The Norwood Board of Health heard introductions from two regional public-health staff and approved an appointment of the regional epidemiologist as an agent of the board.

Kristen McEntire introduced herself as the regional public health nurse for the NCA Coalition and said Norwood is one of the seven towns she serves. She described providing hands-on support for local clinics, camp set-ups and outbreak assistance and said she also helps with programming and paperwork. “Kind of anywhere nursing is needed, I'm there,” McEntire said.

Diane, the town public health nurse, told the board that McEntire can access the reportable-disease system Maven and assist with cases or outbreaks.

The board also introduced Katie Reisdorf, who identified herself as the new regional epidemiologist for the NCA Coalition; Reisdorf described her background in public-health microbiology and a master's degree in epidemiology and said she will handle outbreak investigations and programming for communities.

A motion was made to appoint Reisdorf as an agent of the board; the chair confirmed the appointment during the meeting.

Ending: The board welcomed both staff, and members noted the added capacity for outbreak response, camp inspections and routine public-health programming.