The Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance is pleased to share that the City of Newburyport is rejoining the effort to improve health outcomes across the region.
The City petitioned to rejoin MVPHA in 2025. MVPHA coordinated and collaborated with the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards and the state Office of Local and Regional Health for readmittance guidance.
Readmittance required a two-thirds majority vote of the MVPHA Advisory Board. The Board voted unanimously on Nov. 13, 2025, to support this request. The state Department of Public Health also approved readmittance.
A draft amendment to the existing Intermunicipal Agreement was drafted, reviewed, and signed by all communities during May and June. The new agreement goes into effect on July 1.
Through its membership, the Newburyport Health Department will be able to access additional staffing resources, enhance public health services provided to City residents, and play an active role in regional health initiatives.
The Alliance is currently working on a number of regional programs focusing on topics such as heart health and infant care support, along with the region’s first Community Baby Shower on Sept. 26 at Amesbury High School.
“The Alliance is incredibly excited to announce our new collaboration with the City of Newburyport and health director Kelechi Obika. By joining forces, we reaffirm our shared commitment to community well-being,” said Erika Syokau, Shared Services Coordinator for the MVPHA. “We look forward to providing comprehensive public health services and building a healthier, more resilient future for all residents of Newburyport.”
Newburyport Health Director Kelechi Obika, right, meets with Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance staff, intern Lauren D’Arco (left), and Regional Health Nurse Pamela Palombo
About the Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance
MVPHA serves the communities of Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, and Rowley, and is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of communities across the Merrimack Valley region. Its mission is to provide accessible public health resources, foster collaboration among local municipalities, and promote awareness of essential health programs and initiatives.
It is funded through a state Public Health Excellence grant program that provides cities and towns with the resources they need to hire staff and procure goods and services to serve a whole region. MVPHA also maintains a Facebook page.