City gets $6M to fight top health risks

LYNN – A half dozen local agencies will combine forces and spend $6 million in state taxpayer money over the next three years to battle medical problems faced by Lynn residents ranging from childhood asthma to increased risks of falling among local seniors.Those two health risks along with hypertension and tobacco use represent four medical conditions for which state officials earlier this year deemed major health problems requiring renewed focus.The state Legislature appropriated $60 million to battle these diseases over the next four years, and Lynn Health Director MaryAnn O?Connor said health officials picked Lynn to be one of nine communities where the fight against the prioritized medical needs will be carried out.?It?s the biggest grant we?ve gotten,” O?Connor said.She said the state money gives several local organizations a chance to team up to help people facing any one of the four health risks. For instance, seniors identified as fall risks by health care doctors and nurses at Lynn Community Health Center will be referred to Greater Lynn Senior Services, where workers at the Silsbee Street facility can help them build their strength and balance.Lynn Housing Authority workers can help seniors living in public housing avoid falls by inspecting their apartments and identifying rugs and furniture potentially posing a risk that could contribute to a fall.O?Connor said similar agency collaborations will help identify children with asthma and help their parents asthma-proof their homes with mattress covers, air filters and other safeguards.City Purchasing Director Charles White said a Gloucester and a Nahant resident are competing to be selected by the city to direct the city?s “prevention and wellness fund.”The job pays $60,000 a year, and White said a director will probably be picked sometime next week. The successful candidate must have an advanced health care degree and a background working with different agencies and organizations to meet health care needs.O?Connor said the person picked for the job and the participating local agencies will have to show state health officials how the money is making an impacting in helping local residents facing health risks.?We are supposed to show that these programs make a difference,” she said.