Sudbury Board of Health appoints two health agents, introduces regional staff funded by opioid and state grants

The Town of Sudbury Board of Health on a recorded remote meeting introduced two new regional public-health staff and approved appointments for two health agents.

Kelly, shared service coordinator for the Great Meadows Public Health Collaborative, said the collaborative — which serves Bedford, Concord, Carlisle, Lincoln, Sudbury, Weston and Wayland — is hosted in Sudbury and was formed in 2022 with funding from the Office of Local Regional Health and the Public Health Excellence Grant. “We get about just under a half million dollars a year, to really build capacity within the region,” Kelly said.

Sean Jeffrey, introduced as the new regional public health inspector, said he brings inspection experience and began work Dec. 9. Olivia DuFour, the new regional substance use prevention coordinator, described her background in public health and said her position is funded by pooled opioid abatement funds rather than the Public Health Excellence Grant. “The opioid abatement funds are a little bit complicated, but just to break it down,” DuFour said, describing the funds’ settlement origin and municipal distribution.

After the introductions, the board moved to formal appointments. Vivian (presiding) requested a vote to appoint Sean Jeffrey and Felix Garcia as health agents for three-year terms. A board member moved to appoint both; another board member seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no roll-call tally recorded.

The board thanked the new employees and discussed next steps for onboarding. Sean has begun conducting inspections, and Felix Garcia — described on the record as a state hub trainer — will support training and septic-related work. Board members signaled support for the appointments and expressed appreciation for the added capacity while the department manages staff turnover.

The meeting then moved on to routine reports and other business.