Andy
Andy Cambi has worked in local public health for a decade. We recently talked with him about how he was introduced to local public health and now leads the City of Pittsfield’s Health Department and 11 team members. He also shared some tips for current job seekers interested in finding a career in protecting and supporting their local community’s health and wellbeing.
Q: Tell us about your role in local public health and what you do.
A: As the director of the city’s health department, I oversee the sanitation, food, and housing inspections, nuisance inspections, and the public health nurse program, which has been developed over the last two years. I also oversee a brand-new program of community health workers who are ‘the face’ of the health department in the city.
Q: Describe your early career with the City of Pittsfield and what you gained.
A: In my early 20s, I was in a job with little room for career advancement. The area has limited resources for higher education, but I was looking for a path that would allow me to grow. I joined the city’s health department as a nuisance control officer. I would look at exterior property maintenance and code enforcement. I had a great mentor who wanted me to achieve, so I became a sanitarian, helping with food and housing inspections. It helped me build and foster relationships with residents, helping them understand why food safety codes exist.
Q: What do you like most about working in local public health?
A: The most rewarding moment is when we can facilitate a positive outcome with a resident. However, it doesn’t have to be the perfect solution. If you can listen to them, understand there can be things out of our control, and be there to support them positively. We realize there are barriers between the government and the public, and we want to make our services as accessible and supportive as possible.
Q: What advice do you have for someone looking to begin a local public health career?
A: The best thing to do is take in any opportunities you can—whether an entry-level position or something else—and don’t be afraid to reach for something in the field. There are a lot of resources available to be successful. There’s a demand for this field, and there’s a lot of work to be done now and into the future. It will keep you engaged and will have positive results in your community. It is so rewarding because an individual can lead a team or be part of a team that can make small changes that can lead to even bigger changes.
Tell Us Why You Work in Local Public Health
Want to share your local public health story? Email us at localregionalpublichealth@mass.gov, and we’ll get in touch! We would love to share the diverse voices and experiences of those who work in communities to support public health.