Springfield Receives $675K Grant for Climate & Health Equity | Kresge Foundation
Springfield Receives $675,000 to Tackle Climate Change and Protect Public Health
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Residents of Springfield, Massachusetts, will benefit from a $675,000 investment over three years aimed at bolstering the city’s resilience to climate change and mitigating its disproportionate health impacts. The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM), acting as the convener for the Live Well Springfield coalition, has been awarded the grant from The Kresge Foundation, joining 31 other organizations nationwide selected for the Climate Change, Health, and Equity initiative.
The funding arrives at a critical juncture. Across the globe, climate change is increasingly recognized as a major threat to human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from heat stress, malnutrition, malaria, and diarrhea among other factors. These impacts aren’t felt equally; communities like Springfield, already grappling with existing health inequities, are particularly vulnerable.
Addressing Disproportionate Impacts
Springfield faces a confluence of challenges – extreme heat events, increased flooding risk, and persistent air and water pollution – all exacerbated by a changing climate. These factors contribute to higher rates of chronic and infectious diseases within the city, particularly among its most vulnerable populations. The Kresge Foundation’s investment recognizes this reality and prioritizes equitable solutions driven by the community itself.
“Human health impacts of climate change are profound, and while climate change affects us all, it hits some communities harder than others,” explained Shamar Bibbins, managing director of the Kresge Environment Program. “The pollution that creates dangerous heat waves and severe storms causes the most harm in communities already experiencing persistent health inequities.”
The Live Well Springfield coalition, a collaborative effort including Arise for Social Justice, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Way Finders, and the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, will spearhead the initiatives. Samantha Hamilton, director of Coalition Building and Community Engagement at PHIWM, emphasized the importance of this continued support. “Kresge’s continued investment in Springfield is vital to sustaining our momentum in advancing climate justice. We feel proud and empowered to stand tall among the many major cities that were also selected for this honor.”
Key Initiatives for a Healthier Springfield
The grant will fuel several key projects designed to build a more resilient and equitable Springfield. A significant focus will be on expanding access to cleaner, more affordable energy through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. Live Well Springfield successfully advocated for the city’s adoption of this program with previous Kresge funding, and this new grant will help increase participation and awareness.
Beyond energy, the coalition will work to update the city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, ensuring it reflects the latest scientific data and, crucially, the lived experiences and needs of Springfield residents. This includes exploring housing development policies that prioritize resident protection from extreme heat – a growing concern as temperatures rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related deaths in the U.S. are increasing, with an average of 7,415 deaths annually between 2000-2009, and that number is climbing.
The coalition will also continue its advocacy efforts against polluting biomass facilities, which contribute to air pollution and exacerbate respiratory illnesses. Finally, a series of community workshops will be hosted to educate residents on climate resilience strategies and empower them to take action.
Filling a Funding Gap and Prioritizing Collaboration
This grant is particularly significant in light of the unexpected termination of a $20 million Community Change grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “These Kresge funds will help us advance strategies originally planned with the city and other partners before the EPA unexpectedly terminated the $20 million Community Change grant,” explained Jessica Collins, PHIWM’s executive director. “We are so grateful that private philanthropy continues to step up and support local and regional climate mitigation work.”
Monica Valdes Lupi, managing director of the Kresge Health Program, underscored the importance of collaborative, cross-sector partnerships. “Long-term change in cities requires strong and sustained cross-sector partnerships. Working together, we ensure that all of us, no matter who we are or where we live, have the opportunity to be healthy and to thrive. Climate action is fundamentally a public health imperative, offering transformative opportunities to reduce mental health burdens, chronic diseases, and infectious disease spread while advancing health equity for all.”
For more on public health initiatives in the region, explore Worldys.news’ Health section.
The Kresge Foundation’s investment in Springfield represents a vital step towards building a healthier, more equitable future for the city – one where residents are not only protected from the worst impacts of climate change but also empowered to thrive in a changing world.