The Board of Health is looking to rebuild trust with the community post-pandemic, and emphasized the need for community participation at its meetings.
“Public health is too often seen as a department issue rather than a society effort,” Board member Dr. Thomas Massaro said. “Communities must be treated as experts.”
Dr. Massaro is calling on members of the community to participate by becoming members of the Mental Health Task Force or submitting articles about health care regarding topics of concern.
The board is looking to revitalize membership and is asking for students, teachers, and administrators to play a part in rebuilding the task force.
Dr. Massaro noted that Mark Libon, who is a clinical psychologist, has made great inroads with the school system in the last six months.
“That’s the depth and kind of the understanding that someone like Mark has, understanding the pulse that the youth has in this community.” Dr. Massaro said.
Dr. Massaro went on to say that by partnering with the community, the Board of Health will make the department better.
“Our mission is to protect and promote. To promote health, we need to understand where the health status of the community is today,” Dr. Massaro said.