State Honors Peabody Health Director Sharon Cameron

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Director of Health and Human Services Sharon Cameron was recently named one of the state's "Commonwealth Heroines of 2021" for her work getting the residents of Peabody tested, vaccinated and taken care of during the coronavirus health crisis.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women held its 18th annual awards with Cameron honored for using her "time, talent, spirit and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others."

State Rep. Thomas Walsh nominated Cameron for the award.

"During the coronavirus pandemic this past year, public health official Sharon Cameron has been at the forefront of Peabody's response, testing and vaccination programs,"
the commission said.

Cameron has led Peabody's health efforts for more than 15 years since she earned her Bachelor's Degree at Harvard Univerity and her Master's of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, Sharon has coordinated and been involved in every aspect of Peabody's pandemic response," the commission said. "From overseeing the public health staff, to assisting the school system with reopening and contact tracing procedures to helping seniors receive their vaccines, Sharon has been an instrumental part of Peabody's health and safety.

"Sharon has been a leader in Peabody and is the definition of a Commonwealth Heroine."

The MCSW is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities.

The Commission provides a voice for Massachusetts women and is comprised of 19 members who are appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Caucus of Women Legislators.

Read about all the award recipients here.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)