An Act to promote public health through the prevention and wellness trust fund

This bill establishes the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund in Massachusetts to finance community-based public health initiatives without requiring annual legislative appropriations. Money for the fund will come from existing state revenues, fines, donations, and interest, and it must be managed by the Department of Public Health in partnership with an advisory board. At least 80 percent of the money must be awarded through a competitive grant process to partnerships involving municipalities, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. These grants are intended to support evidence-based strategies that address social determinants of health, reduce health disparities, and lower healthcare costs, while up to 20 percent of the fund can cover administrative costs and technical assistance for recipients.