News & Updates, Public Health, Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

State Health Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions Against Tick Bites and Lyme Disease this Spring

2012-05-16 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

State Health Officials Move to Exclude Classroom and Fundraising Events from School Nutrition Regulations

2012-05-10 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Infectious Disease Reporting System Certified by Obama Administration

2012-04-26 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Massachusetts Youth Reject Packaging, Placement and Pricing of Tobacco Products on 'Kick Butts Day'

2012-03-21 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Regional Health Dialogues 2012

2012-03-21 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Blog: State Undertakes a New Initiative to Improve the Quality of Health Care

2012-02-23 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Healthcare Associated Infection in MA Acute Care Report

2012-02-09 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Measles Alert

2012-02-08 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Patrick-Murray Administration Announces Appointments to State’s Health Care Quality Advisory Committee

2012-01-09 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

State Health Officials Announce First Human Case of Rabies Acquired in Massachusetts in 75 Years

2011-12-30 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Consumer Alert for Cheese and Milk Products Due to Listeria Monocytongenes Contamination

2011-12-29 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

ChopChop Newsletter to Encourage Healthy Cooking

2011-12-20 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Patrick-Murray Administration Releases Comprehensive Survey on Quality of Care for HIV-Positive Residents in Massachusetts

2011-12-02 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Participants report excellent level of medical care; HIV stigma remains

Public Health Advisory: State Health Officials Warn Residents of Carbon Monoxide and Electrical Hazards Following Winter Storm

2011-10-31 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Blog: Flu Season is Here – Get Vaccinated Today

2011-10-31 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Patrick-Murray Administration Announces $3 Million in Federal Grants to 43 Cities and Towns to Promote Public Health

2011-10-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Grants to help communities focus on promoting healthier lifestyles

Blog: "Beyond Parity" to Examine Policy Impact on Individuals with Mental Illness and Addiction Disorders

2011-10-21 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Blog: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Patrick-Murray Administration Secures $1.7 Million in Federal Funds to Combat Childhood Obesity in Massachusetts

2011-10-11 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Grant to support innovative programs aimed at children in underserved communities

State Health Officials Announce New Confirmed Human Cases of EEE and WNV in Massachusetts

2011-10-07 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Risk of mosquito-borne illness continues until the first hard frost

State Health Officials Announce New Public Information Campaign on Health Impacts of Salt in Processed Foods

2011-09-30 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Focus on amount of sodium in store-bought foods and restaurant meals

Massachusetts’ Smoke-Free Workplace Law Sees Few Violations, Measurable Health Benefit

2011-09-28 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Few complaints as law becomes way of life

Third human case of West Nile Virus

2011-09-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported a woman between the ages of 40 and 64 years from Norfolk County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV) infection.

DPH Awards Contracts for Four "Recovery High Schools"

2011-09-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Second human case of West Nile Virus

2011-09-26 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported that a woman over the age of 64 from Worcester County has been diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV) infection.

Suspected human case of EEE

2011-09-23 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that there is a suspected case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a person possibly exposed in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Health Alert: Preventive Medicine Associates clinics closing

2011-09-23 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Opening of oral health clinic at Mass. Hospital School celebrated

2011-09-19 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the opening of a new oral health clinic designed to provide dental care services for developmentally disabled adults and children in Massachusetts.

First human and horse cases of WNV in Mass.

2011-09-09 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported a middle-aged man from Middlesex County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV infection was confirmed by the Hinton State Laboratory Institute (HSLI) today.

Blog: A healthy lunch

2011-09-07 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

All across Massachusetts, you can hear the school bells ringing again. If you’re a parent, you know what that means – busy mornings getting the kids ready and out the door with backpacks and lunch bags in hand.

First human case of EEE in Mass. in 2011

2011-09-02 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Risk of infection with WNV and EEE virus is increased in southeastern Mass.

2011-09-01 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that multiple indications suggest that the risk of human disease from infection with West Nile Virus (WNV) is now high in the New Bedford area.

Advisory regarding discharge of sewage into the Deerfield River

2011-08-30 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has issued a Health Advisory due to the shutdown of the Greenfield municipal wastewater treatment facility due to flooding associated with Tropical Storm Irene.

Update: EEE in mammal-biting mosquitoes

2011-08-24 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been found in mosquitoes in the towns of Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Carver, Middleborough, and Rockland in Plymouth County and in Freetown in Bristol County.

Safety Tips for Storms and Flooding

2011-08-15 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

More EEE in mosquitoes, increased need for precautions

2011-08-11 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been found in mosquitoes in the towns of Raynham and Easton.

First EEE positive mosquito sample in Mass.

2011-07-29 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. EEE infection was confirmed by the William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute today.

DPH finds risk of West Nile virus in mosquitoes increasing in Boston area

2011-07-28 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been found in mosquitoes in the city of Boston and the town of Watertown. Because WNV positive mosquitoes have been found from several parts of Boston over the last several weeks, the risk that people could get infected is increasing in both Boston and Brookline and DPH has raised the risk level in these communities from low to moderate.

Reminder on summertime safety tips issued

2011-07-22 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

As the Commonwealth prepares for record heat, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) would like to remind families and caregivers about important information that will help keep young children safe this summer.

West Nile virus positive mosquitoes found

2011-07-08 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. WNV infection was confirmed by the State Laboratory Institute today.

Summertime is prime mosquito season

2011-06-24 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The summer season is here, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) wants people to stay safe and healthy as they enjoy the warmer weather outdoors.

