The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) has presented its 2012 Public Service Award to the B.O.L.D. Teens of Dorchester for their leadership and commitment to improving public health in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
B.O.L.D. Teen Coordinator Ms. Gerlada Sylvain and longtime organizational coach Rev. Bill Loesch accepted the award on behalf of the 14-18 year old teens who were in school during MPHA’s 133rd annual meeting on Friday, November 16, 2012, in Westborough, MA. “The B.O.L.D Teens continue to make changes in their own lives, but more so by helping to make and change policies to improve the agencies and environment around them through prevention and community health.”
In presenting the award, MPHA cited the B.O.L.D Teen’s work to identify and address safety and health concerns to make their community a more environmentally-just and socially-just place. “We’re thrilled to honor this impressive organization,” said MPHA Executive Director Toby Fisher. “Year after year these teens work to make Dorchester’s Codman Square neighborhood a better place to live, work, play, and learn — and they do it in a way that attracts their younger siblings and friends to carry on,” he added.