CITY OF MALDEN
Health and Human Services/Board of Health
215 Pleasant St., 3rd Floor
Malden, Ma 02148
781-397-7000
Laura Vlasuk, Director
Malden Board of Health Meeting
Minutes
May 20, 2026
6:30pm
Room 108, Malden City Hall
Board & Staff Present
- Dr. Scune Carrington, Board Chair
- Dr. Kunwar Singh, Member
- Mr. John Colangeli, Member
- Laura Vlasuk, Director of Health and Human Services
- Caroline Gwokyalya, Clerk
Meeting called to order by Dr. Scune Carrington at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Minutes of the April 15th, 2026, meeting. Motion to approve minutes made by Dr. Kunwar Singh, seconded by Mr. John Colangeli. Motion passes 3-0.
Introduction and appointment of Liana Chan
- Ms. Chan earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by a Master of Science in Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
- Ms. Chan now works for the City of Melrose as a Regional Health Inspector, serving multiple communities, including Malden.
- Motion to appoint Lina Chan as Inspector made by Mr. John Colangeli seconded by Dr. Kunwar Singh. Motion passes 3-0.
Central Place Residential Exemption
- After review of request and reviewing that location has no unpaid fines, complaints or violation
- The Motion to approve Central Place Residential 10 Florance Street Exemption made by Dr. Kunwar Singh seconded by Mr. John Colangel. Motion passes 3 -0.
Directors Report
Senior Center
- In April we held a Blood Drive that collected 24 life-saving units of blood. These donations will go directly toward helping patients in need.
- We have scheduled the next blood drive with the American Red Cross Blood Services Department for Monday August 17th at the Malden Senior Center.
- 16 Tax returns were processed for free through the Tax Assistance Program sponsored by AARP in April.
Tuberculosis
-
of Active TB (Tuberculosis) cases: 5 (1 non-pulmonary/4 pulmonary)
- Total number of Male: 3
- Total number of Female: 2
- Age 1-10 = 0
- Ages 11-20 = 0
- Ages 21-30 = 0
- Ages 31-40 = 40F
- Ages 41-50 = 0
- Ages 51-60 = 51M
- Ages 60+ 71F, 73M, 80M
- Travel information
- Country of Birth
- Vietnam = 1
- Haiti = 3
- El Salvador = 0
- Morocco = 0
- Ethiopia = 1
- Asian not determined = 0
Teen Center
- State of the City Address hosted by MTEC.
- Provided 4 well attended field trips
- Outsiders Theater Trip
- Went with a group of 10 to the theater to view "The Outsiders"
- Bentley College Tour
- Went with a group of 7 to Bentley, had a tour and lunch on campus
- MHS Art Club
- Hosted at MTEC, and they created homemade cards for children to be donated at the Boston Children's Hospital
- MTEC Badminton Tournament
- Had 6 teams of 2 competing together in a tournament and the winner received a gift card to Santa Fe Grill.
Language access support was utilized 23 times including walk-ins and language line.
In-Person
- Spanish: 3
- Haitian Creole: 1
- Chinese: 2
Phone Line
Liana Chan
lianachan26@gmail.com | 508-808-0778 | Framingham, MA 01702
EDUCATION
University of Massachusetts Amherst, School of Public Health and Health Sciences — May 2025
- Master of Science in Nutrition
University of Massachusetts Amherst, School of Public Health and Health Sciences — May 2024
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
EXPERIENCE
City of Melrose – Health & Human Services, Melrose, MA — August 2025 – Present
Health Inspector Trainee
- Shadow inspectors of Melrose, Wakefield, and Stoneham, replicating inspection process work with standardization using municipal resources and maintaining workflow documentation on Inspecticare
- Execute a wide variety of public and environmental health inspections, including food establishments, housing, other nuisance complaints, through education-focused enforcement of local and state regulations to ensure public safety and compliance, alongside Senior Public Health Inspector
- Respond to sensitive public complaints with respect and discretion, contributing to work culture and diverse matters professionally and collaboratively
University Health Services, Amherst, MA — December 2024 – May 2025
Contracting & Insurance Credentialing Intern
- Support Contracting & Insurance Credentialing Manager with gathering, verifying, and maintaining accurate provider information in insurance databases, including licenses, certifications, and other credentials by processing applications, tracking status, and managing re-credentialing
- Aid with negotiation and execution of contracts with supply vendors and insurance companies, ensuring precise and timely submission of necessary documentation
University Programming Council, Amherst, MA — August 2021 – May 2025
Associate Director, Event Coordinator, General Body Member
- Lead and advise a team of general body members and 23 event coordinators and using interpersonal skills and collaborate with fellow board members and university staff to meet goals and maintain a hospitable and productive work environment
- Multitask and being open to taking on new responsibilities under pressure to execute dozens of organized free social events for the entire UMass community as on a timely basis with a $400,000 budget by communicating Logistical Plans and Banquet Event Orders with catering companies and outside vendors
UMass Dining, Amherst, MA — January 2022 – May 2023
Nutrition Analysis Intern
- Assist campus dietitian with modifying retail and dining hall menus by identifying allergens, healthfulness, and nutritional's using menu management software
- Work efficiently with Auxiliary Enterprises to ensure allergy meals are safely prepared for students
- Instructing AllerTrain classes to teach dining staff on standard food safety practices for the retail sites
New Moms Wellness Study, Amherst, MA — January 2022 – May 2022
Research Assistant
- Conduct remote counseling calls using motivational interviewing to discuss goal setting to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in participants
- Follow CITI Program training and other consent and confidentiality protocols for the safety and comfortability of participants
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Pool Operator (2025)
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED (2024)
- ServSafe (2023)
- AllerTrain (2022)