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MAPC grants help communities create safe walking routes to school, smoke-free housing

In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), MAPC awarded wellness “mini-grants” to municipalities within Middlesex County that do not currently receive Mass in Motion funding from MDPH. These grants will go towards projects that advance our goals for increasing opportunities for physical activity in communities; providing more smoke-free housing; and increasing options for healthy foods. For […]

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What does speed have to do with vibrant communities?

On January 18, MAPC hosted a packed house for Slow Down! Speed Reduction Strategies for Vibrant Communities. The room was filled with bicycle and pedestrian advocates, local planners and public works staff, public health professionals, transportation engineers, elected officials, and local law enforcement. You can view all of the powerpoint presentations from the event below Better […]

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Helmets vs. physical activity: A public health Catch-22

Will encouraging helmet use simultaneously discourage people from riding their bikes in the city? Two public health concerns – obesity and accident prevention – run the risk of being at odds with each other when it comes to promoting bicycling safety. Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has been criticized after launching a new helmet safety campaign  that […]

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Planning for good health: MAPC’s health impact assessment of proposed changes to the T

Yesterday, MAPC released the results of our health impacts assessment of proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts in the Healthy T for a Healthy Region (PDF) report at a State House press conference. Just last week, Atlantic Cities wrote about the importance of considering the public health impacts of planning projects: “By the time policymakers rouse support, […]

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