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West Nile Virus Advisory
On Friday, July 13th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) identified West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in trap located in Brookline. As a result, the risk level is at Moderate, and we conclude that the virus is present throughout the Town.
Mosquito-borne viruses are viruses that are carried and spread by mosquitoes. In this part of the country, public health surveillance is done for two mosquito-borne viruses that can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain) - West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The period
of highest risk of getting either disease can be from late July through the fall.
Heat Advisory
With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s beginning Saturday, June 30th and continuing into next week, the Emergency Management Team has issued a heat advisory. Below is information about Brookline cooling centers, including their hours of operation and addresses.
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.
No current events. Check back periodically for upcoming events.
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"
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.