Deborah Simmons named Executive Director of REACH
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| Deborah Simmons, RN, MPH |
Ms. Simmons most recently worked in the western Massachusetts region for Healthways Inc., a Nashville-based company specializing in disease management and wellness promotion. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fitchburg State College and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ms. Simmons has 24 years of experience in the healthcare field.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Deborah to REACH and Northern Berkshire Healthcare,” said NBH President and CEO Rick Palmisano. “REACH’s work in the community is critical to our efforts to improve the health of our population, from smoking cessation to the needs of caregivers for elders. Deborah’s background in public health and wellness promotion is a great fit.”
“I am pleased to be part of NBH and the community as a whole,” said Ms. Simmons. “I look forward to sharing my public health expertise and collaborative skills to expand REACH’s offerings, allow easier access for the population we serve and promote overall wellness within the community.”
REACH is the community health education arm of NBH and executes a number of programs targeted at improving health. Those include the Men’s Health Partnership, the Get Fit program, smoking cessation programs called QuitLinks and Quitters are Winners, REACH for Breast Health, Northern Berkshire Healthy Smiles, Horizon (a resource for caregivers of elders), and the North Star Project (which focuses on issues of children’s health).
