Cristina Lopes is running for a seat on the Fairhaven Board of Health in the 4/7/25 election. Sujbmitted photo.
Cristina Lopes
I, Cristina Lopes, am running for the Fairhaven Board of Health. As a dedicated resident raising my family here and active town meeting member, I am driven to make a positive impact.
With my extensive medical background, I am confident in my ability to address the unique needs of our community. I am committed to ensuring that every resident feels supported, informed, and empowered to thrive. I would be honored to earn your vote and serve on the Board of Health.
Fairhaven has been my home for the majority of my life and now I’m lucky enough to raise my own family here. My husband and I currently oversee the Facebook group Old Town Fairhaven where we publish town board and committee events, election info, health and safety tips, and educational information from the town. As well as everyone’s favorite the Town-Wide Yard Sale.
Being involved in our community is very important. I believe we all have a responsibility in some shape or form to give back as neighbors. One way I believe I can is by being on the BOH. Working in the medical field for over a decade has given me hands-on experience to understand the needs of our community as well as adapt to any situation that may arise. I would like to bring my passion to the board.
My experience in the field has been broad and diverse. I began working in a short-term rehab facility providing direct care to patients while learning to master skills such as time management, skills training, Alzheimer’s/ dementia training certificates, infection control, patient safety, compliance for all state and federal laws, regulations and most importantly communication.
From there, I worked for the South Coast Visiting Nurse Association in Fairhaven. Working there gave me the ability to learn from some of the best in-home care. This included PT, OT, Lic Social Workers, Nursing, Palliative and Hospice Care. I was fortunate to work with people who were always willing to teach and provide an ample amount of community resources leading me to be well versed in our communities’ needs.
While visiting homes I saw a wide range of cases. Many were affected by poor living conditions due to financial hardships, hoarding, and environmental issues outside of the home. This brought a need for an assessment from a local heath agent to get involved and provide assistance. The biggest obstacles I witnessed were finances, mental health needs, drug and alcohol addiction, and a lack of family support.
If elected, it is my goal for the community to feel supported in their needs and that each individual is heard. All while ensuring that we are adhering to the Mass General Laws, the Department of Public Health, and local by-laws. Being transparent with the residents when issues occur and tackling some of our biggest issues head-on is my top priority. I hope to earn your vote for April 7th for the Board of Health position.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Incumbent Brian Meneses, who was appointed to fill a vacancy, did not send a statement.
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