The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in in the region, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries; many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities. Nominators help BusinessWest identify young professionals in the four counties of Western Mass. who have stories that deserve to be told.

Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Thursday, March 5. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form.

For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email mercado@businesswest.com.

The post Nominations Open for 40 Under Forty Class of 2026 appeared first on Health Care News.

“Outdoor recreation should be for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or access. Nature is a wonderful place where people can come together, whether they’re seasoned adventurers or just starting out,” MOOR Director Paul Jahnige said. “By investing in community events and programs, we’re removing barriers that keep people from enjoying the outdoors and discovering new experiences. These grants help us create opportunities for families and friends to share joyful moments in nature, fostering connections that boost our mental, physical, and social well-being.”

Established in December 2023, MOOR collaborates with agencies and private partners to promote activities across the state, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts, contributing $13.2 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism. 

Six of the grant recepients are located in the four counties of Western Mass.: the Ashmere Project, $10,000 for its Camp Chesterfield working weekend retreats in Chesterfield; Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic, $10,000 for inclusive outdoor skating and community ice programs at Clapp Park in Pittsfield; Eagle Eye Institute, $10,000 to promote well-being, belonging, and empowerment in nature in Holyoke and Springfield; Latinas413, $10,000 for its Raices Verdes (Green Roots) program; Q-MoB Inc., $10,000 to reduce isolation by inspiring diverse new LGBTQ+ leadership for outdoor recreation in Adams, Becket, Great Barrington, Lenox, Savoy, and Sheffield; and Western Mass Wheelers, $9,927 to promote biking in nature for seniors in Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Southwick, Springfield, and West Springfield.

The post State Announces Grants to Support Inclusive, Accessible Outdoor Recreation appeared first on Health Care News.

“Faces of Grief” invites viewers into the intimate world of loss and remembrance. Under the guidance of Professor Sondra Peron, STCC darkroom photography students will capture portraits of grieving individuals holding, wearing, or displaying objects that connect them to loved ones who have passed away. Each portrait will be developed as a gelatin silver print and gifted to the participant following the exhibition.

“Grief is often a silent experience,” said Shelly Bathe Lenn, bereavement coordinator at Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice. “This project offers a powerful way to honor those who have died and to open up conversations that help us feel less alone.”

Lenn, who has led grief support groups across Western Mass. since 2002, uses creative rituals and dialogue to help individuals navigate the complexities of mourning. Her work with the Garden and Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice continues to foster healing spaces for children, teens, and adults.

The “Faces of Grief” exhibit aims to destigmatize grief and transform discomfort into connection. All are welcome to attend the reception and view the portraits that reflect love, memory, and resilience.

The post Faces of Grief Exhibit to Spotlight Personal Stories of Loss Through Photography appeared first on Health Care News.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Cooley Dickinson, Mass General Brigham, and the thousands of patients and families who have benefited from this exceptional collaboration,” said Kevin Whitney, president and chief operating officer of Cooley Dickinson Hospital. “We are committed to combining the personal care of a community hospital with access to world-renowned medical experts. That is the promise of offering Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute care here at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.”

Ahmad Daniyal Siddiqui, medical director of Medical Oncology at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, explained that the majority of cancer care is provided in the community setting.

“Patients who need chemotherapy or radiation therapy have access to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute experts right here in the community, who follow same treatment regimens, protocols, and safety guidelines as the experts in Boston. Treatment is coordinated by a collaborative Mass General Brigham cancer team that enables patients to remain close to home, surrounded by family and friends, and in a familiar environment.

“In some cases, it does make sense for people to go to Boston for care, and in those instances, we make sure that patients receive the right treatment in the right place,” Siddiqui added. “We coordinate their care with subspecialty physicians at Mass General Brigham and provide local support as seamlessly as possible.”

For patients who need to see experts in Boston, Cooley Dickinson offers a free round-trip, daily shuttle service to Mass General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Mass Eye and Ear in Boston.

“Local residents have repeatedly told us about the challenges and worries of getting to and from medical appointments at our academic and specialty hospitals,” Whitney said. “Making access easier to these hospitals, for care related to cancer treatment or other needs, is one of our top priorities.”

The post Cooley Dickinson Marks 10 Years of Cancer Care Collaboration with Mass General Brigham appeared first on Health Care News.

