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By CHRIS LISINSKI

Tens of thousands of Bay Staters could lose subsidized health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector and premiums could rise for most other members under a suite of reforms in the U.S. House-approved reconciliation bill that Gov. Maura Healey dubbed “devastating.”

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.

By CHRIS LARABEE

More funding for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) may be on the way in fiscal year 2026, as Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget, along with those put forward by the Senate and House of Representatives, all request more money than in FY25.

By THE REV. JASON A. BURNS

I have met people from all walks of life: wealthy, homeless, famous, not-so-famous, and most everything in between. I have had people tell me their life story while sitting at my son’s Tae Kwon Do practice and I still feel the pain of losing someone who didn’t share the more difficult parts of their life with me. The common denominator in my experiencing of people is that we all long for connection. The people who have shared their stories with me did so not because I could do anything about anything, but because they sensed that I was willing to listen, and the truth is that I was and am willing to listen.

GREENFIELD — The region’s behavioral health and wellness resources were on display last week as part of the 23rd Mental Health & Wellness Fair at Energy Park.

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — In celebration of National EMS Week, several area paramedics were honored for their lifesaving work over the last year.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Amid rising health insurance rates, Human Rights Commission member Paul Jablon drafted a resolution calling for the city’s support of a bill to convert  Massachusetts to a single-payer health care system — a change that he said was expected to save the city $3 to $5 million in insurance costs. 

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Local gender-affirming care clinic Transhealth is condemning a recent review put out by the federal Department of Health and Human Services that recommends against the use of medical treatment for gender dysphoria in youth.

By DOMENIC POLI

ATHOL — Local health care providers have been swamped with people seeking new primary care doctors following North Quabbin Family Physicians’ closure two months ago.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported earlier this month that there have been more than 600 confirmed cases of measles detected in the U.S. — including some in New York, Rhode Island and Vermont — local health professionals are urging unvaccinated Franklin County residents to get their shots.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — Mental health officials, school representatives and nonprofit leaders from across Franklin County recently came together to discuss youth mental health, and brainstorm ideas on future programs and collaborations to support youth mental health services.

By MAYA MITCHELL

Five years after the first case of what was then a novel coronavirus infection, health care professionals and state legislators worry Massachusetts isn’t ready if another pandemic were to happen.

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — Community and nonprofit leaders convened at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ offices this week to share an update on advocacy efforts for some of the most vulnerable populations: children and caregivers.

By DOUG SELWYN

Anguished cries coming out of school administration offices and school committee meetings signal the annual return of budget season. School district decision makers across the state desperately try to create budgets that serve the needs of all of their children. The money coming from the state and the drained treasuries of their local towns is nowhere near enough to cover the actual cost of educating the children.

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — The town has a new pharmacy after two months without one.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

CHARLEMONT — Facing a potential shutdown by the Board of Health for a lack of reliable access to heating and a kitchen for tenants, Oxbow Resort owner Travis DeCere shared the upgrades he has made to the Route 2 property.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

BOSTON — Health care costs in Massachusetts surged at “unsustainable” levels in 2023, adding more pressure to strained household budgets, according to new state data.

By CHRIS LARABEE

WARWICK — With a $100,000 state grant, Warwick Community School will continue to lay down the foundation for its comprehensive behavioral and mental health services program.

By MELISSA KAREN SANCES

Her phone pinged and a grey bubble rose to the surface: “Are you ready to come back?”

By CHRIS LARABEE

ORANGE – As advocates prepare to head to the State House for March 13’s Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Advocacy Day, at least one local store has seen the community fill the gaps left by December’s 50%, at minimum, reduction to the program.

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

GREENFIELD — After having its tobacco license revoked by the Board of Health for four tobacco sales violations within 36 months, Country Mart is considering taking legal action against the City of Greenfield.