Live Well Springfield (LWS)

Live Well Springfield is a coalition working to build and sustain a culture of health in Springfield that includes the broadest definition of health. Convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, the coalition unites over 30 organizations, from multiple sectors, committed to fostering  a culture of health in Springfield.

Through out work, we have made progress in areas such as healthy eating, active living, the built environment, economic opportunity, and education. Currently, the coalition is focused on tackling issues related to housing, environmental justice, age- and dementia-friendly communities, climate change, health, and equity.  By using a policy, systems, and environmental framework, the coalition has achieved significant progress at both the local and statewide levels, ensuring the ongoing promotion of health and well-being for all in Springfield. 

Live Well Springfield Coalition

Committees & Initiatives

  • Springfield Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI) 
  • Climate Change Health & Equity Committee (CCHE) 
  • Age-friendly Coalition 
  • New! Green and Resilient Springfield

Coalition Building

Partners

  • ARISE for Social Justice 
  • Dementia Friendly Communities 
  • Gardening the Community 
  • Healthy Air Network 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services 
  • Mass Healthy Aging Collaborative 
  • MOCHA (Men of Color Health Awareness) 
  • Neighbor 2 Neighbor 
  • New North Citizens Council 
  • Partnership In Practice 
  • Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition 
  • Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 
  • Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center 
  • ReGreen Springfield 
  • Resident Advisors 
  • City of Springfield 
  • City of Springfield, Health and Human Service Department 
  • Springfield Food Policy Council 
  • Springfield No One Leaves 
  • Square One 
  • Trinity Health of New England 
  • University of Massachusetts, Civic Engagement and Service-Learning Department 
  • Way Finders  

Funders

  • EPA Environmental Protection Agency 
  • Kresge Foundation 
  • Mass Community Health and Healthy Aging 
  • Point32 Foundation 
  • Trinity Health of New England  

Live Well Springfield in The News

Group photo at City of Springfield Press Conference about $20million EPA grant for climate justice

Springfield Secures $20 Million From EPA For Climate Justice

August 19, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the City of Springfield and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts a nearly $20 million Community Change Grant to advance environmental justice and climate resilience in Springfield (Green and Resilient Springfield Initiative).

Point32Health Foundation Awards PHIWM $400,000 for Intergeneration Social Connection

August 2, 2024
Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts received a $400,000, three-year general operating grant from Point32Health Foundation. The funds support the organization as it assesses and implements strategies for intergenerational social connection and improved mental health in partnership with the Live Well Springfield Age-Friendly Initiative, the Youth Mental Health Roadmap for Western Massachusetts, and the Youth Mental Health Coalition.

The Power of Convening People: Kresge features Live Well Springfield on their website

January 26, 2023
The Kresge Foundation featured Live Well Springfield on their website on Janaury 17, 2023 in an article called, Partnerships, power of convening help Live Well Springfield Coalition advance climate policies.

LiveWell Springfield Manager Samantha Hamilton Participated in Panel about Building Community Power to Advance Climate Justice, Equity, and Health

August 12, 2022
Live Well Springfield Manager Samantha Hamilton participated in a panel, Building Community Power to Advance Climate Justice, Equity and Health, at the CEEJH 8th Annual Environmental Justice and Health Disparities Symposium.

Building a culture of health in the era of climate change

March 30, 2022
Read Samantha Hamilton's Op-Ed in the Daily Climate, where she describes how Live Well Springfield is addressing climate change and health equity.

Go Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market Pivots To Emergency Food Distribution

By BusinessWest • May 19, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Go Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market project has pivoted to providing free fresh-produce boxes to older adults at housing and senior-center locations in Springfield.

Live Well Springfield featured in Tuft Health Plan's Foundation's Annual Report

July 2, 2019
Check out Live Well Springfield's age-friendly work featured in Reframing Aging, Tufts Health Plan Foundation’s Annual Report.

Go Fresh Mobile Farmer's Market 2019 End-of-Season Report

July 2, 2019
The Go Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market (Go Fresh) has been serving residents of Springfield since 2011, successfully increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables as a strategy of the Live Well Springfield campaign. Read our 2019 end-of-season report.