BROOKLINE — The Brookline Department of Public Health and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett invite residents to take part in Brookline’s annual celebration of National Public Health Week next week.
This year, the Brookline community can learn how to keep families in balance as COVID-19 restrictions relax; learn the truths and myths behind COVID-19 vaccinations; and connect with Brookline groups working on climate action.
National Public Health Week will be celebrated from Monday, April 5, to Sunday, April 11. The week is organized by the American Public Health Association to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues important to improving the nation’s health. This year’s theme is “Building Bridges to Better Health.”
Amid COVID-19 restrictions, the Department of Public Health this year developed visual programs to highlight the many facets of public health in Brookline.
“The last 12 months have reminded us about the importance of public health in our community,” Dr. Jett said. “This year’s programs stress both personal well-being and ways to build a healthier community.”
Brookline residents can join in the celebration through the following events and initiatives:
Tuesday, April 6
“Light at the End of the Tunnel – Strategies & Resources for the Transition Ahead:” Mental health consultant Jon Mattleman, always a popular presenter among Brookline’s parents, returns with a virtual webinar starting at 7 p.m. Mattleman will offer insightful, humorous tips on how to keep families in balance as COVID-19 restrictions relax, kids go back to school, and the community returns to some level of normalcy. Mattleman will share practical tools, techniques, and resources to help guide participants through a challenging transition. This webinar is co-sponsored by the Department of Public Health and the Brookline Parent Education Network (B-PEN). Register here or at https://www.brooklinema.gov/446/Health-Department
Wednesday, April 7
“COVID-19: Vaccine Hesitancy/Vaccine Myths:” Two prominent public health clinicians, both Brookline residents, Dr. J. Jacques Carter, a physician at Beth Israel/Deaconess, and Julia Lee, a nurse practitioner at Tufts Medical Center, bring their many years of clinical experience to provide facts and answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Erik von Hahn, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Tufts Medical School and medical consultant to the Public Schools of Brookline, will moderate. This webinar, sponsored by the Department of Public Health, begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Register here or at https://www.brooklinema.gov/446/Health-Department
Thursday, April 8
Our Planet/Our Community: Mothers Out Front welcomes everyone to join the fight for a livable climate. The group meets monthly for Zoom Brunch and weekly for drop-in coffees to take action on one of its campaigns. Join at https://www.mothersoutfront.org/brookline or email [email protected]
Climate Action Brookline‘s campaign to double the number of residents choosing the Town of Brookline’s “100% Clean, Renewable Electricity” initiative is underway. Signing on is a powerful way to fight climate change. Go to climateactionbrookline.org to switch to Brookline Green Electricity, the town’s alternate electricity program.