Nashira Baril

Nashira Baril, a Dorchester resident and director of the Boston Public Health Commission’s REACH US program, was recently honored with a “Hero Among Us” award by the Boston Celtics. The award is presented to individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the community.

“Nashira has worked tirelessly to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities,” said Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “She has helped us make tremendous progress in closing the gap.”

Under Baril’s leadership, REACH has touched the lives of more than 8,000 women and families by providing health education workshops, wellness seminars and direct health services to those in need. Last year, she led the city’s effort to get the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to designate Boston as a Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities.

Baril started her public health career as a case manager at the Brookside Community Health Center in Jamaica Plain. She joined the Commission’s REACH program in 2001 and became its director in 2005.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” Baril said. “I accept it on behalf of our dedicated REACH members and staff whose commitment has made the progress we’ve made in eliminating health disparities possible.”

The Heroes Among Us program is one of the premier community outreach programs in professional sports. Established as an initiative of the Boston Celtics in 1997, Heroes Among Us honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others. At each home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presentation on the legendary parquet floor.

To date, over 380 individuals have received Heroes Among Us awards.