COMMUNITY HEALTH
This core local public health service area encompasses the assessment, development and implementation of policies, programs and services that address community public health needs. Priority areas include:
Public Health Nursing Services
WHD public health nurses operated Keep Well clinics at six rotating sites in Wellesley. The clinics open to all residents, featured blood pressure and glucose monitoring, selected vaccinations, health counseling and referrals. Nurses also made well-being home visits that provided safety-net services to homebound residents, who were either ineligible for, or unable to access services from other health care providers. WHD collaborated with town departments, area agencies and families, to ensure that seniors had appropriate services with ongoing follow-up. Home visits also included monitoring of seniors with complex hoarding issues.
Communicable Disease
In FY10, WHD conducted a massive effort to immunize residents against H1N1/Seasonal flu. More than 5,500 children and adults received immunizations for influenza. Fifty-two clinics were held in the community including at every public school (twice), at large community clinics at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, at area health clubs, public housing sites and at the Health Department.
Employee Health/Wellness Programs
In FY10, the Health Department continued to encourage Town employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. The Health Department nursing staff provided cardiac and diabetes screenings, blood pressure checks, as well as nutritional and other health-related counseling. The Health Department, in conjunction with the Town’s Human Resources Department, continued to offer a walking program for Town employees.
The Health Department participated in the Town’s annual Right to Know trainings for DPW personnel and all new employees. The Health Department presented information on communicable diseases, seasonal illnesses and disease prevention at the Right to Know trainings.
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