March 26, 2019 (Framingham, MA): The MetroWest Health Foundation has named the Framingham Public Schools - School Health Services Division as its 2019 Deborah Blumer Community Health Leadership Award winner.

The award, named in honor of Deborah Blumer, the foundation's founding board chair, honors the work of school nurses who every day respond to the health needs of over 9,000 students, and who have been at the forefront of efforts to address child obesity, student vision needs, depression, teen pregnancy, and services for LGBT youth.

As part of the upcoming award presentation to School Health Services Director Judy Styer, MetroWest Health Foundation President Martin Cohen said, “Our 2019 Leadership Award recognizes a set of caring and dedicated health professionals who every day respond to the health needs of over 9,000 students. That alone is worthy of this award, but when you add the district’s unique make-up, the many cultures and languages spoken, the level of illness, psychosocial needs, high risk behaviors and even trauma experienced by many children, the school nurses and other school health personnel in the Framingham Schools are truly the front lines of the region’s public health system.” 

Judith Styer, BSN, RN, BA, NCSN and Director of Health and Wellness for the Framingham Public Schools, will accept the award on behalf of the District’s school nurses at the foundation's Annual Dinner Meeting on March 28, 2019. 

"It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of the school nurses for Framingham Public Schools," said Judy Styer. "It is such a privilege to work in a community that prioritizes meeting the important health needs of the children and their families. Our school nurses are committed to promoting equitable access to health and social services that extend beyond the school day to engage in key partnerships that ensure a healthy community."

Award Criteria

The MetroWest Health Foundation honors individuals and organizations that have contributed services beyond the normal expectations of their employment or mission. Such efforts include direct responsibility for one or more of the following:

• Mobilization of individuals, resources or organizations to confront an important community health issue in the MetroWest area
• Development of a new program, services or supports to improve the health or health care of MetroWest residents
• Raise the level of awareness of an important health issue in the MetroWest area

About Deborah Blumer

Deborah Blumer was a Framingham community activist who worked as a tireless advocate on issues of education, basic human needs and social justice. She served as the founding chair of the foundation’s Board of Trustees and helped guide the formation of the foundation in its early years. In 2001, Debby was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where she served until her death in 2006. In 2007, the foundation’s Board of Trustees voted to name its Annual Community Health Leadership Award in memory of Debby’s service to the foundation and the MetroWest community.

About the Metrowest Health Foundation

The MetroWest Health Foundation is a catalyst for a healthy MetroWest, providing more than $5 million in annual financial support for preventative and responsive health programs. Through its work on issues such as adolescent health, healthy aging and   access to care, the foundation seeks to develop and support programs that have a positive impact on the health of the 25 communities in the MetroWest area of Massachusetts. To date, the foundation has provided more than $60 million in financial support that helps residents and their families lead healthier lives.  

About Framingham Public Schools

The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.