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By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decision, now being challenged in court, that would make people with certain legal statuses ineligible to receive help through community health centers and Head Start has local organizations considering how this might impact their operations.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — All 73 members of the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust will see health insurance rates increase by an additional 20% on Oct. 1, ensuring that the trust remains intact, even in the face of significant medical and pharmaceutical claims and the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs.

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

DEERFIELD — The state Department of Public Health has announced that mosquitoes in Deerfield and Leyden have tested positive for West Nile virus.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Amid an influx of tobacco license suspensions for local convenience stores, as well as a revocation, Mayor Ginny Desorgher asked the Board of Health to have some “mercy” on local businesses.

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

With an increase in claims and rising drug costs, the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust may need to increase rates for members anywhere from 10% to 20%.

By GRACE CHAI

Regional nonprofit Behavioral Health Network has landed a $938,956 state grant to expand its work supporting the social-emotional development and behavioral health of children in early education and care programs throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts.

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

GREENFIELD — Advocates for single-payer health care say creating a Massachusetts Healthcare Trust could save the state $37.36 billion in health insurance costs.

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s newest doctors were introduced to Franklin County on Friday through a tour of some not-so-hidden gems in the local health care system.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College has received $613,095 in state funding for programs aimed at training 72 students for jobs in health care and early childhood education.

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

ASHFIELD — Following the resignation of Health Agent Claudia Sarti, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments is taking over her duties in Ashfield.

By EVELINE MACDOUGALL

The western Massachusetts farming community is made up of hardworking folks who generally work with family members or small crews, but who also keep tabs on one another through farmers markets, agricultural meetings, and other events. When a farmer experiences hardships, their peers care deeply and offer support when possible. Over the last few years, concerned locals have followed staggering and mysterious challenges faced by Danny Botkin of Laughing Dog Farm in Gill. Botkin is widely considered a regional hero due to his generous dedication to educating others about seed saving, four-season gardening, and other aspects of growing and eating organically grown produce. 

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

CHARLEMONT — The Board of Health has issued a $5,000 fine and a seven-day tobacco license suspension to Cold River Package & Market for selling cigarettes to a minor.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — The Human Rights Commission voted unanimously in favor of a resolution to support a statewide single-payer health care system on Monday, bringing the idea one step closer to City Council.

By CHRIS LARABEE

CONWAY — If you were born after May 12, 2004, you will never be able to purchase any tobacco or nicotine products in Conway.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

MONTAGUE — After a year of continued discussion, Montague will be the latest town to join the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — Despite concerns circulating about the future of Baystate Franklin Medical Center after the passage of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act that cuts roughly $1.1 trillion in health care spending, Baystate Health’s chief financial officer advises the Greenfield hospital is not at risk of closure.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — To help improve health care equity and community trust, Baystate Health’s Wellness on Wheels, or WOW Bus, is making stops across western Massachusetts to provide free health screenings.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Officials expressed frustration Monday over procedural delays and complications while reviewing the results of the most recent groundwater testing in the area surrounding the former Lunt Silversmiths site that “strongly confirm” the contaminants are spreading.

By CHRIS LARABEE

MONTAGUE — The Community Health Center of Franklin County is getting ready to hit the road.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Despite thorough debate over a proposed resolution to support a statewide single-payer health care system this week, the Human Rights Commission tabled the idea for now, with some expressing hesitancy to prioritize the idea over other efforts, such as supporting the city’s homeless population.