PHC Welcomes New Board Members

The Public Health Council of the Upper Valley announces the appointment of two new members of its Board of Directors, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2020. Joining the Board of Directors are Rudolph (Rudy) Fedrizzi and Roberta Berner. “Both Rudy and Roberta bring expertise, passion, and commitment to our communities. We are fortunate to have them by our side as we grow this organization to promote a healthy and supportive Upper Valley,” Alice Ely, Executive Director.

Rudy Fedrizzi, MD, is the Public Health Services District Director for the White River Junction District Office of VT Department of Health. Dr. Fedrizzi previously practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology for 16 years and holds medical licenses in VT and NH. Dr. Fedrizzi served as Director of Clinical Integration in the Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock, a community hospital and multi-specialty physician practice located in Keene, NH, from 2010 to 2018. In that role, he served as a core member of the Healthy Monadnock Initiative project team, an effort similar to the Public Health Council.

Roberta Berner has worked for a wide variety of public and nonprofit organizations throughout her career in New Hampshire, Mississippi, Ohio, Minnesota and Florida. She moved to New Hampshire in 1998 and recently retired after 20 years with Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, Inc., including more than 15 years as Executive Director. Roberta is a gubernatorial appointee to the newly formed NH State Commission on Aging.

PHC Sees Change in Board Leadership

At the Public Health Council’s Annual Meeting on Friday, November 15, Dr. Fedrizzi was elected to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. He replaces Julia Griffin, Hanover Town Manager, as Chair. Ms. Griffin remains on the Board but has stepped down from her leadership role after leading the organization through a four-year period of growth and transition. “I deeply appreciate Julia’s leadership as we made the decision to rebrand the Mascoma Valley Health Initiative to the Public Health Council back in 2016. Julia played a significant role in the process of change and in making sure all our partners embraced the change,” says Alice Ely.

Keynote Promotes Changing the Conversation Around Aging

The meeting included a Keynote Address by Kelly Laflamme, NH Endowment for Health, and Jennifer Rabalais, UNH’s Center on Aging and Community Living and Institute on Disability entitled, “Changing the Conversation Around Aging: Telling a New Story.” Negative attitudes about aging are bad for our health. So bad, in fact, the World Health Organization has launched a global campaign to end ageism. The Reframing Aging Initiative is working to advance a new story about aging that recognizes the challenges and opportunities that increasing longevity poses to our communities. Kelly and Jennifer shared the research and tools developed by experts at the FrameWorks Institute and encourage PHC partners to advance a new narrative about aging that is better for everyone’s health. A copy of the presentation can be found here: Reframing Aging Upper Valley Nov 15 2019.

Alice Ely provided an annual review of activities and preview of priorities for 2020. She highlighted PHC partners work on a new Community Health Improvement Plan, new Drug Free Community Support grants in the region, record-breaking school-based flu immunization clinics, and more. A copy of the presentation can be found here: PHC Directors Report 11 15 2019.

PHC’s First Public Health Hall of Fame Honoree

Finally, PHC Partners recognized Bill Boyle, as he retired as Ex-Officio Medical Director of the Public Health Council after more than 10 years as a champion for the organization. Alice Ely presented Dr. Boyle with the 1st Public Health Hall of Fame Award to the applause of all present. Dr. Boyle is a pediatrician who retired from D-H and CHaD in 2011 after 41 years in practice. Most of his career was devoted to treating children with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, cancer and diabetes. He always found time to serve as school physician for the Hanover schools and health officer for the Town of Hanover for 24 years. Dr. Boyle also tirelessly to make sure that children and families found support in organizations and places throughout our communities.