Debra Kelsey Email and Phone Number

I grew up in New Bedford Massachusetts, in a housing project. There I celebrated my Puerto Rican heritage, traditions, and culture. Cradled in a close-knit and caring community, I learned the economic impact of limited access to health and social services on a person and a family.These experiences inform my work today. Serving others in Hispanic, Latino, and Portuguese-speaking communities have been the cornerstone of my career. When given respect and dignity, I believe most people can thrive and overcome significant life challenges. This has inspired my work as a certified community health professional and recovery coach. I think of myself as a compassionate person who can offer the lived experiences that make me relatable to those populations that need and deserve support. I’m proud to have served in this capacity in the commercial fishing industry for more than a decade.Over the last 2 years, I have forged deep relationships with local task forces to provide outreach on the docks and in the field with vaccination clinics and opioid use disorder education. Together with my colleagues, we navigated the pandemic and helped those we serve to emerge on the other side more resilient.In my work, I regularly engage with boat captains and share the message that every fishing vessel’s first aid kit should include Narcan. In 2021, I led the program that trained over 500 fishermen on how to be first responders at sea, teaching them how to respond to an overdose. This important work placed me side by side with state leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren, Attorney General Maura Healey, and New Bedford’s Mayor Jon Mitchell. My passion is to share messages of hope and practical resources to underserved groups that deserve equal access to social, health, and economic services. I enjoy collaborating with others that believe in the delivery of respectable care to diverse cultures, and I welcome conversations and collaborations on these matters with those that share my values. Reach me at 508.884.6661.