> Why do you want to serve the Bedford community in this capacity and what do you consider your primary qualifications?
I want to join the Board of Health to work on programs that improve the overall health and wellness of our community. Over the past 24 years, I have witnessed the positive impact the Board has had through its advocacy and health initiatives. My primary qualifications for the role include membership in Bedford’s Citizen Corps and Community Emergency Response Team, role as a domestic violence victim’s advocate, and work on Oracle Corporation’s Emergency Response Team. I am a proven manager, coach, mentor, strategist, and leader. My hands-on experience, alongside my ability to equip people to make informed decisions, makes me an asset to the Board. I am committed to ensuring our community is healthy, prepared, and safe. My ability to mitigate emergencies fits well with the mission and goals of the Board and will help all of us lead healthy lives.
> 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?
I believe a broad array of critical health issues will affect Bedford residents this year including mental health, opioid use and abuse, suicide, tobacco, vaping, tick and mosquito-borne diseases, influenza and other virus strains, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and domestic violence. I am dedicated to ensuring our residents have the information required to make informed decisions in easy to access formats via effective distribution channels. When elected to the Board, I look forward to working alongside the other Board members, its Director, and staff to communicate with our diverse community through proactive educational programs and outreach. We must collaborate with town departments and partners via awareness and prevention campaigns, and leverage web and social media channels to ensure we reach all residents. As many issues cross town lines, I plan to continue to coordinate with neighboring communities and the state.
> What current programs offered by the Board do you feel are most impactful? Are there programs you would like to see assessed for efficacy?
Board programs that have touched me, include its awareness and prevention campaigns regarding tick and mosquito-borne diseases, fall prevention, and educating food establishments on food safety and protection. Programs on mental health, tobacco, vaping, opioid and substance use, and suicide prevention spread awareness so neighbors can help neighbors and those in need have visibility and access to beneficial resources and services. General health screening and counseling programs, vaccination clinics and the outreaches by the Community Nurse and the Community Social Worker, along with the Board’s participation in the Healthy Bedford initiative, have all made a positive impact. As community demographics and needs evolve, we must stay on top of trends and work with our community to identify and respond to emerging public health concerns and assess the Board’s programs for relevance and effectiveness, including feedback mechanisms with Bedford’s residents and business partners
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