2025 News
- Access to care varies depending on geography, demographics
Boston Globe, December 30, 2025 - Improve health in this vital region
Sentinel & Enterprise, December 18, 2025 - Improve health in this vital region
Nashoba Valley Voice, December 18, 2025 - Improve health in this vital region
Lowell Sun, December 18, 2025 - The Health Foundation awards $250K in emergency financial assistance grants to Central Massachusetts community action agencies
Holliston Reporter, December 17, 2025 - The Health Foundation announces 3 emergency assistance grants
MassNonprofit News, December 17, 2025 - Worcester Community Action Council Gets $100K In Emergency Funding
Patch, December 17, 2025 - State bill seeks earlier detection of kids’ vision problems
Worcester Guardian, December 16, 2025 - New health partnership aims to improve access to care in Nashoba Valley
Harvard Press, December 12, 2025 - Responding to a Rural Hospital Closure: The Importance of a Phased, Multi-Pronged Approach
Grantmakers in Health, October 20, 2025 - Southbridge High unveils sensory immersion room as part of the CARES program
Telegram & Gazette, October 19, 2025 - Southbridge High unveils sensory immersion room as part of the CARES program
The Gardner News, October 19, 2025 - In pursuit of MAAXimum impact
Clark University, October 15, 2025 - Little Champions. Worcester grown mushrooms nourish immigrants and tradition
Edible Worcester, September 16, 2025 - One year since the Nashoba Valley Medical Center closure
Spectrum News 1, September 3, 2025 - Revitalized buildings address housing crunch
Fitchburg Sentinel, August 30, 2025 - Three ways for Massachusetts to lead post-‘Big Beautiful’ bill
CommonWealth Beacon, August 7, 2025 - The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Awards $125K Grant to Winchendon CAC
The Winchendon Courier, August 5, 2025 - The Health Foundation of Central Mass. awards nearly $1 million in grants
MassNonprofit News, July 30, 2025 - After record-breaking number of applications, Health Foundation grants $1M to 10 nonprofits
Worcester Business Journal, July 30, 2025 - MassINC Welcomes Three Distinguished Leaders to the Board of Directors
MassINC, July 28, 2025 - Boosting schools calls for much more than receivership
Boston Globe, July 7, 2025 - Opinion/Guest column: Worcester Housing Authority bold, responsive and driven by clear mission
Telegram & Gazette, June 22, 2025 - Group gets $250K to address health equity in Ayer
Sentinel & Enterprise, June 17, 2025 - As politics change, health disparities continue to affect the same communities
El Planeta, June 13, 2025 - The Health Foundation grants $250K to support Nashoba Valley following hospital closure
Worcester Business Journal, June 12, 2025 - Massachusetts Governor Launches Health Equity Initiative in Ayer with $250K Grant
Hoodline, June 12, 2025 - Region coping with hospital loss gets $250,000 grant
State House News Service, June 11, 2025 - Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces New Partnership to Advance Health Equity in Ayer
MassGov, June 11, 2025 - Food hub to launch at Worcester’s Union Station in June
MassLive, May 19, 2025 - Power 100 for 2025: The most influential professionals in Central MA
Worcester Business Journal, May 16, 2025 - Health Champion: Amie Shei’s Journey to Public Health Leader
Angels in Medicine, May 16, 2025 - Outside MBTA zone, transportation services seen as “lifelines”
WWLP-TV22, May 10, 2025 - On Earth Day, Coalition Renews Calls for Safe Drinking Water Protections for Private Well Owners
Franklin Matters, April 23, 2025 - Ceremony planned for Child Abuse Awareness Month in Athol
Athol Daily News, April 10, 2025 - DuBois named to Central MA Health Foundation Board of Directors
The Uxbridge Times, April 2, 2025 - Address regional needs and invest in social equity
The Boston Globe, March 29, 2025 - Fitchburg looks to the arts to jump-start its economy
The Boston Globe, March 28, 2025 - Together for Kids Coalition: a legacy of advocacy and action
Worcester Guardian, March 25, 2025 - The Health Foundation elects three new Directors
Worcester Business Journal, March 24, 2025 - The Health Foundation elects three new Directors
Grantmakers in Health, March 12, 2025 - The Health Foundation Names New Directors to its Board
North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, March 11, 2025 - Uxbridge resident named to Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Board