The grant will provide general operating support to advance the 2026 priorities of Rick’s Place, with a primary focus on relocating to a larger space to meet the growing demand for grief support services. A new location will enable Rick’s Place to serve more families, expand peer grief support programming, and offer a welcoming environment that fosters caring connection and community. Grant funding will also support targeted outreach to help ensure families across the region know where to turn for grief support.

Grief can have a profound impact on youth and families, influencing emotional well-being, learning, behavior, and family dynamics. Access to consistent, age-appropriate grief support helps reduce isolation and strengthen coping and resilience for both youth and caregivers, underscoring the importance of continued investment in services like those provided by Rick’s Place.

“We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for recognizing the importance of grief support for youth and families and for investing in work that helps ensure families do not have to navigate loss alone,” said Therese Ross, executive director of Rick’s Place.

The post Rick’s Place Receives $25,000 Grant from Community Foundation appeared first on Health Care News.

The recognition follows an extensive review process, affirming that Bay Path’s DNP program meets national standards for excellence in advanced nursing education.

“This achievement is a testament to the outstanding work of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Linda Adams-Wendling, chief nurse administrator and director of Nursing Education at Bay Path. “Our DNP program prepares nurses for the highest levels of clinical practice and leadership. Earning the maximum accreditation term underscores our commitment to developing nurse leaders and family nurse practitioners who will transform healthcare through innovation, compassion, and expertise.”

An increasing number of organizations are moving toward requiring a DNP for entry-level NP roles in order to address the complexity of healthcare delivery, the growing demand for advanced clinical leadership, and the imperative to prepare nurses for roles that drive quality improvement, systems transformation, and patient‐centered outcomes.

Today, one-quarter of all U.S. healthcare visits are delivered by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Launched in 2019, the DNP is the capstone of Bay Path’s growing continuum of nursing programs, which now span from associate to doctoral degrees, creating a seamless pathway for nurses to advance their education and careers. The university’s DNP program offers two academic tracks: a BSN to DNP-FNP (family nurse practitioner), preparing registered nurses to provide primary care across the lifespan, and a post-master’s degree DNP, designed for nurses seeking leadership roles in systems, policy, and organizational change.

Through a new partnership with select Springfield public schools, students can begin working toward their associate degree in nursing education at Bay Path while they’re still in high school and continue advancing throughout their careers, building their knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that prepare them for high-demand, high-impact roles in the field.

Bay Path’s nursing program was recently inducted into the Beta Zeta at Large Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, joining a global community of nurse leaders, educators, and researchers dedicated to advancing health worldwide.

The post Bay Path DNP Program Earns Maximum 10-year Accreditation from CCNE appeared first on Health Care News.

Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants are part of the company’s commitment to improving community health by addressing disparities in health outcomes, access, and experience. Alongside its parent company, Baystate Health, and with collaboration from local community partners, Health New England supports programs that open doors to better health for all.

This year’s grants focus on initiatives that address at least one social factor known to impact health, such as access to nutritious food, education, safe housing, healthcare, transportation, and opportunities for connection and belonging. By investing in these areas, Health New England aims to help ensure that everyone has the resources and support needed to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

“We are so proud to support such a wide variety of community-serving organizations with Health New England’s Community Benefits Mini-Grants,” said Katie Bruno, Health New England’s manager of Quality Improvement Programs. “These grants recognize and uplift the many outstanding regional organizations that share Health New England’s commitment to advancing the health of our communities and empowering individuals and families to lead healthy, successful lives.”

Health New England, a regional not-for-profit health plan, continues to invest in the health and well-being of the people in the communities it serves. Now in its sixth year, the Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants program has awarded $595,000 to local nonprofits addressing health equity in Western and Central Mass.

The post Health New England Awards $176,000 to 49 Nonprofits appeared first on Health Care News.

The 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program, open to all current sophomores in the Berkshires, selects a cohort of up to 30 motivated students from all backgrounds for this 10-month experience that will allow them to explore the regional economy and develop their leadership skills. Once selected, students will begin the program with a three-day, three-night retreat in June near the end of their sophomore year. At the retreat, students will meet for the first time, begin to build connections, and learn about their individual leadership styles.

