Medford Seeking Residents to Serve on New Behavioral Health Commission by Jackie Piques
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Created in March 2021 with approval by City Council, new Behavioral Health Commission will focus on promotion, results-oriented alignment of services and programming to address behavioral health issues.
The City of Medford is seeking three (3) community members to serve on the newly-created Promote, Prevention, Support Behavioral Health Commission, under the purview of the Medford Board of Health. Initially proposed in December 2019, the Commission was approved by the Medford City Council in March 2021 after discussion was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission will begin formal meetings in summer/fall 2021 once community members have been appointed. The Promote, Prevention, Support Behavioral Health Commission will serve as an advisory body to promote behavioral health and wellness and set a overall strategic plan for the City of Medford. To that end, the commission will monitor and track data and programming as well as inform and make recommendations to city officials and policy makers about behavioral health data, issues, needs and efforts within the City.
Three community members are sought to fill the following positions:
- One (1) family or individual who has lived experience utilizing services within the behavioral health system.
- One (1) representative from the provider community
- One (1) resident with professional field expertise (medical, psychiatric, prevention or treatment)
Among its overall goals, Commissioners will work to:
- Work with community providers, residents, and those with lived experience to create results-oriented community services and programming to address behavioral health concerns;
- Support and build capacity to analyze and respond to substance use and mental health-related issues;
- Work with City departments to develop and/or support resources and programs to reduce rates of substance abuse and mental health issues within the community;
- Increase community participation in behavioral health program planning, development and improvement;
- Collect and use data to increase outreach and awareness.
The Commission is comprised of representatives from the Board of Health, Police Department, Fire Department, Medford Public Schools and the Director of School Counseling and Behavioral Health, Office of Veterans Services, Council on Aging, Office of Diversity and Human Resources, Armstrong Ambulance, Tufts University, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
To apply, please submit a letter of intent to the Medford Office of Diversity and Human Resources at boardsandcommissions@medford-ma.gov, or City Hall, Room 202, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155. Deadline to apply is July 21, 2021.
Medford city services are available to all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, language ability, economic situation, or immigration status.
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