Blackstone Valley Tribune, February 28, 2025 - Leah Bradley elected to board of directors
Barre Gazette, February 27, 2025 - Paving a path to accessible health care: Amie Shei is Massachusetts’ Woman of the Year 2025
Telegram & Gazette, February 27, 2025 - Paving a path to accessible health care: Amie Shei is Massachusetts’ Woman of the Year 2025
The Gardner News, February 27, 2025 - Paving a path to accessible health care: Amie Shei is Massachusetts’ Woman of the Year 2025
The Herald News, February 27, 2025 - Paving a path to accessible health care: Amie Shei ’02 is Massachusetts’ Woman of the Year 2025
Amherst College, February 27, 2025 - Worcester grant funds medically tailored groceries for residents
Worcester Guardian, February 27, 2025 - Health Foundation of Central Mass. launches medically-tailored food delivery program
Worcester Business Journal, February 26, 2025 - Health Foundation of Central Mass. names 3 new directors to its board
MassNonprofit News, February 25, 2025 - UMass Chan Medical School leader: NIH cuts are profound and sobering
Telegram & Gazette, February 10, 2025 - Opinion/Guest column: Helping hand for Southbridge schools
Telegram & Gazette, February 9, 2025 - New legislation aims to protect drinking water
Norfolk-Wrentham Local Town Pages, February 1, 2025 - Editorial: Joint legislation gives overdue relief to private well users
Nashoba Valley Voice, January 29, 2025 - Editorial: Joint legislation gives overdue relief to private well users
Sentinel & Enterprise, January 29, 2025 - Editorial: Joint legislation gives overdue relief to private well users
The Lowell Sun, January 29, 2025 - Drinking water advocates applaud well water bill
iBerkshires.com, January 27, 2025 - Rep. Blais files bill for private well standards
Daily Hampshire Gazette, January 25, 2025 - The Health Foundation announces 2025 Activation Fund grant opportunity
Grantmakers in Health, January 24, 2025 - New legislation would create Massachusetts well water quality standards
WWLP Channel 22, January 24, 2025 - Rep. Blais files bill for private well standards
Greenfield Recorder, January 23, 2025 - New Legislation Aims to Protect Drinking Water, Provide Financial Assistance for Private Well Testing Statewide
Franklin Matters, January 19, 2025 - Bill Would Set Standards for Private Wells
Franklin Observer, January 17, 2025 - A transit task force report falls short of finding new money sources
WBUR News, January 17, 2025 - Worcester food hub fast-tracked to Union Station through federal, state funding
The Gardner News, January 17, 2025 - Worcester food hub fast-tracked to Union Station through federal, state funding
Telegram & Gazette, January 17, 2025 - Political headwinds, talk of competitiveness kept new taxes out of transportation task force discussions
CommonWealth Beacon, January 16, 2025 - The Health Foundation opens 2025 grant opportunity
Holliston Reporter, January 16, 2025 - The Health Foundation of Central Mass. announces 2025 Activation Fund grant opportunity
MassNonprofit News, January 14, 2025 - The Health Foundation opens 2025 grant opportunity to tackle community health needs
The Harvard Press, January 13, 2025 - A fungus for good: How mushrooms are solving problems in Mass.
MassLive, January 5, 2025
2024 News
- THFCM grantee launches mushroom-growing initiative
MassNonprofit News, December 18, 2024 - Children’s Advocacy Center opens new location in Orange
The Greenfield Recorder, December 17, 2024 - Tuyet Tran, Southeast Asian Coalition interview
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Voice of Business podcast, December 17, 2024 - Southeast Asian Coalition operates mushroom growing farm in downtown Worcester
Spectrum News 1, December 13, 2024 - With AF grant, SEACMA has successfully launched an urban mushroom-growing facility
Grantmakers in Health, December 9, 2024 - State law a step forward in ensuring safe drinking water for all
Boston Globe, December 4, 2024 - Worcester nonprofit starts urban mushroom farm to address food insecurity
Worcester Business Journal, December 3, 2024 - SEACMA launches mushroom initiative to address food insecurity
Worcester Guardian, December 3, 2024 - Worcester Regional Food Hub: Scaling Up a Recipe for Opportunity
Edible Boston, November 25, 2024 - RFK Jr. wants to remove fluoride from water. It’s already not in Worcester’s water
MassLive, November 15, 2024 - RFK Jr. wants to remove fluoride from water. What would that mean in Central Mass?
