Western Hampden County Public Health District

06/02/2026

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The abuse of our elders is a problem more common than you might think. Abuse can range from physical, emotional, psychological, neglect, financial exploitation, abandonment and self-neglect. Studies have found that 1 in 10 older adults in the U.S. experience abuse or neglect each year, but those numbers are suspected to be higher because many cases are never reported to authorities. The month aims to highlight the prevention of elder abuse and promote safety, dignity and the rights of older adults.
One important thing about elder abuse, if you see something, say something.
Massachusetts has a hotline to report Elder Abuse 24/7, just call 1-800-922-2275.
You can check out the Highland Valley website for information as well.
https://highlandvalley.org/
https://highlandvalley.org/wp-content/uploads/Brochures/PS.pdf

Remember on June 15th, wear purple to show your support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day! 💜

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Happy June everyone! 💙 This is the complete calendar for June's Mobile Food Bank schedule throughout all four counties of Western Massachusetts. You can also see the full list of each Mobile Food Bank's location and date on our website https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/mobile-food-bank/ - We also encourage everyone to share this post because it may help someone you know, thank you! 💚

Remember: everyone is welcome to visit a Mobile Food Bank and get free groceries regardless of other services you might receive. We have an automated phone line to check if a Mobile Food Bank or Brown Bag is canceled due to weather, the number is: (413)-419-0079.

06/02/2026

Anyone can drown, no one should.

Drowning prevention starts with YOU:
👀 Supervise children & don’t look away when they're near water
🦺 Use safety equipment like life jackets & make sure they’re in place before going out on a boat
🏊‍♂️ Learn to swim, or if you can’t swim, stay away from the water
🌧️ Check the weather conditions, the depth of the water & the strength of the current before entering the water
🚫 Don’t drink alcohol near water. It dulls your senses & can cause fatal accidents near water

Remember! Drowning is often silent & goes unnoticed.
Watch for the signs when someone is struggling to stay afloat, it’s never too soon to respond.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

New month, new opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive. 🌞

June is a great time to get involved at your local senior center — whether it’s fitness classes, social lunches, art programs, or simply meeting a new friend. Let’s make this month meaningful together!

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

It’s !

The most effective way to stop fraud from happening is to prevent it in the first place. For situations you can't prevent, learning how to detect potential fraud, errors, and abuse is very important.

If you find something concerning on a Medicare statement or accidentally give out your Medicare information, report it! The SMP National Resource Center is available to help: https://bit.ly/4fSrHs4

06/01/2026

Millions of American families with young children could be leaving money and critical nutrition support on the table.