The Health and Human Services Department was created in the spring of 2015 as an effort to reorganize departments that share a common human service mission. The Health Department, Pollard Library, Council on Aging (COA), Veterans Services, and Recreation Department will report directly to the Health and Human Services Director. Aligning these departments under one umbrella enabled services to be delivered in a more efficient and effective manner and has fostered a collaborative partnership between them. The Pollard Library, COA, and Veterans Services underwent minimal changes in the reorganization other than respective Directors reporting to the new HHS Director. The Recreation division, which previously resided with Parks and Cemetaries, also saw minimal changes during the transition other than its division head reporting to the new HHS director as well.
The HHS Director is able to provide direct leadership that these key services require: a more cohesive link to each department's boards and commissions; as well as offer daily support to department heads and their divisions. The HHS Director acts as the point person, reporting to the City Manager, to carry out the vision of the Administration and Council.
The HHS Department promotes collaboration by increasing opportunities for interdepartmental partnerships. Recreation and the Library enhance coordination of activities for the City's youth. Recreation also works with the COA and Veterans Services for volunteer opportunities. The Library continues to build its relationship with the Council on Aging, providing additional reference materials to the satellite branch at the Senior Center. The Health and Human Services Department also has increased partnerships with nonprofits, health organizations, and schools in Lowell who work tirelessly to make life better for City residents of all ages.