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West Nile Advisory
BPH reports that on August 27, 2018, West Nile Virus risk has increased from moderate to high in Brookline. As of September 28, 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed over 25 cases of West Nile virus in humans, several of which required hospitalization. This number is expected to increase until the first hard frost, likely to occur in November. People play an important role in protecting themselves by reducing skin exposure as well as using mosquito repellant. Information about the virus can also be found on the website and by phone at 617-730-2295.
Blue-Green Algae Advisory
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently informed the Brookline Department of Public Health that the CHESTNUT HILL RESERVOIR in CLEVELAND CIRCLE currently has a blue-green algae bloom which can cause illness in both humans and animals.
The Brookline Department of Public Health recommends that people keep themselves and their pets from coming into contact with water from that reservoir. For more information, visit the Algae Bloom website.
Pop Up Town Hall - October 31, 2018
The Brookline Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations has released a new Monthly Quiz! The Monthly Quiz is a great way to test what you know about Brookline and learn new things about your community! If you score a 10/10 you will win a small prize (while supplies last) and your name will be entered into a year-end raffle. This month's quiz is on Brookline Civics and Civic Engagement. Click https://www.brooklinema.gov/1514/Community-Quiz. For any questions or more information, contact Caitlin Haynes at 617-730-2345 or chaynes@brooklinema.gov
Information on Marijuana
Health Survey Results
Evaluation of a mixed-methods community health assessment model: Lessons and opportunities
Tobacco Grant Awarded
On August 6, 2018, The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services was awarded a grant of $65,000 for four years from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to prevent nicotine use and improve public health. Brookline is one of 16 municipal health departments who received awards to work in partnership with neighboring cities and towns to reduce the influence of the tobacco and vaping industries on communities. The funding will strengthen capacity in Brookline and also serve Arlington, Belmont, Norwood, Randolph, Stoughton, and Watertown. This award continues and expands work that Brookline has done previously through the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program.
Fact Sheet "Seeking Safe and Sanitary Housing"
MPHA's Commitment to challenging racism and injustice
Health Advisory:"Dealing With Wild Turkeys"
Flu Clinic Schedule
Brookline Senior Center
93 Winchester Street ~ Tuesday, October 30 at 11:30 - 1:00 pm
Baker School
205 Beverly Road ~ Wednesday, November 7 at 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Brookline High School
115 Greenough Street ~ Sunday, November 18 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Population Health
Greetings!
I’ve been asked many times what population health is. Wikipedia defines it as “the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group." It is in essence, a strategic plan to improve the health of the entire population.
Health is a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. (WHO, 1998) Public Health is “What we, as a society, do collectively to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy." (IOM 1988).
Public Health
- Prevents epidemics and the spread of disease
- Prevents injuries
- Promotes and encourages healthy behavior
- Responds to disasters
- Assures the quality and accessibility of Health Services
“Population health is public health”
- A medical model saves lives one person at a time
- Public Health saves lives millions at a time.
Through public health achievements life expectancy in the United States has increased from 47.3 years in 1900 to 78.1 years in 1996. That’s a 25+ years of life improvement.
Additional Information
Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Commissioner of Public Health, asks that you contact the Brookline Health Department at 617-730-2300 with any questions or requests for additional information.