Anabela C. Quelha Named Disease Prevention Program Manager at MAPS

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- MAY 10, 2002 -- The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has named Anabela C. Quelha as its new Program Manager for Disease Prevention Programs. Formerly MAPS' Health Communications Specialist, Quelha was promoted to the newly created position on Feb. 26. She will manage a variety of youth and adult disease prevention and education programs around issues of HIV/STDs, substance abuse, tobacco use and related areas.

"I felt that I could provide the leadership the division needs at this time especially knowing for several years the staff has been a very successful team," said Quelha. "So far the division has accomplished a lot but there is yet more to be done and certainly the success is impart due to the communications/social marketing aspect of the division. I think that will be an integral part to its continued success."

She said she especially looks forward to growing the agency's youth programs. "I think the Dorchester Cape Verdean Youth Program has been a pioneer in that area and that's something I would like to see expand in Somerville, Cambridge, Allston and hopefully Lowell," she added, referring to the locations of the health and social service agency's five area offices. "Our youth are our future, and I believe if we give them a good, sound foundation at this point in their lives, they can become tomorrow's successful leaders in our community."

About MAPS
MAPS is a private, non-profit organization that works with and for the Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities to increase access and remove barriers to health, education and social services through direct services, advocacy, leadership and community development. The organization was founded in 1970 and has offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Dorchester, Allston and Lowell.

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Copyright © 2002 Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Inc. All rights reserved.