Office of Local and Regional Health (OLRH)

OLRH provides local public health (LPH) with the resources, tools, and support needed to promote and protect the health of their communities. We offer training and technical assistance for LPH’s unique challenges and needs.

We also coordinate the State's LPH response for emergencies and promote wellness and health equity for all individuals. We support improvements in local public health performance and quality and are committed to building and maintaining a skilled public health workforce. We connect our LPH partners with Department of Public Health (DPH) programs, services, and resources, which work to advance public health planning at the community level.

Read more about our Mission, Vision, and Values in our Strategic Plan | DOC and About OLRH page

OLRH, aligned with DPH, is committed to advancing racial equity to serve all Massachusetts residents and strengthen populations’ potential to create healthier municipalities throughout the state.

OLRH acknowledges the history as well as the current reality of structural racism and its impact on health. OLRH leads explicitly, but not exclusively, with race. The Office recognizes that people of color have experienced and continue to experience racism, discrimination, and oppression. The Office further acknowledges the historical and current oppression of other populations and the importance of valuing the multiple identities individuals hold.

Read more about our commitment to racial and health equity in our Strategic Plan | DOC