Telegram & Gazette, November 14, 2024 - Looking back at Steward’s collapse
Telegram & Gazette, October 31, 2024 - Southbridge CARES project
Southbridge Public Schools, October 15, 2024 - Groundbreaking for $25 million housing project in Winchendon
The Gardner News, October 4, 2024 - New England College of Optometry Wraps up Fourth Annual Industry Collaborative
Vision Monday, September 12, 2024 - Two Steward hospitals and their communities await their sad fate
Boston Globe, August 29, 2024 - Leave none of the Steward hospitals behind
CommonWealth Beacon, August 20, 2024 - The Health Foundation announces Activation Fund grants
Grantmakers in Health, August 20, 2024 - A big job on a tight deadline: Transportation Funding Task Force appears to get scaled back
WBUR News, August 16, 2024 - Editorial: Taking steps to ensure safety of water from private wells
Sentinel & Enterprise, August 6, 2024 - City leverages 5-year plan to combat homelessness
The Worcester Guardian, August 5, 2024 - MA budget includes ‘first step’ toward testing private wells
Telegram & Gazette, August 1, 2024 - Gardner CAC just received a $115K grant: how they will use it
The Gardner News, August 1, 2024 - MassDEP to receive funds for private well drinking water study
WWLP TV-22, July 31, 2024 - Health Foundation of Central MA funds nearly $900K for nonprofits
Sentinel & Enterprise, July 28, 2024 - Nearly $900K in grants to community health organizations
The Worcester Guardian, July 25, 2024 - The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Announces 2024 Activation Fund Grants
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, July 25, 2024 - The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Announces 2024 Activation Fund Grants
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, July 24, 2024 - Construction underway to create Children’s Advocacy Center mental health clinic in Orange
Greenfield Recorder, July 23, 2024 - The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Announces 2024 Activation Fund Grants
Healthcare News, July 19, 2024 - Health Foundation grants $900k to community health organizations
Worcester Business Journal, July 18, 2024 - Business Briefs – Grants awarded
Leominster Champion, July 17, 2024 - The Health Foundation of Central Mass. provides $900K in Activation Fund Grants
MassNonprofit News, July 17, 2024 - Healey-Driscoll Administration appoints new board chairs and members to the Children’s Trust
MassNonprofit News, July 16, 2024 - CHIA: Racial diversity is lacking in Mass. healthcare leadership
Worcester Business Journal, June 28, 2024 - Santa Claus concerned about the surging costs of weight-loss drugs
Telegram & Gazette, June 21, 2024 - Two new Worcester healthcare buildings totaling $475M aim to improve quality of and access to healthcare
Worcester Business Journal, June 10, 2024 - State should increase funding for micro-transit services
CommonWealth Beacon, May 30, 2024 - Healey Administration awards $37M to boost regional transit efforts
MassLive, May 18, 2024 - Study says RTA funding needs to be revamped
WGBH, May 15, 2024 - Are state’s 15 regional transit authorities ready for prime time?
