Barnstable County introduces new epidemiologist to strengthen local data and reports

Barnstable County officials introduced Cassidy O'Hara as the county's new epidemiologist and outlined plans to use local data to guide public-health and social-service responses.

O'Hara said her role will emphasize "data storytelling," converting vaccine and program statistics into actionable information for towns and county departments. She noted partnerships with nursing and outreach teams and said periodic data reports and a public-facing newsletter are planned.

Commissioners and county staff described the hire as a step to replace prior outside-contractor arrangements with in-house capacity to analyze trends, help plan interventions and to support community questions about environmental and health metrics (including water testing and legacy contamination on the Upper Cape).