Tag: public health

How Can We Tell if Complete Streets Policies are Working?

Posted on April 12, 2017 at 10:14 am. Written by Elise Harmon

How do we measure what really matters? As a planner, I know the plan is important but it is not what really counts at the end of the day. It’s the changes that follow the plan – changes in policies, funding, and social capital among others – that really count. And, to get to the things […]

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

Posted on March 4, 2013 at 1:50 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

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 […]

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

Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:12 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

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 […]

Project PhotoVoice @ MAPC

Posted on September 11, 2012 at 4:10 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

A few weeks ago, Somerville teenagers got the chance to make their voices heard through the art of photography, documenting scenes ranging from a crumbling “Brick Wall to Nothing” to the “First Breath” of a newborn baby, as personal reflections on their neighborhoods and the concept of safety. Each photo was accompanied by a personal […]

Running down a dream: MA Mayors rally for transportation reform

Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:03 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

On Monday, June 11–just weeks before the July 1 deadline for MBTA fare hikes and service cuts–mayors from across the state gathered at South Station to show their support for working together and finding a solution for the state’s transportation finance troubles. Watch our video of highlights from speakers at the Metro Mayors Transportation Summit […]

Get Pumped About Water: the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill

Posted on March 22, 2012 at 3:24 pm. Written by Amanda Linehan

MAPC staff members periodically take a portion of a day to participate in a company-wide team-building exercise, with the purpose of learning something new about our region. The most recent outing took place last month at the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill. This one year old museum is housed in the original, visually striking Chestnut […]