Coalitions
Working together is a cornerstone of protecting public health, and coalitions are fundamental to achieving MPHA’s mission. Our major successes have involved collaboration with other organizations, helping bring together diverse groups around common priorities.
Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow
MPHA is a lead member of the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, which advocates for safer alternatives to toxic chemicals that harm workers, communities, and the environment. The coalition brings together labor, health, religious, and environmental organizations. In 2006, AHT won passage of legislation to reduce mercury pollution by phasing out the use of the toxic heavy metal in products.
Coalition for Local Public Health
Local health departments and boards of health are the front lines of protecting the health and safety of our communities. The Coalition for Local Public Health advocates for increasing funding and other resources to our local public health infrastructure. MPHA provides staff support for the coalition, which also includes the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, the Massachusetts Health Officers Association, the Massachusetts Environmental Health Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses.
In 2006, the coalition published a report, Strengthening Local Public Health in Massachusetts, which documented deficiencies in the local public health workforce.
Massachusetts Hepatitis C Coalition
Over 110,000 Massachusetts residents are infected with hepatitis C, a virus that can lead to liver damage, liver failure, and death. The Massachusetts Hepatitis C Coalition conducts education and advocacy to increase awareness of the disease and boost support for prevention and treatment programs. The coalition is coordinated by MPHA.
Tobacco Free Mass
With more than 50 member organizations, Tobacco Free Mass advocates for funding and policies that support tobacco prevention and reduction of the public's exposure to secondhand smoke.
United We Stand for Public Health
MPHA galvanized the United We Stand for Public Health coalition in 2001 in response to massive cuts to public health in the state budget. Over 100 organizations, representing the spectrum of public health, have endorsed our principles and goals. United We Stand remains a unified voice for restoring state funding for health programs. MPHA staffs the coalition, providing timely information and opportunities to strategize around the state budget.