(Lorraine Martinelle ghostwrote this column on behalf of UMass Chan Medical School Office of Well-Being Director Valerie Wedge.) As organizations strive to foster productivity, creativity, and a positive culture in a post-COVID world, prioritizing employee well-being is not only a moral obligation but a strategic investment. Employers who have invested in a comprehensive, holistic mental and physical wellness program find this approach has helped foster a positive work culture, a diverse workforce, and an inclusive environment valuing the organization’s greatest asset: its employees.

For UMass Chan Medical School's Office of Well-Being (OWB), I redesigned OWB's quarterly newsletter, using content submitted to me by OWB staff.

I wrote a press release to promote the news that UMass Chan Medical School was selected as one of the top 100 "Healthiest Employers in America," because of its workplace wellness programs offered by Office of Well-Being. The press release was picked up by local media outlets.

A celebration was held June 5, 2023, at UMass Chan Medical School to recognize employees who achieved milestones in 2020, 2021, and 2022. “It is especially heartwarming, and a great honor for me, to host this celebration at a time when colleagues can finally come together in person and celebrate, following such a long hiatus of in- person events during the pandemic," said Carolyn Brownawell, deputy vice chancellor for Human Resources and chief people strategy officer at UMass Chan.

When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the football field during a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals, he had experienced cardiac arrest. One week later, on Jan. 11, Hamlin was discharged from the hospital and returned home. Alive. For Amanda Gonzalez, a senior talent associate in UMass Chan Medical School’s Office of Human Resources since 2019, Hamlin’s was a moment she could—unfortunately—relate to, having experienced cardiac arrest eight times— the first happening at the young age of 17, three days before her high school senior prom.

(This story includes quotes and information that I drafted for a press release I wrote. -- LUM) At a presentation about Worcester’s growth Tuesday, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins made it clear that his school is part of that growth. “If you look at the economic multiplier of the medical school, you know, it’s close to, it approximates $2 billion...we’re building a 350,000 square foot research building now right outside the door, and there are so many construction workers out there right now putting up the steel,” Collins said.

UMass Chan Medical School has approximately 600 job opportunities, most of the new positions were added due to growth throughout the institution. To help fill these positions, the Human Resources Department will host a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 30, from 1-5 pm at the Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, across from the School of Medicine. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register and bring their resumes. Free parking available.

Part of University’s initiative toward achieving federal Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, commitment to Latinx students in Western Massachusetts Westfield State University has launched the Latinx Education Advisory Committee for the 2021-2022 academic year and announced its membership, which encompasses business and community leaders of the Pioneer Valley.

(I ghostwrote this column on behalf of Westfield State University President Linda Thompson for The Republican of Springfield, Mass., and MassLive.com. It was translated into Spanish for sister newspaper El Pueblo Latino. — LUM) As the new president of Westfield State University, I am pleased to continue the tradition of my predecessors in writing this monthly column for The Republican. I also thank the newspaper’s leadership for granting me the opportunity to connect with you, the reader, and all the people and organizations that make the Pioneer Valley sing.

(I ghostwrote this column on behalf of Westfield State University President Linda Thompson. The column was translated into Spanish by Westfield State Faculty Dean Enrique Morales-Diaz.) A través del proceso de ser seleccionada como presidenta de Westfield State, me asesoré acerca de la región al igual que con la historia de la universidad. Una de las cosas que me llamó la atención fueron los comienzos de Westfield State. Horace Mann estableció la universidad en 1839, 63 años después de que se estableciera los Estados Unidos como nación.

Westfield State University President Dr. Linda Thompson, a registered nurse, was interviewed by WBZ NewsRadio anchor Ben Parker on “NightSide” about her new role as president, and all things COVID-19.

WESTFIELD — Linda Thompson said she was drawn to Westfield State because of its origins as an inclusive school founded by Horace Mann. “Their interest in developing people to live in civil society and how to get engaged in democracy is such a wonderful legacy in relation to how it started,” said Thompson, who recently took office as Westfield State University’s 21st president.

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University (WSU) interim Dean of Faculty Enrique Morales-Díaz is the recipient of the Latino Scholarship Fund (LSF) of Western Massachusetts’ Antonia Pantoja Award, which honors people who contribute to the Latinx community through research and education. It was presented in June, during the organization’s 30th annual awards ceremony, held virtually.

Westfield State University Interim Dean of Faculty Enrique Morales-Díaz, Ph.D., is the recipient of the Latino Scholarship Fund (LSF) of Western Massachusetts’ Antonia Pantoja Award, which honors people who contribute to the Latinx community through research and education. It was presented in June, during the organization’s 30th annual awards ceremony, held virtually.

Westfield State University’s Department of Social Work has received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Integrative Behavioral Health (IBH) Equity Project. The project builds a specialized workforce within rural, medically underserved areas as well as among diverse and historically marginalized populations to address the barriers identified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the “Social Determinants of Health.”

When Roy H. Saigo arrived as Westfield State University’s interim president in 2020, he described one of his priorities as fostering a greater culture of racial justice, awareness and equity. Saigo was uniquely equipped for the task. His own memories took him back to the early 1940s, when he and his family were held in Japanese-American internment camps during World War II.

Westfield State University has launched a Racial Equity and Justice Institute (REJI) Team and joined the Leading for Change Higher Education Racial Equity and Justice Institute, pledging to help dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity and combat injustices faced by communities of color on our campuses.