This award is presented annually to an outstanding leader, or group of leaders, who exemplify the mission of Southcoast Health by fighting for and promoting health and wellness in our region, state, and country.

Alan Slavin was selected to receive the 2023 Hero for Health Award for his commitment to the South Coast region and years of Select Board service in Wareham. Alan also played an extremely collaborative role in the expansion of the Tobey Hospital Emergency Department.

“Alan Slavin, after 12 remarkable years on the Wareham Select Board, we wanted to reflect on your career in public service and thank you for your commitment to this region. Your impact has been felt throughout various communities and we sincerely thank you,” said David O. McCready, President & CEO of Southcoast Health who presented the award.

Alan’s journey in local government began before his tenure on the Select Board. He served on several of Wareham’s ancillary boards and from the beginning, Alan demonstrated an eagerness to make a meaningful difference. This is a passion that has defined his entire career.

“We are proud to see Alan Slavin receive the Hero for Health award. His tremendous efforts and support of the Emergency Department expansion, Tobey Hospital, and our community as a whole has helped make Wareham an even better place to live and work,” said Derek Sullivan, Wareham Town Administrator. “We are very thankful to David McCready and Southcoast Health for their support and investment in Wareham. It continues to be a great partnership benefiting the Wareham community.”

Alan served as a commissioner and eventually as chair with the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District, where his vision and direction helped steer regional development efforts. He also played vital roles on advisory boards for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Greater Attleboro and Taunton Regional Transit Authority, contributing his insights to improve our transportation systems.

As a member of the board of directors for the Massachusetts Municipal Association, he worked to advocate for municipalities across the state, ensuring that the voices of local governments were heard and respected.

The Southcoast Hero for Health Award has helped recognize many influential leaders across the South Coast region and beyond for their dedication to developing healthy community initiatives. Last year, Paul Coogan, Mayor of Fall River, was presented with the Southcoast Hero for Health award for his commitment to coordinating with health experts and public safety personnel to build a regional strategy to overcome the challenges and uncertainty of COVID-19.