Melrose Renames, Reorganizes Health Department

MELROSE, MA — The city's Health Department has been renamed the Health and Human Services Department as part of a rejiggering that will expand the branch's responsibilities.

The newly named Health and Human Services Department is adding a public health specialist and plans to hire its first full-time community social worker.

The changes were announced during Mayor Paul Brodeur's State of the City address Thursday, when he deemed 2022 the Year of Community Health and Wellness in Melrose.

Anthony Chui will remain director of the department.

"The health department’s mission has always been to promote the personal and environmental health of the Melrose community through education, policy development, and collaboration with individuals and organizations," Chui said in a release. "This name change will better represent the current and adaptive services the Health and Human Services department is providing to the community and emphasizes that the importance of community wellness."

The substance use coordinator role, filled by Emily Hatchouel, is now the public health specialist role.

"Emily will provide substance use support and resources to our youth, and additional health and wellness support to our community members of all ages," Brodeur said in his speech.

The full-time social worker will work alongside part-time social workers Rachael Cordella, who works with older residents through the Council on Aging, and Toni Corcoran, who works in the police department.

Brodeur said the city will evaluate if additional resources are needed as the year unfolds.

"In particular, we know that our children and teens have been experiencing an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms, including an increase in kids reporting suicidal thoughts," Brodeur said. "Our children often struggle to find the words or skills to cope with the difficult feelings that loss of life brings. It can be confusing and frustrating for them, and like us, they may want answers to questions that we as parents are sometimes not equipped to provide."

In November, the district revealed the results of a survey that appeared to show the pandemic taking a significant toll on the mental health of students, particularly multi-racial, genderqueer and LGBTQ ones.

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