Judy Fenton remembers when public health nurses visited her Wrentham home in the 1960s. Years later, Fenton would go on to become one of the town’s public health nurses herself. Although many communities have dismantled their public health nursing departments, Wrentham has continued the tradition of providing personalized care for the health and safety of its residents.
“I think it’s the most wonderful program for our residents,” said Fenton, Wrentham’s Senior Public Health Nurse. “We are here to care for the community.”
Public health nursing was established in 1893 in New York City, in an effort to not only take care of the sick, but also to improve living conditions of the poor. In 1921, Wrentham established its own public health nursing department.
Public health nurses now have a more comprehensive role in town, explained Fenton, working with the public safety departments as well as with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC. Operating under Wrentham’s Board of Health, the nurses are also involved with the State’s emergency planning for emerging disease and bioterrorism, as well as communicable disease surveillance and reporting.
In addition, Fenton describes the department as a complement to the Visiting Nurses’ Association (VNA), stating that public health nurses can step in when the VNA discharges patients, by providing additional home visits and well-being checks for Wrentham residents who may still need care. Last year, the department saw over 2,000 residents, some in the office and others during home visits.
“We try to plug in the holes,” she explained. “And if someone needs services we don’t provide, we try to hook them up with whatever agencies could be helpful to them. We try to address needs and follow through. We try to stay involved.”
Services for Residents
The department hosts monthly blood pressure clinics, as well as seasonal flu clinics. Residents can stop by during office hours, too, said Fenton, for any health-related services. The department is open Tuesdays until 7 p.m. for the convenience of working residents. The nurses will also check blood sugar, change some dressings, and help with medication management, a problem for elderly residents in particular.
“People don’t understand their pills. They don’t know what they are taking,” said Fenton. “We will help people get their medication organized, and set up medication schedules.”
The department also has an equipment loan program. Residents can borrow walkers, canes, shower chairs, and other items. Fenton adds that her department is a little bit of everything for anyone in town, even for those without insurance.
The Opioid Crisis
Public health nurses are also proactive, indentifying community needs and working to address those needs. Fenton said the opioid crisis gripping the state has prompted her department to try to educate residents on the wide-spread epidemic.
On June 15, Fenton’s department will host an informational presentation about the ongoing opioid crisis. Still in the planning stages, the event will feature addiction expert Dr. Ruth Potee, a leader in the effort to reform addiction treatment. The presentation will include information about resources, support groups, and agencies fighting the epidemic. The event will be held in the auditorium of KP High School and is open to surrounding towns. Fenton hopes residents will spread the word and attend the presentation, believing that knowledge is power and recognizing that many families will not go unscathed.
Opioid addiction, noted Fenton, “is a huge problem. Most people know someone. If it isn’t you and your family, you know someone. The more people can get educated about the disease, the more able they’re going to be to help someone cope with it.”
The Personal Touch
Fenton feels advocating for town residents is one of the more important parts of her job. Helping people cut through complicated medical bureaucracy is vital.
“Sometimes people are intimidated by health care. They may be more comfortable talking with us. We can help them and guide them,” she said.
Fenton is proud of the role her department takes in the town’s health. She points to the town’s installation of a sharps kiosk, obtained after her department applied for a grant. The kiosk has helped cut down on the improper disposal of syringes used by diabetics and others with medical issues.
Of course, most nurses go into the profession because they care about people. A personal touch is important, and Fenton acknowledges that the relationship between caregiver and patient is what drives her the most.
“I am extremely passionate about this job,” she shared. “I have a very strong attachment to the town. And we’re attached to our residents. That can be difficult. You get to know people and their families. It’s a reality that no one lives forever and that’s the hard part,” she reflected.
“It’s important, that connection,” she added. “Sometimes it’s nothing more than moral support. We’re here if you need to call and talk. You are not alone in this.”
The Public Health Nurses’ office is located in Wrentham Town Hall at 79 South Street. Call
508-384-5485 or email [email protected] for more information.
Issue Date:
February, 2017
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