Andover officials were scheduled to review bids Friday from firms to make recommendations on improving access to health care for underrepresented communities in Town.
Andover partnered with North Andover to complete a year-long health assessment and a development of a Community Health Improvement plan. The outreach coordinator would conduct focus groups, identify barriers to equitable healthcare, and assist an advisory committee, among other tasks. The contract would expire at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30, 2024.
The Sept. 4 request for bids came after Albert Pless, the Town’s first diversity director, resigned on July 5. Pless and Town Manager Andrew Flanagan did not respond to requests form comment. This story will be updated if they respond.
Pless, who also sat on the Town Seal Review Committee, was hired as Andover’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director in January 2022 and reported to Jemma Lambert, the Town’s director of community services.
Stock photo.