Written by Elaine Gabovitch of the Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition Emergency care plans (ECPs) are important tools that families of children with special health needs can use to prepare for their children’s safety and wellbeing during COVID-19 and other health related emergencies. Having …Continue Reading Building COVID-19 Resilience for Families of Children with Special Health Needs
Written by Brittni Reilly and MaryKate Duska of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services The overdose crisis in Massachusetts takes a significant toll on communities. Since 2016, Massachusetts has lost approximately 2,000 lives a year to overdose deaths. The increased presence of fentanyl in the …Continue Reading Working to Prevent Overdose Deaths in Massachusetts
Written by Dr. Susan Manning, Dr. Sabrina Selk, Antonia Blinn, Katie Stetler, and Lamar Polk The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth achieve their best health by eliminating disparities, addressing the social determinants of health, and …Continue Reading Advancing Racial Equity
For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to feelings of uncertainty, fear, stress, and anxiety which can take a toll on mental health. It is important, particularly in uncertain times, to prioritize conversations around mental health, including suicide. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness …Continue Reading Learn How You Can Help Prevent Suicide
The September monthly meeting of the Public Health Council, which took place via teleconference in light of ongoing restrictions on public gatherings, featured two informational presentations from Department subject matter experts: Update from the Massachusetts WIC Program Update on Flu Immunization Activities in Massachusetts The …Continue Reading Highlights of the September 17 Public Health Council Meeting
Reprinted with permission from the Harvard Crimson, May 27, 2020. Here in Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have top university researchers, some of the finest medical schools and teaching hospitals in the world, and a robust state system of public health. But even a state …Continue Reading Health Disparities Close to Home: an Op-Ed by Commissioner Monica Bharel
More than 600 nurses work throughout the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, many of them on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, and others in critical policy, management, and support roles. The four themes of this year’s National Nurses Week celebration –self-care, recognition, professional …Continue Reading DPH Highlights its Nursing Staff for National Nurses Week
Preparing for emergencies is something that we all should do, yet it’s rarely considered a priority for most and tends to fall by the wayside. We see the possibility of a massive hurricane hurtling toward our neighbors to the south, and breathe a sigh of …Continue Reading Personal Preparedness: Where to Start
The September monthly meeting of the Public Health Council featured an update from Public Health Commissioner Bharel followed by a vote on final regulations and two informational updates for the Council from DPH subject matter experts. First, Public Health Commissioner Bharel provided an update on …Continue Reading Highlights of the September 11 Public Health Council Meeting
Did you know that Massachusetts has more local public health jurisdictions than any other state? Most other states have county or district-based health departments, but here most of our 351 cities and towns operate their own boards of health. To get a better sense of what …Continue Reading Local Public Health: Helping to Keep All Residents Healthy and Safe
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