Transhealth accepting new pediatric patients

NORTHAMPTON — For the first time since May 2024 Transhealth is accepting new pediatric patients age 17 and under for primary care and specialty care.

“In an age where trans people are being vilified and weaponized, we refuse to retreat and are doubling down on making sure that trans and gender-diverse youth have the medically necessary healthcare they need and deserve,” said Transhealth CEO Jo Erwin. “When trans and gender-diverse young people receive best practice, evidence-based care and support, they thrive. It’s that simple.”

Recently Transhealth hired Dr. Ashley Brown as their new pediatrician and co-primary care director. Dr. Brown left the state of Iowa after a ban on medically necessary health care for trans youth went into effect. Dr. Brown brought with her a unique perspective as a trans woman herself, and a commitment to providing gender-affirming care for the most vulnerable patients.

To register as a new pediatric primary care or specialty care patient, visit Transhealth’s new patient page or call 413-341-9400.

Commemoration for Vietnam War Saturday in Leeds

LEEDS — The VA Central Western Massachusetts Health Care system will celebrate Vietnam veterans for the 50th commemoration of the Vietnam War on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The commemoration will take place in the chapel at the VA hospital, 421 North Main St. in Leeds.

A reception and a special presentation will immediately follow in the Rec Hall-Mountain Building 11.

Veterans, their families and the public are invited to attend.

Events will mark child abuse awareness month

NORTHAMPTON — The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County is gearing up for a series of activities to mark Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month in April, including flag-raising ceremonies and the fifth annual luminaria to honor those committed to protecting children. The public is invited.

This Little Light Of Mine Luminaria, set for Thursday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Garden House at Look Park, will feature a brief program of speakers and an awards ceremony. The Belchertown Public Schools and Police Department will be honored with the Linda L. Pisano Award for Excellence given to individuals or organizations demonstrating extraordinary dedication to ensuring children receive the care and protection they deserve.

Flag raising events start on Tuesday in the following communities:

■ Belchertown Flag Raising & Open House: Flag raised at the Town Hall, 2 Jabish St., followed by an open house at the new Belchertown CAC Office, 37 Main St. Tuesday, April 1, 9:30–11 a.m.

■ Amherst Flag Raising on the Town Common, April 1, 4 p.m.

■ Easthampton Flag Raising in front of City Hall, 50 Payson Ave., April 2, 9-9:30 a.m.

■ Northampton Flag Raising at the Police Station, 29 Center St., April 2, 10:30-11 a.m.

■ South Hadley Flag Raising at the Police Station, 41 Bridge St., April 3, 10-10:30 a.m.

■ Hadley Flag Raising in front of Town Hall, 100 Middle St., (if raining, inside the Hadley Public Library), April 4, 10 a.m.

To support the work of the CAC, people can donate to help fund advocacy programs, awareness initiatives, and essential resources for children in need. To make a donation, visit the Children’s Advocacy Center’s website at northwesterncac.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate.

Holyoke to host flag-raising for Sikh community

HOLYOKE — A Sikh flag-raising ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 1, at noon at Holyoke City Hall.

April is a significant month for the Sikh community. Vaisakhi is celebrated, which marks the beginning of the New Year and honors the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith.

These articles impart the values of equality, selfless service, and social justice.

The movement to recognize Sikh Heritage Month began with the aim of commemorating and celebrating the rich heritage, history, culture, and contributions of Sikhs.

The ceremony will include the reading of a proclamation by Holyoke Mayor Joshua A Garcia.

Members of the local and regional Sikh community will offer prayers.

Sikhism, which originated in the Punjab region of South Asia, is the fifth largest independent ethnic religion in the world. More than 700,000 Sikhs reside in the United States.