Massachusetts Public Health Alliance
Health Equity Policy Framework
Five key areas inform our health equity and racial justice work.
Rising in Resistance
Join us in pushing back against harmful federal attacks on health. These actions – whether big or small– are powerful when we do them in alliance.
Advocating for Systems Change
With the MPHA Policy Council and our partners, we have a robust policy agenda.
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.
Events and conferences.
2026 Spring Awards Breakfast
Our 24th annual Spring Awards will take place on June 5th from 8–10:30 AM. MPHA is now accepting nominations for public health heroes making a difference in Massachusetts. Descriptions of the different awards can be found on the nomination form. Deadline for submissions is February 13th at 5 PM EST.
At last year’s 2025 MPHA Annual Conference & Meeting, we came together virtually to explore how to navigate the current threats to public health. It was an inspiring day of learning, discussion, and connection with public health leaders across Massachusetts.
Be a voice for public health.
Public health is your health. Let us know how you want to make a difference.
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