The Maynard Voice

Health Matters is an occasional column highlighting public health topics and community resources. This column was written by Lane Silva, a Community Health Worker with MetroWest Shared Public Health Services, a regional public health collaborative that includes Maynard.

As a Community Health Worker with the Local Board of Health, I support residents by connecting them with medical, social, and community resources. I also provide interpretation and translation services, offer culturally appropriate health education, share informal guidance on healthy behaviors, and advocate for both individual and community needs.

Public health plays a vital role in keeping our community healthy by focusing on prevention, education, and access to resources. Local public health works to identify community needs, reduce health inequities, and support residents before challenges become crises. 

By strengthening connections between individuals, families, and services, public health helps build healthier, more resilient communities. To learn more about our work, please visit our website, MetroWest Shared Public Health Services.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Lane Silva as the Town of Maynard’s Public Health Nurse. Lane Silva is a Community Health Worker with MetroWest Shared Public Health Services. The Town of Maynard’s Public Health Nurse is Katie Stanislawzyk. This page has been updated for accuracy.