Candidate Page ~ Ann A. Kiessling ~ Board of Health

> Why do you want to continue to serve the Bedford community in this capacity and what do you consider your primary qualifications?

Staying involved with government has been a life-long activity because I believe citizen involvement is the foundation of democracy.  I have a half-century of experience in biomedical research with a focus on virology (HIV/AIDS transmission) and regenerative medicine (Stem Cells for Everybody), research that has the Bedford Research Foundation at the cutting edge of this science.  Given Bedford’s history of public health problems with diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, and my successful involvement in minimizing the increase in mosquito populations by the Avalon Bay affordable housing project 20 years ago, I have the background and resolve to continue to find ways to minimize those risks to Bedford residents.

> What do you identify as the critical health issues that the Board of Health will be addressing in 2020 and how will you communicate with the community about these issues?

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As with all U.S. communities, Bedford’s number one health issue is probably obesity, followed by increased risk of tick-borne diseases because of it’s numerous wetlands and woodlands.  Bedford’s Atlantic White Cedar Swamp also increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus and West Nile Virus.  Board of Health

Director, Heidi Porter, has played an active role in the past in organizing multi-community awareness programs about avoiding personal exposure to ticks and mosquitoes.  In consultation with Dr. Sam Telford, the tick expert at Tufts School of Veterinary medicine, I more recently proposed placing a 4-foot gravel tick-barrier around all of Bedford’s athletic fields that border woodlands, a plan that will be implemented by the DPW in conjunction with planned fencing of athletic fields in the spring.  Promoting similar gravel tick-barriers around all Bedford homes and businesses that border woodlands is a goal for 2020.

> What current programs offered by the Board do you feel are most impactful?  Are there programs you would like to see assessed for efficacy?

The Bedford Board of Health has been impactful in the areas of awareness of vaping health risks and access to mental health support, particularly in sponsoring public suicide and drug abuse awareness and prevention programs.  Commonwealth public health authorities are encouraging towns to coordinate and combine Boards of Health resources in an effort to normalize services state-wide and lower overall costs.  Public awareness outreach programs have broader impact and better use of professional resources when multiple communities are involved.  Health data compiled from broader populations would be more uniform and comprehensive than individual reports from the 351 Boards of Health of cities and towns in the Commonwealth.  Especially useful would be more coordinated efforts for mosquito and tick surveillance, control and public awareness programs between townships

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