CommonWealth Beacon, May 14, 2024 - What’s missing from Mass.’ local transportation debate? A new report offers solutions
MassLive, May 14, 2024 - State senators look to spend more on regional mass transit as report identifies deficits
Telegram & Gazette, May 14, 2024 - Vision for Southbridge is providing free eye exams and glasses
Spectrum News 1, May 13, 2024 - The T is paying consultants up to $610 an hour to figure out how to save money
Boston Globe, May 10, 2024 - Power 100 for 2024: The most influential professionals in Central Mass
Worcester Business Journal, April 29, 2024 - New EPA rules to limit PFAS in drinking water: Worcester is meeting every standard
Telegram & Gazette, April 16, 2024 - Letter to the Editor: Central Mass. transit system has led the way in free fares
The Boston Globe, April 4, 2024 - Regional Food Hub breaks ground on new Facility in Worcester
The Worcester Guardian, April 3, 2024 - Construction for new Food Hub headquarters begin next week at Worcester’s Union Station
MassLive, March 23, 2024 - Dr. Shei discusses The Health Foundation’s 25th Anniversary
Chamber Exchange, March 7, 2024 - Opinion: Learning from Steward crisis, focus needs to turn to good stewardship of health care resources
Boston Globe, March 6, 2024 - Advocate Looking for Urgency Around Health Equity
State House News Service, February 28, 2024 - Opinion: As we invest in the T, don’t ignore vital role of regional transportation authorities
CommonWealth Beacon, February 16, 2024 - Free dental care available at Community Health Connections Center – how to access care
The Gardner News, February 13, 2024 - Health Foundation of Central Mass. adds 2 to board and 8 community members
MassNonprofit News, February 13, 2024 - Southbridge High receives grant funding for new mental health project
Spectrum News 1, January 25, 2024 - Health Foundation grants $1M to four nonprofits, prioritizing children’s health
Worcester Business Journal, January 23, 2024 - Health Foundation of Central MA announces 2024 Activation Fund grant opportunity
MassNonprofit News, January 17, 2024
2023 News
- Panel: Healthcare system is broken
Worcester Business Journal, December 14, 2023 - NECO hosts Inaugural Vision Health Equity Summit
New England College of Optometry News, December 8, 2023 - The Health Foundation and partners announce funding for UMass OUD project
Grantmakers in Health, December 5, 2023 - The Health Foundation Announces Activation Fund Grants
Grantmakers in Health, December 5, 2023 - Opinion: We’re losing ground when it comes to public health
CommonWealth BEACON, November 30, 2023 - Study: Average cost of hospital stay in MA is $15K
Telegram & Gazette, November 24, 2023 - Worcester strained from overdose rate, housing shortage
Telegram & Gazette, November 13, 2023 - Grants Roundup – THFCM 2023 Activation Fund grants
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, November 1, 2023 - WHA opens facility designed for unhoused and low-income residents
Telegram & Gazette, November 1, 2023 - Work to begin on Abby’s House shelter renovation
Worcester Business Journal, October 20, 2023 - Health Foundation of Central Mass doles out $1M in funding
Worcester Business Journal, October 17, 2023 - Health Foundation of Central Mass awards over $1M to 10 organizations
MassNonprofit News, October 17, 2023 - Movers & Shakers – Foundation promotes Jennie Blake
Worcester Business Journal, October 16, 2023 - Everyone deserves safe drinking water
Boston Globe, October 15, 2023 - Drinking water safety and health equity
WBZ What’s @ Risk? podcast, October 14, 2023 - MA lawmakers consider requiring property owners to test well water before selling homes
Taunton Daily Gazette, September 27, 2023 - MA lawmakers consider requiring property owners to test well water before selling homes
Telegram & Gazette, September 26, 2023 - Leominster maternity closure: Will the state do anything to stop future shutdowns?
