Mayor Sarno stated, “I want to thank Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris for her leadership and steadfast support in seeing that the new Office of Racial Equity under her Department is established and ready to hit the ground running. I want to welcome Ms. Chrismery Gonzalez to her new role as Coordinator of the Office of Racial Equity. Ms. Gonzalez is no stranger to community, and public health and racial equity work. Her experience, education and passion to helping our community will go a long way in achieving the mission and goals of this newly created office. I am looking forward to working with her as we continue to make the systematic changes that are needed to better the quality of life of those underserved and in need, with mutual respect for all.”
HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris states, “In our effort to address the disbanding of systemic racism and racial injustices, and to support policies that will influence the reform of current structures that have a negative impact on the health outcomes of historically marginalized and oppressed populations, I am pleased that Chrismery Gonzalez has agreed to head the Office of Health Equity and Racial Justice. Chrismery is a strong public health professional who has built strong community relationships in the City of Springfield. I am confident she will bring her unique expertise to this role and position the City of Springfield to be a leader in the field of Health Equity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Ms. Gonzalez stated, “Declaring racism a Public Health issue in the City of Springfield reflects the commitment that our Mayor and Public Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris have to the residents. I am excited to work with community members and organizations in this city to find solutions and develop policies and programs that will lead to a healthier Springfield.”
Gonzalez formerly served with the City of Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services Office of Problem Gambling where she was responsible for improving the public health of city residents through a racial and health equity lens to reduce the impact of problem gaming. She previously worked as a Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative Program Coordinator and as a Field Supervisor, both with the City of Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services. Gonzalez also teaches at Holyoke Community College as an Adjunct Faculty.
In addition, Gonzalez is active in the community. She is a member of the Lambda Beta Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and serves on numerous professional advisory boards and committees.
Gonzalez holds a Master of Public Health degree with a focus on Community Health Education, and Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree with a concentration on Community Health Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
The Office of Racial Equity is within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Office is charged with working directly within the community with stakeholders and community groups, including our Faith community organizations and businesses, to advance social and culture changes needed, cultural sensitivity and mental health training, and to establish an enhanced multiple measured approach for street outreach options and activities.
