Bangor council confirms acting health, welfare head

BANGOR – City councilors on Monday unanimously confirmed the appointment of an interim supervisor for the city’s health and welfare department.

Patricia Hamilton was named the department’s acting director in the wake of the unexpected death earlier this month of Mary-Anne Chalila, whose career with the city spanned more than two decades.

Chalila, who died on May 15 as the result of a heart attack, was remembered on Monday night with a moment of silence at the start of the council meeting.

A search for a permanent director now is under way, according to City Manager Edward Barrett.

Hamilton, the city’s public health nursing director and public health officer, has worked for the health and welfare department since 1987 in a variety of part-time and full-time positions.

A registered nurse, Hamilton holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Maine and a master’s degree in nursing from Husson College. She also has served on the Good Samaritan Agency’s board of directors.

Barrett made the appointment on Monday and the City Council confirmed it during their meeting that night.

“[Hamilton] is familiar with many of the services provided by our department, particularly those related to public health and nursing,” Barrett said. “We are pleased that she is willing to step forward under difficult circumstances to ensure that the department continues to meet the needs of its clients.”

Council Chairman Dan Tremble added that Hamilton “has a positive, upbeat attitude that will serve the city well. She knows the department well and the community, and we are confident that she will help the department through this difficult transitional period.”

During her tenure here, Chalila was heavily involved in programs for the homeless at the city and state levels. She also was a supporter of Bangor’s Children’s Dental Clinic, which provides dental care to low-income children, and efforts to improve mental health services in the region.