Doudelyne Cenafils

        Worcester is a city located 40 miles west of Boston and is considered the largest one in central New England (LaTouche, 2003). Its population is estimated at 164,655 in 1989 and is becoming a very mature, largely middle class community where racial and ethnic diversity is growing (LaTouche, 2003). The percent minorities for this city is accounted for over 20 percent of the population and Hispanic and Africa-American children only comprise approximately 40 percent (LaTouche, 2003). Therefore, just as any other big cities, public health issues are inevitable, hence the need for a public health department.

       The City of Worcester Public Health Department is a local public health system, which consists of health care providers, community based organizations, colleges and universities, the media, businesses as well as other local and state governmental entities from both the public and private sectors (WDPH, 2011).  This division provides both effective and efficient community standards in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of all residents (WDPH, 2011). It also promotes educational and cultural institutions to enrich the lives of all its citizens including economic development to provide employment opportunities (WDPH, 2011). The department also supports equal opportunity, cultural diversity and it focuses on fulfilling the needs of the population by organizing local, state and federal resources (WDPH, 2011). The mission of this department is to secure and improve community welfare by preventing disease and injury while promoting social, economic and environmental factors essential to health (WDPH, 2011).

       This public health agency promotes the 10 Essential Public Health Services by focusing its efforts on the following: 1) Tracking and investigating health issues and hazards in the community. 2) Preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. 3) Developing, applying and enforcing policies, laws and regulations that improve health and ensure safety. 4) Leading efforts to activate communities around important health problems. 5) Linking people in need of health insurance to health services such as Free Clinics in Worcester, MA Health Insurance Connector (WDPH, 2011). 

 Derek S. Brindisi, Director

Preceptor