The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women recognized the recipients of the 2022 Commonwealth Heroine Award in Boston. The annual awards are given to women across the Commonwealth who have made an exemplary effort to contribute to the growth of their communities through public or community service. State Senator Susan Moran nominated Sarah Cloud of Pembroke, Director of Social Work at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth.
“Sarah is a prime example of the diligence and dedication we ask of our healthcare workers here in Massachusetts,” said Senator Moran (D-Plymouth & Barnstable). “She draws from a deep base of knowledge to create and implement services that truly recognize the needs of those struggling in our communities. Her compassion and skillful intuition have made her a respected and effective expert, and I was honored to nominate her.”
Cloud was recognized for the community support programs she spearheaded; including the structuring of outpatient addiction and suicide prevention programs, as well as a jail diversion program. Compounding on this work outside of Beth Israel, Sarah is also a member of the Plymouth County Outreach (PCO), acting as co-chair of the medical subcommittee and is Vice-President of PCO Hope. These organizations consist of public safety, treatment providers, recovery community and the faith-based leaders in response to the opioid crises that has devastated the young adult community in Plymouth County.
“I speak on behalf of all of us at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth that we are deeply proud of Sarah receiving this honor,” said Kevin Coughlin, president, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth. “Sarah has worked at the hospital as the director of Social Work for seven years, and her calm, compassionate service to her patients- and frankly to our staff- has helped keep everyone on an even keel – especially during the pandemic. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Sarah for her work in substance abuse and overall mental health.”
In her work supporting those affected by substance use disorder, Sarah has taken a focus on de-stigmatizing the disease of addiction. She recently publishing a novel “Mama Paca,” the story of a young girl living with the loss of her mother, who died from the disease of addiction.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively established in 1998 to support equal opportunities for women in the Commonwealth in all areas of life and to promote their advancement.