Showcasing Regional Strength: Lea Hamner Presents at the MHOA Conference
Lea Hamner, MPH, contract epidemiologist with the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, delivered not one, not two, but three presentations at the Massachusetts Health Officers Association Annual Conference this November—showcasing the innovation, collaboration, and community-centered approach that define effective public health practice.
“Tick Talk: Spreading the Word Before the Bite”
On Wednesday morning, Lea partnered with Patrick Roden-Reynolds, Tick Biologist for Dukes County, to discuss the expanding threat of tickborne diseases and the importance of a One Health approach.
The Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program demonstrates what evidence-informed, community-driven public health looks like on the ground. Roden-Reynolds conducts individual backyard consultations with island residents, offering personalized advice on landscape modifications and personal protection. Through the Residential Yard Survey program, he also gathers essential data on the Lone Star Tick’s expansion while fostering meaningful, two-way communication with the community.
As one community member put it: “Without the MV Tick Program, the island would be awash with misinformation and rumors.”
Lea underscored why local public health teams benefit from in-house biological expertise—not only for surveillance and fieldwork, but for the relationship-building that ultimately makes prevention successful.
“Serving Up Solutions: Cape Cod’s Regional Recipe for Foodborne Disease Control”
On Wednesday afternoon, Lea highlighted how regional collaboration strengthens foodborne illness prevention across all four levels of public health practice in Barnstable County.
Massachusetts—home to 351 independent local health departments—is the nation’s most decentralized state. In such a landscape, strong professional relationships aren’t optional; they’re foundational. Lea’s core message was clear: public health is a team sport. When departments prioritize connection, coordination, and shared problem-solving, they build the groundwork to address any challenge collectively.
“Strength in Numbers: Strengthening Local Data Practices through the Massachusetts Epidemiology Collaborative”
On Thursday, Lea and members of the Massachusetts Epidemiology Collaborative presented The Local Public Health Data Sharing Playbook, a new tool developed through the Massachusetts Epidemiology Collaborative to help local health departments strengthen data practices and improve coordination.
The Playbook offers practical guidance on how to share data responsibly across jurisdictions, maintain privacy while supporting transparency, and build the relationships that make effective information exchange possible. Lea emphasized that strong data connections—clear processes, trusted partners, and consistent communication—are essential for timely decision-making and community protection.
These presentations showcase Lea Hamner’s commitment to practical, collaborative, and community-centered public health. Her leadership highlights the value of shared expertise, clear communication, and strong partnerships in strengthening local health departments statewide.
This session highlighted how this resource supports local teams in navigating real-world challenges, improving situational awareness, and building shared systems that ultimately enhance community health.
Why It Matters
The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment congratulates Lea Hamner for helping advance public health by emphasizing the essential work of community engagement, collaboration, and protecting and promoting health.