Storm assistance centers for communities impacted by tornadoes announced

2011-06-03 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced the opening of three Massachusetts Storm Assistance Centers in Springfield, Monson/Palmer and Southbridge that will provide vital supports for individuals and families impacted by severe weather in the region earlier this week.

Eating fish safely in Mass.

2011-05-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Blog post from DPH: Recognizing new mothers this Mother's Day

2011-05-05 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Everyone knows that being a mom – or a dad for that matter – is the toughest job you’ll ever have.

Latest Radiation Monitoring Results

2011-04-22 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Guide to Language Needs Assessments

2011-04-13 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Madeleine Biondolillo, MD joins DPH

2011-04-06 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Madeleine Biondolillo, MD has been named the Department’s new Director of the Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality.

Very low level of radioiodine (I-131) reported in air samples

2011-04-01 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been conducting analyses of air samples as part of an environmental monitoring program that has been in place for decades. Samples collected on March 22 showed no detections of radioiodine, or I-131.

No detections of radioiodine (I-131) In surface water samples

2011-03-31 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today announced that no detections of radioiodine (I-131) were found in samples taken from 12 surface water bodies throughout the state that serve as drinking water sources.

Radioiodine (I-131) in rainwater sample

2011-03-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that very low concentrations of radioiodine-131 (I-131), likely associated with the Japan nuclear power plant event, have been detected in a precipitation (i.e. rainwater) sample.

Radiation Monitoring in Massachusetts

2011-03-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Sec. Bigby's blog: Celebrating the passage of the Affordable Care Act

2011-03-23 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Today we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known to many by its nickname, ACA.

Federal study of arsenic and uranium in private well water

2011-03-21 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) today released a study, which indicates that levels of naturally occurring arsenic and uranium exceed drinking water standards in some private drinking water wells in central and northeastern Massachusetts.

CDC fact sheet on potassium iodide (KI)

2011-03-18 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Possible presence of depleted uranium at Springfield Armory

2011-03-16 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced today that the Commonwealth is working with the United States Army and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to evaluate whether depleted uranium (DU) is present within approximately 50 acres of the former Springfield Armory.

Report promoting quality, patient-centered care at end of life issued

2011-03-14 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) today released a report from the Expert Panel on End-of-Life Care that offers recommendations for promoting high quality, patient-centered care for individuals and their families that will significantly enhance the role of patients in end-of-life decisions.

$4.3 Million in grants for local teen parenting programs announced

2011-03-03 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) will award $4.3 million in grants to promote effective teen parenting efforts in five cities and towns across the Commonwealth.

Encouraging new data on cardiac treatment outcomes at hospitals released

2011-03-02 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the results of two recent reports on health outcomes for patients who have received certain cardiac health treatments at Massachusetts hospitals.

Sec. Bigby's blog: Recognition for reducing hospital readmissions

2011-02-25 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

One of the top priorities for the Patrick-Murray Administration and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services is to find ways to deliver quality care to individuals and contain the rising costs of health care in the Commonwealth.

Sec. Bigby's blog: A Mass. milestone: health care payment reform legislation

2011-02-18 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Yesterday marked a health care milestone in Massachusetts which I’m particularly pleased to blog about: Governor Patrick announced comprehensive health care payment and delivery reform legislation that is designed to control rising health care costs and improve patient care throughout the Commonwealth.

New birth certificate and centralized birth registration system introduced

2011-02-16 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Registry of Vital Records and Statistics today announced two major initiatives to streamline and automate the creation and collection of birth records data in Massachusetts.

Sec. Bigby's blog: The problem with health care in Massachusetts

2011-01-28 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

In the four years since I assumed the role of Health and Human Services Secretary of Massachusetts, residents of the Commonwealth have witnessed significant changes in the health care landscape.

Flu activity on the rise

2011-01-28 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today released new flu surveillance data that show flu activity is climbing across the state.

"New RFR Public Health District Incentive Program"

2011-01-26 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Statement on federal proposal to change fluoride levels in water

2011-01-10 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Program to resume fishing of Atlantic surf clams in Georges Bank announced

2010-12-21 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced a pilot program that will allow limited fishing of Atlantic surf clams in federal areas of Georges Bank, which has been closed to fishing for more than 20 years.

Limited ban on plastic products containing BPA approved

2010-12-15 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The state Public Health Council today approved new regulations that ban the production or sale of reusable food and beverage containers containing Bisphenol-A (BPA) intended for use by toddlers and infants, such as sippy cups and baby bottles.

Report shows life expectancy at all-time high, decrease in opiod overdose deaths

2010-12-14 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

A report issued today by the state Department of Public Health reflects that life expectancy rates are at an all-time high for Massachusetts residents and that there has been a drop in the number of opioid-related deaths. These and other findings are part of the 2008 report on deaths in the Commonwealth.

Hospitalizations drop for MassHealth members who use quit-smoking benefit

2010-12-08 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Patrick-Murray Administration announced today that the risk of heart attack hospitalizations dropped by 46 percent among MassHealth members who used a smoking cessation benefit made available through the Commonwealth’s historic health care reform efforts, according to a new study published today in the online journal PLoS Medicine, a publication of the Public Library of Science.

Campaign to help southcoast residents quit smoking announced

2010-11-18 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program (MTCP) announced a new media campaign today that targets smokers in the Southcoast region of Massachusetts.

DPH Commissioner John Auerbach elected ASTHO president

2010-10-20 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced that Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health John Auerbach has been elected President of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

Materials related to the Caritas transfers of ownership

2010-10-07 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Nominations now accepted: 2010 Betsy Lehman Patient Safety Awards

2010-10-04 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z

Ounce of Prevention 2010 Conference

2010-09-27 00:00:00.0T00:00:00Z