Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition

07/15/2026

Air Quality Alert issued for today! Download Air Watch to keep track of local conditions: Bit.ly/Healthyairlinks

A statewide Air Quality Alert has been issued today due to smoke from wildfires up in Canada and other areas. While much of the smoke is expected to stay high in the atmosphere, changing winds could bring some of it closer to the ground, making the sky look hazy or smoky and affecting the air we breathe.

If you're a child, older adult, pregnant, or have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or another lung condition, it's a good idea to take it easy outdoors until air quality improves. Even if you're generally healthy, pay attention to how you're feeling if you spend time outside.

A few simple ways to protect yourself:
• Limit prolonged outdoor activity if the air looks or smells smoky.
• Keep windows closed if smoke is noticeable.
• Check your local air quality before heading outside.
📱Download the Air Watch app to monitor real-time air quality in your neighborhood and receive alerts when conditions change: Bit.ly/Healthyairlinks

07/02/2026

🌡️ It’s really hot outside!
Looking for a place to cool down? We have compiled a list of cooling centers across the region: 413cares.org/warming-cooling-centers.

Please check with locations directly or follow local updates for the latest information before visiting.

Tips to stay safe in the heat:
💧 Drink plenty of water
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible
☀️ Limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours
🐾 Don’t leave children or pets in parked cars
📱 Check your local air quality with the Air Watch app bit.ly/Healthyairlinks

Please share to help spread the word throughout our communities.

05/18/2026

An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for elevated ozone levels in Hampden and Hampshire counties today (5/18). Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other lung conditions. Stay informed by checking local air quality on the Air Watch App or visiting HealthyAirNetwork.org

04/24/2026

Air Quality is deeply related to asthma! This new app can provide insights to support healthier daily choices! If you have an Android device, become a beta tester! Fill out this form: Bit.ly/HANbeta

Android Users — Help Us Test The App! 📱

We’re looking for Android users to test the beta version of AirWatch before we officially launch on Google Play. Your feedback is essential to making this app the best it can be!

Interested? Complete our beta tester form: bit.ly/HANbeta

Thank you for helping us build healthier, better‑informed communities!

✨Good news: AirWatch is already available on the Apple App Store!Visit bit.ly/Healthyairlinks to download and learn more.

01/21/2026

Check out 413Cares' list of warming centers in western MA: 413cares.org/warming-cooling-centers

Find cooling and warming centers across all Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties in Massachusetts.

01/06/2026

Air Quality is forecasted to be MODERATE on WED 1/7/26 across all of Massachusetts. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Monitor the air quality near you at healthyairnetwork.org

12/02/2025

Check out this webinar hosted by Health Resources in Action! Indoor air quality is important when it comes to creating healthier living environments for our community. Tune in this Friday at 10am via Zoom!

Register here: forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XYo59SynZUS3PDFf-WwzEsXGKLWs4vVLlwmtYn2hMGVURVY3RVJENUpZR1NMMkFKUUJOWlk0QklMNi4u&route=shorturl

11/12/2025

Get the latest info on SNAP and fuel assistance here: 413cares.org/the-latest-on-snap-and-fuel-assistance

Even though the federal government may reopen soon, the ongoing shutdown is still impacting SNAP (food benefits) and fuel assistance.

👉 Get the latest info here: 413cares.org/the-latest-on-snap-and-fuel-assistance

Quick Summary:
🍎 SNAP recipients should have received their full benefits last week or will this week.
🚫 DTA has paused sending SNAP to newly approved applicants due to federal delays.
📞 New eligibility rules are in effect - contact the Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach Team with questions: 413-992-6204.
🔥 Fuel assistance funding hasn’t been approved yet — programs can currently only help with heat emergencies.

Stay informed and share this with anyone who might be affected! Visit 413Cares.org to search for food and other resources near you.

11/07/2025

Check out this fact sheet to learn about the current status of fuel assistance.

Like SNAP, fuel assistance programs are also being impacted by the federal government shutdown. They are funded by a federal program called HEAP - Heating and Energy Assistance Program (formerly LIHEAP). No federal funding has been authorized for these programs starting November 1st, so HEAP programs will only have limited funds for heat emergencies only until additional federal funding is available.

Check out this Fact Sheet created by Community Action that speaks to the current status of fuel assistance, what is considered a heat emergency, and what you can do. Please note, this is as of 11/7/2025.

Find your local HEAP program and other utility support programs on 413Cares.org Contact your local HEAP program for more information.

10/31/2025