LETTER: Proud of how Brockton's COVID Wellness Trust Team 'stepped up'

To the editor:

As a registered nurse and member of Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan’s Wellness Trust Team, I’m proud of how the city stepped up to meet community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wellness Trust Team (WTT) — which includes registered nurses and assistants that operate under the stewardship of the WTT Director John Messia — provides in-home visits to educate and support residents newly diagnosed with COVID-19. Early on, the city identified the need for in-person wellness checks to ensure the most effective practices were employed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the household and the community at large. With the resident's permission, our nurses visit sick households to provide education around COVID-19 symptoms, proper quarantine techniques, vaccinations, and guidance on when to seek immediate medical care. In addition, each household is provided appropriate PPE, hand sanitizer and household disinfectants.

Working closely with residents in the home has allowed our team to quickly identify obstacles to safe and effective quarantine (i.e., food and/or housing insecurity, physical barriers to quarantine etc.). Together, we explore solutions and connect residents with a multitude of available resources. Currently, the WTT is on pace to provide over 2,000 households with food and other necessities.

Mayor Sullivan’s team has worked tirelessly to address the complex needs of the Brockton community during this unprecedented global pandemic. They listen closely to our “boots on the ground” nursing assessments and adjust as necessary to best serve their residents. For example, community vaccination clinics are regularly organized in areas of the city with high COVID-19 transmission rates. We have worked together to successfully decrease household transmission while simultaneously increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates.

Community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. We highly encourage communities to explore similar offerings, as Brockton residents report feeling both comforted and empowered by receiving accurate information and strong nursing support through the quarantine period and beyond. The Wellness Trust Team is honored to serve the wonderful residents of Brockton and we are humbled by the gratitude and kindness we've been shown in return.

CAROLE ARENA MALONEY, RNBrockton Wellness Trust Team

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