Aligning Public Safety and Community Wellness

Stacy Lea Flanagan is the Director of Jersey City's award-winning Department of Health and Human Services. Before joining the Fulop Administration, she served as the Director of Neighborhood WIC at Public Health Solutions, where she introduced innovative programming to the Women, Infants, and Children supplemental food program (WIC) and the WIC Vendor Management Agency.

Since graduating college, Flanagan’s career has been driven by a deep commitment to community wellness. Her journey began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica, where she led initiatives in health education, drug prevention programs (D.A.R.E.) and pesticide safety. These early experiences ignited her passion for improving community well-being, a focus that has remained at the heart of her 25-year career.

In this feature by CIO Applications, Flanagan discusses the role of a public health strategist in aligning public safety with community wellness, highlighting initiatives such as citywide block parties, training programs, and leveraging technology to enhance resident support.

Bridging Public Safety and Community Wellness

Today, as the Director of Health and Human Services for Jersey City, a city with nearly 200,000 residents, I serve as a chief public health strategist. My approach emphasizes the intersection where public safety aligns with community wellness, recognizing the vital role this connection plays in fostering trust and support within the community.

One example of this alignment is an event I co-hosted with the Jersey City Police Department—a citywide block party focused on health and wellness. At this event, the police department funded the distribution of backpacks filled with information for parents and children on safety and wellness. This initiative aims to educate the community on how to stay safe, particularly in addressing prevalent issues such as mental health challenges and drug addiction fears.

For healthcare leaders across the United States, I advise that any point where public safety meets the community should be seen as an opportunity to advance a vision of community wellness. It is crucial for residents to feel both safe and supported by their police department, fostering a sense of trust that enables the department to assist effectively. This approach, often described as a "Health in All Policies" strategy, underscores the importance of integrating public health perspectives into all aspects of community engagement, ultimately supporting families and individuals in safeguarding their well-being. This approach also addresses pressing health issues, such as mental health concerns and drug addiction, by equipping families with the tools they need to stay safe.

Expanding Community Health through Education and Training

Under my leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services has established a Community Health and Wellness division, with staff members assigned to various neighborhoods throughout the city. This division plays a critical role in equipping residents with essential skills to respond to emergencies, enhancing the community's overall resilience and safety.

Through this division, we offer a variety of training programs, including CPR classes, first aid training, and Mental Health First Aid courses. By disseminating these critical skills throughout the community, we empower individuals to provide immediate support to one another during emergencies, fostering a stronger, more self-reliant community.

Leveraging Technology for Community Support

Technology plays a vital role in our efforts to enhance community wellness. My department leverages technology to significantly enhance our wellness efforts. A dedicated data team collects information at every point of contact using devices such as Surface Pros, iPads, and iPhones, along with platforms like Cognito Forms. We are also working with companies like IBM to develop innovative solutions that connect residents to essential resources.

To further support the community, we’ve installed web-enhanced kiosks throughout Jersey City, providing critical information and serving as wireless hubs for those without internet access. Looking to the future, we plan to integrate AI and online portals more extensively, streamlining access to information and services through both our website and these kiosks, making it easier for residents to connect with the resources they need.

Building Collaborative Relationships for Community Wellness

I advise professionals working in health and community wellness to establish regular collaboration with their local police departments. By engaging in monthly or quarterly meetings with the chief of police, organizations can develop a comprehensive approach to public safety and community wellness, addressing the unique needs of each neighborhood.
 
I also emphasize the importance of partnering with organizations willing to share technology solutions, which can significantly reduce the burden on the community. These collaborations ensure that critical information is readily accessible to residents, enhancing overall community support and safety