Telegram & Gazette, September 26, 2023 - Overcoming racial health disparities is focus of new bill
MetroWest Daily News, September 25, 2023 - UMass Memorial Health receives grant to expand Opioid Use Disorder treatment
Spectrum News 1, September 21, 2023 - Mass. could require testing private well water with real estate transfers
Telegram & Gazette, September 21, 2023 - Poll Finds Strong Support for Efforts to Improve Quality and Safety of Private Well Drinking Water
MassINC Polling Group, September 20, 2023 - Poll cited in push for private well water protections
WWLP 22, September 20, 2023 - Poll Cited in Push for Private Well Water Protections
WRKO 680AM, September 20, 2023 - UMass Memorial granted $154K to expand opioid disorder treatment
Worcester Business Journal, September 19, 2023 - Foundations support UMass Memorial Health prescriber training to expand opioid use disorder treatment
UMass Memorial Health, September 19, 2023 - The Health Foundation of Central MA Promotes Jennie Blake to VP of Programs
MassNonprofit News, September 18, 2023 - EforAll picks Clark graduate as new Greater Worcester executive director
Worcester Business Journal, September 12, 2023 - State’s foster care system needs many hands lifting it in support
Boston Globe, September 5, 2023 - Chandler Chat with Dr. Amie Shei
WCCA TV 194, August 29, 2023 - Eldridge secures $100,000 for World Farmers
Fitchburg Sentinel, July 11, 2023 - The Health Foundation of Central MA awards $25K to EforAll startup program
Worcester Business Journal, May 17, 2023 - EforAll Greater Worcester Receives $25K Grant From The Health Foundation of Central MA
MassNonprofit News, May 16, 2023 - Health Foundation of Central MA Appoints 2 To New Roles
MassNonprofit News, May 12, 2023 - Report: Massachusetts gets a C- for efforts to get the lead out of school water
Environment America, May 5, 2023 - Lets make free fares in Worcester permanent
CommonWealth Magazine, April 22, 2023 - The Stakes are high with MassHealth change
Boston Business Journal, March 31, 2023 - Forum on PFAS in private wells highlights proposed EPA regs and state legislation
The Harvard Press, March 31, 2023 - Harvard BOH Meeting – Private Wells/PFAS Forum
Harvard Cable TV, March 30, 2023 - State braces for MassHealth dislocation
CommonWealth Magazine, March 28, 2023 - Worcester area stays course on free buses but needs state support
The Boston Globe, March 26, 2023 - Shei: Keep WRTA buses fare-free
Telegram & Gazette, March 26, 2023 - Shei: Keep WRTA buses fare-free
The Gardner News, March 26, 2023 - Is it possible to end homelessness in Worcester?
InCity Times, March 26, 2023 - NPR highlights Impact of Youth Villages ED Diversion Program in Central MA
NPR, March 3, 2023 - Meet the leaders of the state’s two health care conversion foundations
The Codcast, February 21, 2023 - What’s a conversion foundation and why it matters
CommonWealth Magazine, February 21, 2023 - Private well owners stuck with costs to treat forever chemicals
WBUR, February 15, 2023 - Well Water Testing on the Horizon in Mass
Telegram & Gazette, February 15, 2023 - Bill introduced to regulate private water wells in Massachusetts
Spectrum News 1, January 31, 2023 - Atrius sale to Optum will yield health conversion foundation
CommonWealth Magazine, January 29, 2023
2022 News
- Private wells in Westminster contaminated with carcinogens
The Gardner News, December 9, 2022 - CHCFC Lands $88K Grant For Renovations in Orange
The Greenfield Recorder, November 17, 2022 - Peer Recovery Center in Ware Receives Activation Fund Grant
The Reminder, November 9, 2022 - GAAMHA’S Pathway House to Receive $61,000 Upgrade for New Roof, Windows
The Gardner News, October 25, 2022 - Health Foundation Funds $900K in Projects with Longstanding Benefit to Community
Telegram & Gazette, October 19, 2022 - Health Foundation of Central Mass Awards $900K Across 11 Programs
Worcester Business Journal, October 18, 2022 - New Worcester Food Pantry opens for Youth, Adults with Disabilities
Worcester Patch, October 17, 2022 - Worcester Food Pantry has a Special Mission
Telegram & Gazette, October 17, 2022 - New ‘Flourish at Thrive’ Food Pantry Looks to Address Food Insecurity
Spectrum News, October 17, 2022 - Health Foundation Awards 11 Grants Totaling $900,000
MassNonprofit News, October 11, 2022 - MWCC Celebrates Dental Education Clinic Enhancements
Athol Daily News, October 10, 2022 - Fitchburg’s Artistic Legacy Drives Downtown’s Economic Development Efforts
Worcester Business Journal, October 3, 2022 - Quaboag CDC Offers Finance Class
MassLive, August 29, 2022 - ONE Worcester Received $25,000 Grant from THFCM
Massnonprofitnews, August 3, 2022 - Colrain residents eligible for free well water tests
