Health network launching new five-year plan

GREENFIELD — Representatives from organizations and towns across the region will gather Thursday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the John W. Olver Transit Center to kick off a new five-year Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

The Franklin County/North Quabbin CHIP Network, a 300-member group that was founded in 2016 and is hosted by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), has completed two planning cycles prior to this one. A CHIP is a plan made for a set period of time (three to five years) based on the results of a community health needs assessment.

According to CHIP Coordinator Jen Audley, “Creating and implementing a CHIP brings together resources and people to work ‘upstream,’ addressing the root causes of health issues by making lasting changes to environments, policies and systems.”

The last plan wrapped up at the end of 2023. Residents can read a report on the last plan and get more information on the CHIP Network at frcog.org/chip.

The new plan will cover 2024 through 2028. The newest CHIP includes 14 health improvement strategies based on the region’s needs.

All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served. Register at frcog.org/event/chip-240208.