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.

ServiceNet Warming Center Hosted 126 People This Winter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

ServiceNet manages the warming shelter next to the church. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — ServiceNet's warming center has provided more than heat to unhoused individuals over the last four months and will run to the end of April.

It opened on Dec. 1 in the First United Methodist Church's dining area, next to ServiceNet's 40-bed shelter The Pearl. The agency has seen 126 individuals utilize the warming center and provided some case management to regulars.

While this winter was a success, they are already considering next winter.

"I've been on this committee many years now. There's probably only a few months out of the year that I don't talk about winter, so I'm always trying to plan for next winter," Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

"We are in this winter and I'm already thinking what's going to happen next winter because I want to be really clear, winter shelter is never a given. We don't have this built into the state budget. It's not built into our budget, so there is always trying to figure out where we get money, and then where do we go with winter shelter."

She pointed out that warming centers are "very different" from shelters, which have a bed. The warming center is set up like a dining room, open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and folks are welcome to stay for breakfast.

"We are asking people to come in, get warm, be out of the elements," Forbush explained.

The warming center will close on April 30.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories