News from the Board of Health

Air Quality / Recovery Support

Air Quality

Did you know that wildfires in Canada can affect your health in Franklin County? Wildfires create tiny particles of air pollution that travel hundreds of miles. We inhale the tiny pollution particles, which can go deep into our respiratory system. These pollution particles are so small that the width of the average human hair is at least 30 times larger!

Short-term health effects could include irritation of eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and this can worsen existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. Areas with long-term exposure to higher levels of these pollution particles have higher cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions and deaths.

Knowing local air quality can empower people to make informed health decisions. An Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 101-150 suggests moderate pollution, so you may choose to reduce outdoor activities or wear an N95 mask. When the Air Quality Index exceeds 150, conditions become unhealthy, and outdoor activities should be avoided.

Over twenty air quality sensors have been installed across Franklin County, thanks to funding from MA’s Department of Environmental Protection. The data from these air quality sensors is included in local weather and air quality monitoring. See a map of local sensors on purpleair.com. An air sensor has been reserved for Conway for installation.

Recovery Support Resources

The following services are available to Conway residents in recovery from substance use disorder through the town’s opioid settlement funds and additional grant funding awarded to the Cooperative Public Health Service.

All Recovery Meetings are non-denominational and open to all pathways to recovery. Meeting format is focused on peer support and invites participants to reflect on and share what they are doing for their recovery. Topics are chosen by meeting participants. Each participant is given the opportunity to share their challenges, as well as what is working for them.

• Weekly All-Recovery Meetings:

  • Monday 7-8pm - Erving Library or on Zoom (Meeting ID: 4137745489 Password: 7745489)

  • Friday 7:30-8:30pm - Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls or on Zoom (Meeting ID: 4137745489 Password: 7745489)

Recovery Coaches offer 1:1 support to people in substance use recovery to build their recovery capital. This involves mentoring on their chosen pathway of recovery, connecting them to the recovery community and resources, and creating a climate of recovery through language and modeling recovery values.

• Weekly Recovery Coach drop-in hours:

  • Monday 6-7pm - Erving Library

  • Thursday 9:30-10:30am - Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls

  • Friday 3:30-4:30pm - Buckland Public Library

  • Friday 6:30-7:30pm - Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls

All Recovery Meetings and Recovery Coaches are provided by The Recover Project (recoverproject.org).

Moms Do Care (momsdocare.org) is a statewide program designed to provide support for pregnant and parenting people impacted by substance use disorder. The program is available to people who are 18 or older, have a history of substance misuse and are pregnant or parenting a child 36 months or younger. The location closest to Conway is the Moms Do Care program at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

Please share these resources with friends and family who may benefit from accessing them.

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

Posted: to Board of Health on Mon, Jun 16, 2025
Updated: Mon, Jun 16, 2025