BROOKLINE — The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW) from Monday, April 7 to Friday, April 11.
This year’s theme, “It Starts Here,” aligns with the department’s completion of a two-year Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan, reinforcing the idea that building an equitable, inclusive and healthier community is a shared effort. The department invites community members to participate in events that highlight and celebrate public health.
Community members are welcome to join the celebration by participating in the following:
Monday, April 7:
Public Health Carnival: Kick off National Public Health Week with a fun-filled Public Health Carnival hosted by the staff of Brookline DPHHS at Brookline High School, 22 Tappan St., from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Participate in a scavenger hunt, which could result in a free ice cream from Trombetta’s and entry into a raffle upon completion. Raffle prizes include a 16-visit pass to the pool or a round of golf for four players from the Recreation Department.
The afternoon will be filled with activities, including a bounce obstacle course, emergency preparedness resources, hands-only CPR training in less than 10 minutes, meet the Peer Leaders, yard games, face painting, food and more.
Tuesday, April 8:
Exploring Our Backyard 2: Muddy River: Take a guided walk along the Muddy River at 12 p.m. with the Friends of Brookline Public Health. Led by local experts, the walk will highlight Brookline’s wildlife, local conservation efforts and the historic impact of Frederick Law Olmstead on the landscape.
Participating members should meet at the outdoor patio behind Punch Bowl, 700 Brookline Ave. Register here.
Wednesday, April 9:
Pilates by Healthworks: Round out APHA’s Keep It Moving Challenge with a Pilates session at 6 p.m., led by a Healthworks fitness instructor. Learn how to strengthen your core, improve flexibility and posture using this exercise technique. Attendees should bring a yoga mat or towel, a water bottle to stay hydrated and, if possible, a yoga block. The event will be held at Florida Ruffin-Ridley School Auditorium, 345 Harvard St. Space is limited. Register here to attend.
High Stakes for Public Health in 2025. Brookline Responds: The Friends of Brookline Public Health invite the public to their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 9, at Brookline High School, 22 Tappan St., from 6:30-8 p.m. The event will honor outstanding individuals and organizations:
- Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, will receive the Alan Balsam Public Health Leadership Award;
- Healthworks Fitness and Down Under Yoga Studio will be awarded the Herb Carlin Community Health Award;
- Deborah Brown, JD, will receive the inaugural Public Health Equity Award.
This will be followed by a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion on the future of public health and a presentation of Brookline’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) as a response to emerging challenges. Panelists will include Nicole Huberfeld, JD, Edward R. Utley, Professor of Health Law, BU Schools of Law and Public Health and Sigalle Reiss, MPH, REHS/RS, Director of Brookline Public Health & Human Services, and John Kleschinsky, Assistant Director for Policy & Programming, Brookline Public Health & Human Services. The discussion will be moderated by Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, Past President of APHA, with an opportunity for audience Q&A. Register here to attend.
Thursday, April 10:
Free Screening of “Inside Out 2”: The department will offer a special free screening of “Inside Out 2” at Coolidge Corner Theatre, Moviehouse 6, 290 Harvard St., at 6 p.m. The movie explores how emotions shape thoughts and actions, helping us better understand and express our feelings through the eyes of a child. In the sequel, Riley experiences these changes as she embarks on her journey into adolescence.
After the movie, learn movement and breathing techniques to help your child manage stress and anxiety. This short session will be led by Julie Tokarowski, LCSW, RYT-200 of the Brookline Police Department. Seating is limited. Reserve your seat here.
Friday, April 11:
The Heart Beat Project: Learn hands-only CPR and basic lifesaving skills from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with Public Health Nurse Kat Troisi-Bossi. This brief training exercise takes less than 10 minutes but will prepare you to respond in an emergency. Help Brookline work towards becoming a heart-safe community.
The Heart Beat Project will be tabling at the Brookline Village Library, 361 Washington St. No registration is required.
For more information about NPHW events, visit www.brooklinema.gov/NPHW or contact Community Health Manager Darlene Johnson at djohnson@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2301. Questions or concerns about language access or reasonable accommodations should go to Sarah Kaplan at skaplan@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2329 in the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations.
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