Public Health is a Priority in Westfield
This candidate statement was originally published in the TapInto Westfield on Oct 22nd, 2025.
Public health depends on trust — trust in science, in experts, and in one another. As an experienced clinician and public health advocate, I know that strong, healthy communities are built on that foundation of trust.
Here in Westfield, we are fortunate to be part of the Westfield Regional Health Departmentthat provides shared services to 130,000 residents in nine municipalities. Their work reaches every corner of our community: administering in-home vaccinations to seniors, supporting substance and opioid abuse programs, conducting pool and restaurant inspections, managing rabies control and advancing chronic disease prevention and management.
My background uniquely positions me to work collaboratively with our town’s Board of Health and the Westfield Regional Health Department to ensure our public health system remains strong. This means advocating for maintaining vaccine requirements where appropriate, advancing evidence-based health policies and ensuring clear communication with the public.
Public health challenges will continue to evolve, but our values must remain steadfast: trusting in science, protecting one another, and planning for the future.
Recently, our health department lost a grant that impacted its ability to provide services to homebound individuals — a reminder that sustained support for local health initiatives are essential to our resilience. As your councilwoman I will champion efforts to strengthen and resource our Department of Health, ensuring Westfield continues to lead in preparedness and prevention.
When you see health ratings at your favorite restaurant, safety inspections at the pool or the helmet giveaway at the Tour de Westfield, you’re seeing public health in action. These everyday efforts keep our community safe, healthy and thriving.
Together with Jeremy Berman for Mayor, and Democrats for Town Council — Vik Venkataraman, Jenn Gilman and Drew Pecker — I am proud to support and protect public health and ensure Westfield remains a community that prioritizes it.
—Dr. Reshma Adwar, DPT, RDN, Ward 1 Council Candidate
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