PVPC works with municipalities and partner organizations to address the factors that impact public health, particularly in the area of community design. Access to healthy food and places to be active; accessible buildings and sidewalks; and intentional engagement of all sectors of the community all contribute to healthy livable communities.
Healthy Communities
- Land Use & Environment
Overview
PVPC staff also assists communities in the region to become designated as Age and Dementia Friendly through AARP and the Massachusetts Councils on Aging. Through a process of community engagement using surveys, listening sessions, meetings with multi-sectoral working groups, and partnerships with community-based organizations, we help to develop community assessments and action plans and to integrate strategies for healthy aging into local and regional plans.
Timeline
- 2008 – Holyoke Food & Fitness Policy Project
- 2011-2016 MA DPH Healthy Community Design Toolkit, 2016-Food Access, 2014-Elders, 2012-original
- 2012-2014 Regional Food Security Plan
- 2015-2018 Collaborate with MAPC and FRCOG to facilitate development of Commonwealth’ Statewide Food Systems plan
- 2016-present Hampden County Health Improvement Plan
- 2023-present Root Cause Solutions Exchange
Let's Work Together
Becky Basch
Principal Plannerbbasch@pvpc.orgFeatured Projects
ARCHIVED
Posted in Jul, 2025
- Ongoing Projects
- Health & Aging (...)
- Springfield
ARCHIVED
Posted in Apr, 2023
- Ongoing Projects
- Health & Aging
- 9 Municipalities
ARCHIVED
Posted in Jan, 2021
- Ongoing Projects
- Health & Aging
- Hampden County