Governor Awards $1.8 Million to Improve Access to Reproductive Health Care

Print Story | Email Story
BOSTON — The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced $1.8 million in state funding awarded to a group of community-based organizations and clinical providers under the Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants program.
 
The funding provides financial assistance to individuals seeking abortion care, while also improving the ability of abortion service providers to deliver high-quality care by supporting infrastructure and security upgrades.
 
This allocation marks the second round of awards under DPH's Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants program. The funding began in December 2024 and will continue through Dec. 31, 2026.
 
"It is essential for women's health and economic well-being to have access to high-quality reproductive health care services," said Governor Maura Healey. "These grants will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone to seek the care they need, while also supporting our hardworking service providers in making critical infrastructure and security upgrades that allow them to deliver safe, high-quality care. Massachusetts is proud to be a national leader in preserving and expanding access to reproductive health care, and we're going to continue to make sure that patients and providers have the resources they need.""
 
According to a press release, the increased demand for abortion services in Massachusetts since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 underscores the importance of supporting abortion providers in the state. This funding will enable Massachusetts residents, as well as those traveling to Massachusetts for abortion care, to receive safe, high-quality care in clinics with appropriate security and infrastructure. The grants also support all of Massachusetts' abortion funds, which provide small grants to individuals who need financial support to access abortion care.
 
Additionally, recipients will also upgrade facilities and equipment, increase physical and digital security, provide grants to patients to help them afford abortion care, and implement projects to maximize access to abortion services, such as improving inter-organizational referrals and continuity of care.
 
In awarding the grants, priority was given to organizations that demonstrated the capacity to reach people seeking abortion care, a commitment and plan for promoting racial justice and health equity, and the ability to work collaboratively with other community-based agencies to maximize access to sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion care.
 
New Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants Recipients:
  • Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund
  • Four Women Health Services
Existing Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants Recipients:
  • Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center
  • Boston Medical Center
  • Cambridge Health Alliance
  • Health Imperatives
  • HealthQ
  • Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
  • Tapestry Health
  • Tides for Reproductive Freedom
  • Women's Health Services
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Morningside Closed Friday for Flooding Cleanup

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Morningside Community School will be closed Friday, May 8, because of flooding in the building. 
 
According to a post on the Pittsfield Public Schools' Facebook page, a pipe that was damaged in a student bathroom caused a "large amount of water" to seep into carpets and other areas near the bathroom.
 
The post doesn't say how the pipe was damaged but that the flooding occurred shortly before dismissal on Thursday. 
 
Because of the water damaged, the school will be closed Friday so the affected spaces can be properly cleaned and dried.
 
The post states the school's custodial team will be preparing the building so students and staff can safely return on Monday, May 11, and that additional information will be posted as needed. 
 
All other schools will be open for regularly scheduled classes. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories