(The Republican- Pam Mastriano)- Local legislators presented a $200,000 check from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) to support its 413Cares initiative, which connects people with the critical resources they need in an online portal. The event took place at PHIWM offices, 127 State Street in Springfield.
The check presentation was attended by State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representatives Michael Finn and Carlos Gonzalez, and an aide representing Senator John Velis, along with representatives from organizations partnering with the Public Health Institute on the 413Cares initiative.
“413Cares has truly modernized and expanded how residents access resources here in Western Massachusetts. Their easy-to-use and central location provides information about countless different programs – dramatically simplifying a once daunting task for those seeking help.” Shared Senator John C. Velos I am proud to have joined my colleagues to support this invaluable asset for our region in the FY24 Budget.”
The funding was secured for 413Cares in the FY2024 state budget as the result of a legislative earmark, sponsored by Representative Finn and Senator Gomez. Funding was secured through the Department of Public Health.
Launched in 2019 by PHIWM with the support of Baystate Health, 413Cares.org is an online community resource database for Western Massachusetts. The platform has reached more than 100,000 searches and over 111,000 interactions with programs in the region. Top searches were for housing, food resources and health-related resources.
PHIWM has received funding from the Commonwealth in the past two legislative budgeting cycles to support 413Cares, which is managed by PHIWM. Resources from the State have been used to collect data during and after the pandemic and have also been utilized to improve and update the 413Cares.org website, and raise awareness of the resource in the region.
This year, the state resources are funding three new regional partners to provide outreach, promotion and support of the platform: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Quaboag Hills Community Coalition, and the Hilltown Community Health Center. This is in addition to existing regional partner Community Action Pioneer Valley, funded by Baystate Health.