Evaluation Findings Shared at Recent Conference
October 18, 2023
We are thrilled to highlight the work of Senior Evaluation Manager Alisa Ainbinder, who recently co-authored a poster and paper with Theresa Riethle, Marie Meckel, and Dawn Gurski from the Bay Path University's Physician Assistant (PA) Program. Their research aimed to dispel common misconceptions about careers in primary care and encourage PA graduates to consider this vital field. The study found that through a curriculum intervention, misconceptions were successfully addressed.
This work was presented last week at the Physician Assistant Education Association Conference and is funded through a HRSA grant aimed at increasing the number of PAs pursuing careers as primary care providers in a Medically Underserved Community.
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On February 9, 2026, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts convened partners and legislators to celebrate the FY26 earmark for 413Cares.org and to share updates on major regional initiatives. PHIWM extends deep appreciation to Representative Michael Finn, Senator Adam Gomez, and the entire Western Massachusetts legislative delegation for their continued partnership and support for 413Cares.org , which remains a critical tool for connecting Western MA residents to help when they need it most. 413Cares.org saw major growth in 2025, with searches doubling and the number of users increasing more than fourfold. Check out photos from the gathering below!
Learn more about our work in 2025 bringing communities together, advocating for policy change, engaging community, and using data to drive change.
In 1996, courageous and visionary leaders from competing healthcare institutions created a public health organization to bring people together, secure resources, and convene multiple sectors to focus on community health issues that were not being addressed. That collective vision and action manifested in Partners for a Healthier Community, now the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Over the past 30 year s, we have strengthened partnerships and uplifted community voices. We are more committed than ever to ensure everyone has what they need to lead a healthy life. Thank you for your decades of partnership and lifetime of active hope.
