- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Health Department
Health Department
Heat & West Nile Advisory
Brookline— The Brookline Department of Public Health (BPH) urges residents to prepare for temperatures in the high 90’s for the next two days. Heat Alert tips can be found on the Department’s website or by calling 617-730-2295. “These next few days, residents need to be extra cautious with any outdoor activities”, said Swannie Jett, DrPH, MSc, Health Commissioner for Brookline Public Health.
Also, BPH reports that on August 27, 2018, West Nile Virus has increased from moderate to high in Brookline. On August 24, 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the first three cases of West Nile virus in humans, two of which required hospitalization. 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.
MRC + CERT Volunteer Recruitment
The Brookline Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Brookline Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) invite new volunteers to join more than 300 medical and non-medical Brookline emergency response volunteers. Brookline MRC and CERT volunteers are neighbors preparing to help neighbors.
Join us on Thursday, September 13th from 6:00-7:30pm for a short informational session, and meet current Brookline MRC and CERT volunteers. Light refreshments will be served. We will meet in the Denny Room of the Health Department Building, 11 Pierce Street, Brookline.
The purpose of both the Brookline MRC and CERT programs is to provide volunteer services to assist Brookline during emergencies or disasters. Volunteers also assist with various events held in town throughout the year, including the Boston Marathon and annual seasonal flu clinics. Free training is offered on topics focused on emergency preparedness and response; some trainings offer nursing and EMT continuing education credits. MRC and CERT programs are part of the federal Citizen Corps program.
To learn more about Brookline MRC, please visit www.BrooklineMRC.org If you have questions, you can email mrc@brooklinema.gov or call 617-730-2656
To learn more about Brookline CERT, please visit www.brooklinema.gov/police or contact Officer Casey Hatchett, CERT Coordinator, at 617-730-2734, chatchett@brooklinema.gov
MRC + CERT Recruitment Night Flyer
The Brookline Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations is beginning a new Monthly Quiz! The Monthly Quiz will offer the chance to test how well you know your community! With topics ranging from civic engagement, to civil rights and diversity - it's a great way to test what you know and learn new things! 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 Hispanic Heritage Month at https://www.brooklinema.gov/1514/Community-Quiz. For any questions or more information, contact Caitlin Haynes at 617-730-2345 or chaynes@brooklinema.gov
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
Coming soon
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.