Baystate Wing Hospital has announced an investment of $63,000 in grants to benefit local community-based nonprofit organizations. The grant awards were given to public health related programs and initiatives to help reduce health disparities, promote community wellness and improve the quality of life for people living in the region.
“These grant investments represent Baystate Wing Hospital’s commitment to support and work with our community partners to focus on public health related programs and initiatives that reduce health disparities, promote community wellness and improve access to care in our region,” said Molly Gray, President and Chief Administrative Officer for Baystate Health’s Eastern Region which includes Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital.
Programs supported
$50,000: Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation - Quaboag Connector Transportation Initiative
The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) will use the $50,000 grant to continue addressing the serious lack of transportation to:
- Employment
- Education
- Healthcare
- Work force training
- Shopping
- Benefit services
The service provides close to 1,000 rides monthly. This is partly in thanks to the $170,000 Baystate Wing Hospital and the Baystate Mary Lane Medical Staff has invested in local transportation over the past three years.
The Quaboag Connector has four vans that operate Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The service continues to study ways to meet the needs of people facing transportation issues in the Quaboag Hills Region. The QVCDC has Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credits available that will offset the cost of the award by $25,000.
QVCDC Executive Director Sheila Cuddy said, “The QVCDC is very grateful for Baystate Wing’s contribution towards this vital transportation service. Their continued strong support demonstrates their commitment to making investments in the community that help residents lead healthier, fuller and more self-sufficient lives.”
$3,038: Ware Public School 3D Printer Filament Project
Ware High School student interested in a manufacturing career will get a boost from this more than $3,000 grant. It will help the school buy a 3D printer and its related supplies. The 3D printer will allow students to gain firsthand experience in the specialized field of manufacturing within the walls of the school.
Superintendent Dr. Marlene DiLeo said, “We are grateful for the continued support of Baystate Wing for all they do to benefit the future of our students and to help offer our students innovate and diverse learning opportunities. This support truly speaks to a community effort in filling a critical need to help our students reach their goals for the future.”
$10,000 Quaboag Regional High School
Quaboag Regional High School will establish a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with its grant money. The program will help the school reaching its goal of providing this training in house The school is working with the Holyoke Community College E2E Satellite Facility in Ware.
The CNA training program is scheduled to begin in September of 2020. It will include 260 hours of classroom instruction and 48 hours of clinical training. Certifications for students that complete the course will include:
-
Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide
- CPR/First Aide
- Healthcare Interactive for basic or advanced dementia care
“Because of the generosity of Baystate Wing Hospital, we are excited to offer our students at Quaboag the opportunity to learn about a healthcare field while in school," said Dr. Brett Kustigian, Superintendent of Quaboag Regional High School.
Our Commitment to Reduce Health Disparities
“As part of our continued commitment to reduce health disparities in our region we are proud to partner with area community agencies who know and understand the unique needs and challenges of our community and can help us create local solutions,” Gray said.
For more information about Baystate Health Community Health Needs Assessments and other resources visit Baystate Health Community Programs.