2023 Power 50: Dr. Matilde “Mattie” Castiel
Photo | Matt Wright
Dr. Matilde Castiel, commissioner of health and human services at the City of Worcester
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Dr. Matilde "Mattie" Castiel oversees numerous high-profile and highly important offices and services throughout the City of Worcester, from the Department of Public Health to the opioid and mental health task forces.
While the vaccine equity clinics throughout the city closed at the end of March, Castiel was instrumental in leading Worcester’s pandemic response and guaranteeing essential health and human services remained available to all, particularly those suffering from the co-occurring opioid epidemic and mental health crisis.
Castiel ensures departments across the city are working in tandem to improve the quality of life of its residents. This means making sure programs to address homelessness and drug use, youth empowerment and senior services, veteran care and human rights are all working together to improve outcomes for those seeking services.
Overarching all of this work is an eye towards equity, which is manifest in yet more of the programs Castiel manages. During the pandemic, Worcester data was launched in partnership with UMass Memorial Health, which has clarified and brought to light areas of health inequity needing attention. The COVID-19 Equity Task Force will continue on as the renamed Equity Task Force to use information to better pinpoint which communities are most in need.
How should professionals best use the power they wield? “Your power should create change and make Worcester the best it can be. Use your power and your connections to volunteer, learn, advocate for people, and help those that are underserved. No one should be homeless or die from drugs or mental health issues in our community.”
Wepa: Where her favorite singer is Celia Cruz, Castiel has often been told she looks like Gloria Estefan.
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