public Health Lobby Day. Help get our legislative priorities over the finish line this session! Sign up today and watch for more details regarding the program, speakers, and meetings with legislators.
Meet the 2024 Awardees and register today for the annual Spring Awards Breakfast on June 7. Early bird tickets available through April 24.
Be a voice for public health.
Public health is your health. Let us know how you want to make a difference.
Stay informed. Get updates, analysis and more. Sign up for our free newsletter now!
Your financial support helps create healthy communities for all Massachusetts residents.
You must be logged in to post a comment.