Over the following 10 months, students will reconvene for eight full-day sessions, held at various locations across the Berkshires (or virtually, in the case of severe weather conditions). During these sessions, students will meet with business leaders and dynamic community members to learn about a sector of the regional economy, including but not limited to advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, healthcare and wellness, outdoor recreation, the creative economy, and hospitality and tourism. Students will develop leadership traits through activities within the sessions, and as a class, they will develop and execute a collective impact project that will enhance life in the Berkshires.

“The Youth Leadership Program provides an amazing opportunity for students to grow as individuals and as members of a community spanning the Berkshires,” said Kevin Pink, deputy director of Economic Development at 1Berkshire and program coordinator of the Youth Leadership Program. “The sessions allow students to explore key segments of our regional economy, gaining a deep understanding of career opportunities available to them in the Berkshires and working together on a project that makes a positive impact in the place they call home.”

This program is made possible through the ongoing financial support of Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Camp Becket Chimney Corners, NBT Bank, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and others. The 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the support of the volunteer Youth Leadership Program steering committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.

Until the Feb. 13 deadline, sophomores from any school in the Berkshires, and equivalent-aged home-schooled students, may submit an application for the program by clicking here. Email economicdev@1berkshire.com with any questions.

The post Youth Leadership Program Now Accepting Applications for Class of 2027 appeared first on Health Care News.

The quarter began with HMA Volunteer Day, during which the team organized and participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Build Day in Greenfield. Team members rolled up their sleeves to help provide safe and affordable housing for families in need.

Next up, the Applied Mortgage team, together with HMA Mortgage, hosted a Lunch and Learn session titled “Inventory Starts Here: Renovation and ADU Strategies,” offering valuable insights for homeowners and industry professionals. The team also supported the inaugural YPS Up Next Summit as a sponsor. Branch Manager Lindsay LaBonte participated on the “Shaping Leaders, Shaping Community” panel, sharing expertise and perspective on leadership and community engagement.

The team is also a year-long community partner business sponsor of Look Park, with LaBonte also serving on the park’s development committee and as a Look Society donor.

Throughout the quarter, the Applied Mortgage team also sponsored numerous additional events across the region, including the RE/MAX client appreciation event at Fern Valley Farms in Wilbraham, the United Way Franklin & Hampshire Region annual kickoff breakfast, the Montessori Children’s Fair, Friends of Children’s Artisan Market, Dollars for Scholars, Give ’em the Bird 5K benefiting the Easthampton Community Center, Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls, the Northampton Rotary Children’s Christmas Party and Festival of Trees, and the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage.

Another community initiative that continued was Applied Mortgage’s Local Love Days, which launched in mid-2025 with the goal of supporting small businesses and fostering community connections. During the quarter, Local Love Days featured two events: a caramel apple giveaway at Sally’s Sweet Shoppe in East Weymouth and an evening of shopping, sipping, and snacking at Spill the Tea Sis in Northampton, complete with a gift with purchase from the Applied Mortgage team.

Team members also showed their community support by attending several community gatherings, including the Easthampton Chamber’s Coffee & Connections and Networking at Night, the Amherst Area Chamber’s After 5 and A+ Awards Dinner, the Franklin County Chamber breakfast, Cooley Dickinson’s eighth annual donor appreciation breakfast, and the Massachusetts Conference for Women in Boston.

In addition, they shared their community spotlight and industry knowledge when requested for media appearances with the “Roads Less Traveled” podcast, “Mass Appeal,” the “Mortgage on My Mind” podcast, and Northampton Living magazine.

The post Applied Mortgage Team Embraces Community in Fourth Quarter appeared first on Health Care News.

Discounted tickets are available starting at $25, with a portion of every purchase going directly to the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation. The organization encourages fans and families to come out, enjoy the game, and make a difference in the lives of local children.

“This partnership with the Thunderbirds demonstrates our commitment to fun, affordable, family-friendly entertainment — all while driving impact for children in need,” said Bella Sacharczyk, Massachusetts Chapter president.

Thanks to generous local support, including sponsorship from Stop & Shop, group ticket prices are being lowered to make the event accessible for all. Click here for more information or to order tickets.

The post Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation to Host Fundraising Night with Thunderbirds appeared first on Health Care News.