Health & Fitness
Mayor Menino, Champion of Public Health
Cities and towns across the Commonwealth recognize the importance of Public Health and view Mayor Menino as a role model in this area.
Dear Editor:
Cities and towns across the Commonwealth recognize the importance of Public Health and view Mayor Menino as a role model in this area. Soon after being elected to office, Mayor Menino created the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). Since its inception, the Commission has made important changes to Boston health laws, including the banning artificial trans fat and partially hydrogenated oil in all Boston food-service establishments. BPHC also launched a hard-hitting public awareness campaign to encourage residents to reduce their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Mayor Menino has taken the important and unprecedented steps toward eliminating smoking in public housing, restaurants, and work places. Similar changes have since been implemented in other cities and towns, and have had a positive impact on the Commonwealth's health.
Better access to quality healthcare for all racial and socioeconomic groups has been a top priority for the Mayor, who has focused on funding Boston’s community health centers and agencies of color, working to increase the accessibility of services to all citizens. There is no question that the innovative work put forth by Mayor Menino has helped make Boston and Massachusetts a healthier place to live.
Toby Fisher, MBA, MSW
Executive Director
Massachusetts Public Health Association