Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky gave the opening prayer and Iyawana Burnett provided a poem. This year’s kickoff event featured Keynote Speaker Oami Amarasingham, Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).
Each April, the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (SDHHS), along with community partners and residents celebrate Public Health Month to raise awareness about the role and importance of public health and mental health locally as well as around the world. This year’s theme, ‘Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health’, seeks to highlight and recognize the way our communities and their diverse cultures have demonstrated resiliency, and continue to influence our hard work to make the City of Springfield a healthier more equitable city (APHA, 2023).
In addition to the Public Health kickoff event during Public Health Month, community organizations and residents coordinate a month of public health advocacy and educational programming for residents of Springfield starting with the Public Health Month kickoff event at City Hall. This year’s Public Health Month Calendar includes nearly 20 educational events on a range of public health topics to raise community awareness of available programs and services as well as provide information about public health topics that affect our collective and individual health.
In addition to remarks form Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris, Jose Claudio, Chief Operating Officer for New North Citizens Council was awarded the 2023 Commissioner’s Award. This award are given to recipients who have demonstrated leadership, excellence, and a commitment to improving community health in the City of Springfield.
Mayor Sarno states, “I deeply appreciate the leadership of Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, her dedicated staff – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic – and all of the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the public and mental health within our community so that our Springfield is a better place to live, work and play. Congratulations to Jose Claudio on receiving this year’s Commissioners Award.”