CDH launches $850K challenge for emergency care
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital is harnessing the power of an $850,000 challenge to help complete construction of the new Emergency Department.
The formal announcement of the challenge, “Transforming Emergency Care: The Campaign for the Cooley Dickinson Emergency Department,” was made at a recent gathering hosted by Curran and Keegan Financial. Challenge donors include local companies Diversified LLC, All States Materials Group, and individual contributors who hope this challenge inspires others to give. The campaign commits to match every dollar that comes in by Dec. 21, up to $850,000.
The campaign supports the $26 million expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department, ensuring that Cooley Dickinson continues to meet the ever-evolving emergency medicine needs of all members of the community. With patient visits to the department doubling — from 17,000 in the 1970s to nearly 34,000 in recent years — the project will increase the Emergency Department space by 40%, and support 32 patient rooms, expanded behavioral health spaces, and a state-of-the-art suite for a CT scanning and imaging.
Contributions may be sent to the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Development Office, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329 or made on the organization’s website at cooleydickinson.org/giving.
South Hadley program to discuss town challenges
SOUTH HADLDEY — Know Your Town will sponsor a program, “All Roads Lead Local — South Hadley in a Changing Landscape,” on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m., in the Community Room at the main public library.
Town Administrator Lisa Wong will lead a robust discussion about the importance and impact of town government on its residents and businesses. Wong will pose questions to the audience, and attendees may respond and ask more questions at the microphone.
This is the first Know Your Town sponsored event of the 2025-2026 year. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Northampton to mark celebrate DCC’s birthday
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites the community to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Division of Community Care (DCC), the city’s public health-led public safety initiative. The celebration is being held on Friday, Sept., from 12 to 4 p.m., at the DCC Community Space, 1 Roundhouse Plaza.
Since its launch, the DCC has provided non-clinical crisis support and unarmed mobile response for all Northampton residents. The division works to bridge gaps in care, ensures that individuals in need are met with dignity and respect, and connects people to both immediate and long-term resources.
Attendees will hear from DHHS leadership, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, Police Chief John Cartledge, state legislators, local business owners, and partners from the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Together, they will share insights on the DCC’s impact over the past two years, lessons learned, and the program’s future directions in supporting the community.
The event will feature powerful stories, community data, an open house tour of the DCC space, interactive activities, food and refreshments. Local organizations and community partners will also be on-site tabling throughout the day.
For additional information about the event, email health-dept@northamptonma.gov, or call 413-587-1214.
Tapestry to hold ‘Walk for Every Body’ on Sunday
NORTHAMPTON — Tapestry Health, a nonprofit health care provider in western Massachusetts, will hold the Walk for Every Body, a community walk and celebration in support of individual autonomy, access to care and health equity for all.
The event takes place on Sunday, Sept. 28, followed by a block party at the finish line on Strong Avenue in downtown Northampton. The post-walk party will include remarks from state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, a banned book drag story time, live music and local food and a family-friendly activity tent.
Walk registration and fundraising is open now. Proceeds support Tapestry’s mission to provide accessible, inclusive care across western Massachusetts, including STI testing and
treatment, birth control, gender-affirming care, overdose prevention, and nutritional
support through WIC.
For more information or to register, visit: https://www.tapestryhealth.org/EveryBody