Area Briefs: Northampton health officials make national presentation

Northampton health officials make national presentation

NORTHAMPTON — The city’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) officials presented their public health model at the Local Health Department Academy of Science National Conference last Wednesday.

DHHS was selected to present as a national model of innovative public health practice, alongside its research partners at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, at the virtual U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded event attended by more than 700 registered participants from local health departments nationwide.

Northampton was highlighted for its leadership in modernizing local public health through a regional, data-driven approach rooted in strong partnerships. By building shared epidemiological and programmatic foundations, expertise in public health technology, and working closely with academic partners on evaluation and evidence-based practices, the city said it has strengthened its capacity to measure impact and respond effectively to community needs.

The presentation focused on Northampton’s evolution into an integrated Department of Health and Human Services, including public-health-led emergency response initiatives such as DART (Drug Addiction Recovery Team) and the Division of Community Care (DCC).

DART is a service that supports people who are at risk for an opioid overdose or family members affected by overdose, and provides access to harm reduction tools, such as Narcan and safety plans for use, connections to community resources, and short or long-term recovery support.

The DCC is a public health-led public safety initiative in which community responders provide non-clinical crisis support and unarmed mobile response for community members who need immediate help with nonviolent mental health challenges or quality of life concerns, and connect people to immediate and long-term resources.

The 70-minute breakout session was led by Michele Farry, deputy commissioner of Northampton DHHS, and Dr. Jennifer Whitehill, associate professor of health policy and management and Graduate Program Director at the UMass Center for Program Evaluation. The presentation highlighted how local public health systems can modernize data practices, strengthen cross-sector coordination, and expand community-based response capacity amid complex and evolving conditions.

United Way’s annual Ski United event on Thursday

NORTHAMPTON — United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region (UWFH) announces the return of Ski United, an annual event created to support UWFH and the local community. The 16^th annual outing is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont.

Coordinated by volunteers, Ski United combines fun with fundraising by bringing together a group of people who both love to ski and want to help to build a healthier, more resilient Valley. The event will provide an opportunity to meet and mingle with local community members and people from area businesses and nonprofit agencies.

All skiers and snowboarders who register and purchase tickets for will get a lift pass, event T-shirt, lunch, the option to participate in a slalom race, and an après ski gathering and dinner. Skiing and snowboarding are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by dinner from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information, go to https://uw-fh.org/skiunited. Or go directly to https://secure.everyaction.com/SiyUlKE_rESTeXbEDy0_cg2 to register.

HCC scholarship season opens for 2026-2027

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year, with a deadline of March 13.

Last year, the HCC Foundation awarded 410 scholarships worth about $364,000 to 379 incoming, current, and transferring HCC students. Some students received multiple scholarship awards. The average scholarship award is typically around $900.

Students must be currently enrolled at HCC or have been accepted for the upcoming academic year to be eligible for scholarships.

Applicants only need to fill out a single online form to be automatically matched with the scholarships they are most qualified to receive. There are scholarships for new students, current students and students transferring to other institutions, scholarships based on financial need, scholarships for students in specific majors, scholarships for residents of certain communities, and scholarships that recognize academic achievement.

To view scholarship opportunities and begin the application process, visit: www.hcc.edu/scholarships.

The HCC Scholarship Resource Center, on the first floor of the Donahue Building (Room 158), is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to help current and incoming students navigate the process of applying for scholarships.

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