photo/Tom Gorman Valerie Sullivan of the Weymouth Health Dept.
From Weymouth News and Patriot Ledger
By Maureen Walsh
Valerie Sullivan has been caught working nights and weekends at Town Hall. She has been spotted in schools, senior housing, health centers and social halls at all times of day and night.
She has clearly exceeded the 35 hours a week she was hired to work as Weymouth’s Community Health Program Coordinator.
She may have thought no one would notice. She was wrong.
Today Sullivan is being honored at the State House as one of 100 Unsung Heroines recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women for their outstanding contributions to their communities and organizations.
“Our Unsung Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make the difference,” said Kira Dunn, MCSW Executive Director. “They are women who use their time and talent to show us the meaning of the saying ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’”
Sullivan was nominated for the honor by Weymouth Councilor-at-Large Michael Molisse.
“She just does so much for the town of Weymouth that she isn’t noticed for,” he said. “If you go to Town Hall at eight at night, she’s still in her office researching grants, trying to promote a healthy Weymouth.”
“She’s out at different events trying to reach out to people. She puts so much of her own time in. She has been a huge asset to the health department.”
Sullivan has worked to promote wellness for all citizens, Molisse said, with programs on such issues as substance abuse, stroke awareness and weight loss, and free blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
“These days we’re engaged with so many health issues, we’re very fortunate to have Valerie and her programs in the town of Weymouth.”
‘A great team’
Sullivan said she was “shocked” to learn of her selection as an Unsung Heroine.
“I’m really am kind of a low-key person. I try just to do my work,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the nature of trying to get grant funding that you have to put in extra hours, but when you do receive it, it’s a wonderful thing.”
“Especially in this economic climate, you have to go for that type of funding, so you can keep your initiatives moving forward.”
Sullivan graduated from the UMass/Boston College of Public and Community Services with a degree in Human Services.
She took the position of community health programs Coordinator four years ago to help address the findings of Weymouth’s 2003 Health Needs Assessment.
A key part of Sullivan’s job is grant money to fund health programs, but she also helps to implement the programs and coordinate with town departments and community groups.
“I am passionate about what we’re trying to do, but I’m only one,” she said. “I do have a great team.”
That team, which completed nine months of training through the Massachusetts Forum for Creating Healthier Communities, includes members of the public health, parks and recreation, elder services and school departments, as well as mental health, hospital and community groups.
“We learned a lot of wonderful things to bring back to the town. We became a cohesive team,” she said. “Now we’re trying to keep the momentum going.”
On Thursday, Sullivan is coordinating the town’s first “Healthy Wey” Forum for professionals and community representatives involved in all aspects of health care, wellness and public safety.
“We’ll talk a little bit about what we’re trying to do to create a healthier Weymouth,” she said. “We’ll touch on some of the challenges and try to build on our assets to create opportunities for people to work together.”
Health tips
A firm believer in practicing what she preaches, Sullivan said she tries to eat healthier foods, take stairs instead of elevators and walk from the far end of parking lots.
“I do enjoy yoga, and it helps clear the mind,” she said.
And lest anyone label her a workaholic, Sullivan said she rarely makes work-related calls or goes online when she’s home. She enjoys leisure reading, watching “silly sitcoms” and spending time with her husband Gary and their three adult children.
“We’re all just constantly on the phone or the Blackberry or e-mail,” she said. “How much can you fit in one day? Are we taking enough time for ourselves to regroup and have a little fun?”
She has “the travel bug” and has enjoyed recent trips to Martha’s Vineyard, to New York City to visit her daughter, and to Europe for a cruise down the Rhine River.
“I think one of the most important things is you need to have good health. It affects all aspects of your life,” said Sullivan. “You have to take time for yourself.”
“Weymouth is a wonderful community with a lot of resources in town. The mayor is doing a wonderful job. A lot of the leadership in the town is wonderful.”
“Economically, it’s tough out there, but if we continue to work together, good things can happen.”
For more information on health and wellness programs, visit www.weymouth.ma.us/health. Sullivan is working on a new “Healthy Wey” website to connect people to programs and resources in Weymouth.
For more information on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, including a list of all 100 Unsung Heroines, visit www.mass.gov/women.
For more articles and information of interest to women in New Hampshire and Massachusetts visit us at www.applaudwomen.com.
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