Mass Public Health Blog

Last week, the Department hosted the first in a series of statewide Town Hall Meetings that will examine what can be done to prevent underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in the Commonwealth.  Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) Director Hilary Jacobs was joined at the   …Continue Reading DPH Kicks Off Town Hall Meetings to Address Underage Drinking and Prescription Drug Abuse

When it comes to our daily commute, we could all use a little inspiration. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to encourage employers in eastern Massachusetts to participate in the 2014 Walk/Ride Corporate Challenge — an annual competition that encourages workers to use   …Continue Reading A Healthier Commute – for a Healthier Community

This month’s meeting of the Public Health Council included a series of Determination of Need (DON) requests, followed by a set of three of informational presentations on pending amendments to regulations. The Council took up deliberations for a series of three Determination of Need requests,   …Continue Reading Highlights of the April 9th Public Health Council Meeting

It’s spring, chances are it’s raining, and the kids may be out of school.  Watching TV or movies all day may seem relaxing, but is it the healthiest option?  Probably not.  To prevent the indoor blues, why not create a “staycation” and give your children   …Continue Reading A Taste of Summer…in the Spring!

Springtime has finally arrived in Massachusetts and with it the annual running of the Boston Marathon – an event which brings together people from all over the Commonwealth and all over the world to celebrate the spirit of athleticism and the achievement of every runner   …Continue Reading The Boston Marathon – Reflecting Back, Looking Forward

This week’s flu report shows a dip in rates of flu-like illness in Massachusetts. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there is still flu vaccine available at assorted health care providers and pharmacies across Massachusetts – it’ s not too late.

The latest weekly flu report shows that flu continues to circulate widely in our communities, which is in keeping with how flu typically spreads at this time of year in this part of the country. We can expect to see elevated levels of flu activity well   …Continue Reading Weekly Flu Report, January 17, 2014

This week’s flu report shows that after the brief dip we saw over the past two weeks, the number of reported flu cases has once again begun to increase – a clear indication that flu is unpredictable and flu season is certainly not over yet. All   …Continue Reading Weekly Flu Report, January 24, 2014

These are extraordinary times to work in public health in Massachusetts, as the Commonwealth leads the nation in the successful implementation of health care reform through innovation, collaboration, and hard work.  As a former front-line nurse and community advocate, it is exciting to see the   …Continue Reading The Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund: An Innovative Next Step in Health Care Reform