Governor Awards $1.8 Million to Improve Access to Reproductive Health Care

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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
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Daly Announced as CEO of Pittsfield Co-op

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has named Michael P. Daly its chief executive officer. A friend and customer of the institution since the 1980s, Daly will help develop strategies for ongoing success.
 
"Pittsfield Cooperative Bank appreciates Mike's willingness to step in and assist us," said Board Chair John J. Martin Jr., partner at Martin Hochberg & Cianflone. "We look forward to his help in creating and executing a thoughtful plan for the future and continued profitability." 
 
A Pittsfield native and Berkshire resident, Daly said he is motivated to step out of retirement because of his deep roots and friendships in the community and at the bank.
 
"This arrangement wouldn't be happening if it wasn't in Pittsfield, Mass., and with Pittsfield Cooperative Bank," Daly said. "I have had a long history with the bank, and I am thrilled to return and build on the success of this community bank."
 
It was announced last week that Jay Anderson, CEO for 15 years, was stepping down for health reasons.  
 
Previously, Daly was chairman, president and CEO of Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield. He began his career there in 1986 as a commercial lender. The bank went public in 2000. In 2002 he ascended to president and CEO. During his 16-year tenure, he grew the bank from approximately $1 billion in assets to a company with over $12 billion in assets.
 
"I loved my time at Berkshire," Daly said. "I will always be grateful to my board members and all of the employees for what we shared and accomplished in the community." Now, he said, "The chance to return to my hometown with a community bank is a really compelling opportunity."
 
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