Massachusetts is seeking input on the design of a new initiative called “Moving Massachusetts Upstream” (MassUP). The Health Policy Commission, along with DPH, MassHealth and other state agencies issued the request for information (RFI) last week, asking groups to weigh in on the plan to help healthcare providers and community-based organizations work together to address upstream (i.e., social, environmental, and economic) challenges, and “enable sustainable improvements in community health and health equity.”
MassUP will include an investment opportunity to support such partnerships. According to the RFI notice, “MassUP also will include the establishment of an interagency policy alignment working group, through which state agencies will proactively work toward alleviating policy barriers to addressing the social determinants of health in the commonwealth.”
Any organization or individual interested in the MassUP initiative (e.g., a community organization, healthcare provider, social service agency, local government body, etc.) is invited to submit a response to
this RFI. Responses are due by 3 p.m. on October 25.