Supporting Public Health Practice

Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH), the lead agency of the Central Mass Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA), has a vision of becoming the healthiest region in New England by 2020. In parternship with Fallon Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester (formerly CHNA-8, Common Pathways) it galvanized over 1500 individuals and many agencies to complete the Community Health Assessment and create the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP is a blueprint for action for the next 3-5 years, and its guiding principles and 9 Priority Areas focus the talent, resources, and work plans of many community agencies.  UMass Chan PRC Faculty and staff are actively involved in the Physical Activity Priority Area and the Access to Healthy Food Priority Area.

The Worcester Food Policy Council brings together agencies and stakeholders with a shared mission to “foster a healthy and just food system for all.” The Policy Councl seeks new ways to make healthy food more accessible, such as through support of Worcester's Urban Agriculture initiative and the Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants.  

WalkBike Worcester is actively working towards its goal of making it more “safe, pleasant and convenient” to walk and bike in Worcester. This collaboration of organizations and residents provide input on local plans, policies and practices to create Complete Streets that safely accommodate driving, biking and walking. UMass Chan PRC staff member volunteers her time to help spearhead these efforts.

The Coalition for a Greater Healthy Worcester is a collaboration of many agencies, organizations and individuals in the Greater Worcester area.