LYNN — Lynn marked the start of its third annual Public Health Week on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, launching a full week of events designed to connect residents with services and highlight the role public health plays in everyday life.
Rainy weather forced the cancellation of a scheduled walk around the Commons, but staff and officials gathered indoors at the Community Health Resource Room — Room 103 — for brief remarks from Public Health Nurse and Epidemiologist Erini Kamarinos and Mayor Jared C. Nicholson.
“This year is the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, and here on the local level, we’re excited to dedicate this week to events for the community,” said Kamarinos, who is also serving as this year’s Public Health Week lead. “We’re trying to offer a breadth of events so that everyone can find something that speaks to them.”
Nicholson acknowledged the evolving demands placed on public health teams in recent years and praised the department for its ongoing service to Lynn residents.
“The public health world has changed dramatically in a short amount of time,” Nicholson said. “You’ve been asked to navigate those changes on behalf of the community, and we appreciate everything you do.”
Now in its third year of formal observance, Lynn’s Public Health Week has grown steadily since its launch in 2022. While the national observance has existed since 1995, Lynn’s approach is focused on community programming that increases access, builds trust, and makes the department’s work more visible.
Much of this week’s programming will take place in Room 103, which houses the Community Health Resource Room. The space offers walk-in access to housing and utility resources, maternal health support, COVID-19 supplies, and a sensory area for children. But despite its availability, many residents are still learning it exists.
“People will come in and say, ‘Oh, what’s this?’” said Grants Specialist Damianny Garrido. “Then they’re surprised when we tell them how long it’s been here—and even more surprised when they see everything we offer and realize they can just take what they need.”
The first major event following Monday’s kickoff is “BabyPalooza,” happening Tuesday at 11 a.m. The event will include games, raffles, health information, and the launch of a month-long diaper and wipe drive aimed at supporting local families.
“We’re collecting throughout April and donating to organizations that provide free diapers and wipes,” said Public Health Nurse Kitzia Diaz. “We want to help families who are struggling with these costs — it’s a basic need that often gets overlooked.”
Also on Tuesday, the department will host a free blood pressure clinic at 5 p.m. and a public panel discussion at 6 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium. The “Community Conversation” will feature public health staff explaining their roles, services, and how funding is allocated across programs.
“It’s a chance for people to see how we work behind the scenes,” Kamarinos said. “We’ll be pulling up our budget, sharing data, and talking about what’s actually happening in the community.”
Wednesday’s events shift the focus to collaboration. A community networking event at 11 a.m. will bring together representatives from organizations across Lynn to share resources and connect with residents. At 2 p.m., Urban Forestry Fellow Erica Holm will lead a discussion titled “Urban Forestry and Public Health,” exploring the link between green space and health outcomes.
“Things like tree coverage and environmental design are part of public health too,” said Public Health Coordinator Norris Guscott. “We’re trying to raise awareness about how broad and interconnected this work really is.”
Thursday will feature a handmade art showcase from the New American Association of Massachusetts at 10 a.m., followed by a blood pressure clinic hosted in partnership with Lynn Tech’s allied health students.
On Friday, the final day of events includes a 9:30 a.m. clinic and a second session with Holm, this time at the Senior Center, to continue conversations on urban health and climate resilience.
Throughout the week, officials are encouraging residents to stop by Room 103 or visit the department’s website and social media channels to learn more. The team emphasized that all events are free and open to the public.
“This isn’t just a week of programming,” Kamarinos said. “It’s a reminder that we’re here all year — whether someone needs diapers, help with housing, or just a place to sit and ask questions.”
As Public Health Week gets underway, staff said the goal remains simple: meet residents where they are, build trust, and make sure public health isn’t something hidden behind the scenes.
“All of this is about showing up for the community,” Diaz said. “And we want people to know the door is open.”
More information, including a full schedule of events, is available at cityoflynn.net/publichealth
