The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), in partnership with the Mattapan Community Health Center, the Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition, and Mattapan United, will host a community meeting on the health of Mattapan on Thurs., Oct. 24. The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 1350 Blue Hill Ave.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission and Dr. Kermit Crawford, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, will share the latest data on the health of Mattapan and lead a discussion on the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.

"This dialogue presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to brainstorm new ways to address health challenges," said Dr. Ferrer. "Everyone has a role to play in making our neighborhoods healthier."

Attendees will also have a chance to learn more about two new public awareness campaigns produced by the BPHC. One of the initiatives, "Our Mattapan. Many Pasts. One Future” is a messaging campaign that highlights the impact of violence in the neighborhood from the perspectives of those that have been directly touched by it. The other campaign promotes early childhood mental health and encourages parents of young children to talk to their pediatricians about fostering positive social and emotional growth from a young age.

The community meeting is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact the BPHC at 617-534-2268.