Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Appointment of New, Highly-Qualified Health Department Staff Member
Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Appointment of
New, Highly-Qualified Health Department Staff Member
to Help Prevent the Potential Spread of COVID-19
and Prioritize the Health and Safety of the Residents of Saugus
(Saugus, MA) April 3, 2020 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announces the appointment of a new, highly-qualified staff member to assist the Saugus Health Department and Board of Health in their continued collaborative efforts with Town and Public Safety Officials to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community and prioritize the health and safety of the residents of Saugus during this ongoing global pandemic.
Jeanine Aniello Flaherty, a skilled public and private health professional with 25 years of experience in the field, will assist the Town’s Health Director and Board of Health in better supporting and aiding the public during these extraordinary times. Flaherty previously worked as the Executive Director for the City of Taunton Board of Health, the Health Director for the Town of Stoneham Board of Health, and as a Health Inspector/Sanitarian for the Reading Board of Health and Watertown Board of Health. In addition, Flaherty possesses years of professional experience in food safety and regulatory compliance consulting for cities and towns across Massachusetts.
Flaherty holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Social & Behavioral Health from Boston University, a Bachelor of Science in Community/Public Health Science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and a graduate certificate in Vaccine Management, Technology, & Emergency/Pandemic Preparedness from Northeastern University.
In addition, Flaherty holds numerous relevant health certifications, including Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) through the Food Safety Preventative Controls Alliance (FSPCA). She is also a member of prominent health advisory boards across the country and Commonwealth, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Protection Task Force, the Massachusetts Food Advisory Committee, and the Association of Food & Drug Officials (Retail Food, Food Manufacturing, and Seafood Boards).
Flaherty is one of several new Health Department staff members Town Manager Crabtree has brought aboard to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in the community and to continue to prioritize and protect the health and safety of the residents and employees of Saugus. Town Manager Crabtree recently announced the hiring several public health nurses for Saugus, and a former Director of Public Health of many years, Joe Tabbi, who is also assisting the Saugus Board of Health and Health Department. The Town has also increased the hours of the Town’s current public health nurse, Mary McKenzie.
In addition, Town Manager Crabtree hired two new custodians for the Town of Saugus. All municipal buildings have been and will continue to be sanitized and thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
While this current public health crisis is a constantly evolving situation and State and Federal guidelines and policies are changing on a daily basis, residents are advised to continue to adhere to the recommendations of the Federal Government, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).
The Town Manager is communicating regularly with Police, Fire, Emergency Management, the Health Department, and other departments to continue to monitor this evolving situation. Town officials will continue to update the public regularly.
“The health, safety, and protection of the residents and employees of Saugus continue to be our top priority during this uncertain time. The Town of Saugus is here to assist the community in this time of uncertainty. Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns,” said Town Manager Crabtree.
Residents are reminded to continue to adhere to the following preventative measures recommended by the State:
Wash hands often;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
Clean things that are frequently touched;
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
Stay at home if you are sick;
Older adults and those with health issues are urged to avoid large crowds. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds;
Think ahead about how to take care of yourself and loved ones if the virus starts spreading in the community.
The Health Department, Police, Fire, Emergency Management and our Emergency Medical Services are here to assist the residents of Saugus. If you have any questions, please contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117. Anyone in need of emergency services should contact Saugus Emergency Management at 781-231-4175, or call 911.
This is an evolving situation, and we will adjust our response as circumstances require. Town Officials will continue to update the community as new information becomes available. The public’s patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.
About The Town of Saugus
The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home. For more information, visit www.saugus-ma.gov.