The Greenfield Recorder, July 22, 2022 - QVCDC and Ware Launch Route 9 Transit Service
The Reminder, July 11, 2022 - Route 9 Shuttle service bridges rural transportation gap
Ware River News, June 23, 2022 - The Health Foundation receives $500K from dissolving physician group
Worcester Business Journal, June 13, 2022 - Not a problem of supply…but of distribution
MassLive, May 26, 2022 - Lovin’ Spoonfuls launches route in Worcester
Spectrum News, May 26, 2022 - Free ride may – or may not – be over for WRTA
Telegram & Gazette, May 15, 2022 - Food Hub gets $3 million boost
Telegram & Gazette, April 15, 2022 - Jan Yost to receive national award for career’s work
Telegram & Gazette, April 9, 2022 - Table Hoppin’: Pop-ups around Worcester
Telegram & Gazette, April 7, 2022 - Addressing the drinking water gap in Mass
CommonWealth Magazine, April 2, 2022 - Saturday Shuttle Launches in Quaboag Valley
MassMobility Newsletter, March 2022 - Grant Helps Worcester’s EforAll expand program
Worcester Magazine, February 16, 2022 - Senator Eldridge files bill to regulate private wells
Community Advocate, February 8, 2022 - Editorial: Thanking a generation of women leaders
Worcester Business Journal, February 7, 2022 - Jan Yost, who oversaw $50 million in grants over two decades, awarded upon retirement
Telegram & Gazette, February 1, 2022 - $50K Grant Will Help Expand Worcester’s Entrepreneurship For All
Patch.com, January 18, 2022 - Worcester Food Hub receiving $1 million in ARPA funds to help move to Union Station
Spectrum News 1, January 15, 2022 - CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts to retire, be replaced by VP
Worcester Business Journal, January 13, 2022 - Health Foundation of Central Mass. awards more than $530K to area nonprofits
Telegram & Gazette, January 12, 2022
2020 Coronavirus Response
In April 2020, in response to the coronavirus public health crisis, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts expedited $371,000 in supplemental funding to 27 non-profits serving Central Massachusetts.
- Abby’s House: supplemental salary support, telehealth infrastructure
- Ascentria Care Alliance: supplemental language interpretation services, client fee waivers, technology
- Community Legal Aid: supplemental operating support
- Easter Seals of Massachusetts: supplemental support for Zero-Fare Coalition
- Fitchburg State University: small business supports, housing and navigation services, mobile farmers market subsidies
- Friendly House: supplemental vehicle and operating support
- GAAMHA, Inc.: supplemental salary support, equipment, food, personal care supplies
- Health Care For All: supplemental operating support
- Health Law Advocates: supplemental operating support
- Jeremiah’s Inn: supplemental operating support
- LUK, Inc.: supplemental telehealth infrastructure
- Massachusetts Association for Community Action: supplemental operating support and partner stipend
- Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center: supplemental operating support
- Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance: supplemental operating support
- Massachusetts Public Health Association: supplemental operating support
- Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children: telehealth and virtual trainings for foster families
- Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts: digital organizing tools
- Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation: IT infrastructure upgrades
- Quinsigamond Community College Foundation: supplemental operating support
- RCAP Solutions: supplemental communications support
- Riverside Community Care: supplemental operating support
- Seven Hills Foundation: cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment
- South Middlesex Opportunity Council: cleaning expenses, meals
- Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce: supplemental operating support
- Worcester Regional Food Hub: advertising and supplies for retail grocery boxes
- World Farmers: supplemental operating support
- YWCA of Central Massachusetts: supplemental operating support
News
- ‘Get Vaccinated Worcester’ campaign aiming for over 70% of residents to receive vaccine
Telegram & Gazette, May 26, 2021 - City announces public health vaccination campaign “Get Vaccinated Worcester”
Telegram & Gazette, May 25, 2021 - Local nonprofits face tighter purse, stronger demand during pandemic
Telegram & Gazette, May 9, 2020 - Letter: A step-by-step plan for the way back from coronavirus
Telegram & Gazette, April 16, 2020 - Adapting to community needs in the wake of COVID-19
Sentinel & Enterprise, April 10, 2020 - Health Foundation of Central Mass. provides $371K in coronavirus grants
Worcester Business Journal, April 7, 2020