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Our Vision
Our vision is an inclusive community that is healthy, safe, connected and equitable for all!
Our Mission
The mission of the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is to preserve, protect & promote the physical, mental, and environmental health of the Brookline Community. We collaborate with partners to reduce health inequities and respond to emerging public health challenges.
ADVISORIES & PRESS RELEASES
Dec. 5: Brookline Offering Last Flu Shot Clinic of the Season
BROOKLINE – The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is offering residents a final shot for a healthy holiday season. The department will host its last flu clinic of the season during National Influenza Vaccination Week. Vaccination against the flu is still the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
The final flu clinic will be held on Tuesday, Dec, 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the Public Health Building, 11 Pierce St.
Doses are available while supplies last. High-dose vaccine is available for adults ages 65 and over and FluMist is available for children ages 2 – 18 while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment and save time, register here. Full press release.
Photo: Brookline HHS Gives 30 Turkeys and 20 Chickens to Families in Need
BROOKLINE – The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services launched its first Brookline Bounty Birds initiative in time for the thanksgiving holiday.
The Brookline Bounty Birds included 30 turkeys and 20 chickens purchased with remaining annual funds from Brookline Bounty coupons. The department partnered with Farmers’ Market vendor Copicut Farm to distribute turkeys and chicken roasters to families this Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, department staff made deliveries to three locations: the Brookline Housing Authority, the Brookline Senior Center, and the Public Schools of Brookline. Full press release.
The Friends of Brookline Public Health Announce Award Recipients, Remind Community About Artificial Intelligence Panel
The Friends of Brookline Public Health are pleased to announce the recipients of two awards – the Alan Balsam Public Health Leadership Award and the Herb Carlin Community Health Award – which will be presented during an upcoming meeting on Nov. 29.
Lawrence “Larry” Madoff, MD, Medical Director, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the staff of the Brookline Department of Public Health will both receive the Alan Balsam Public Health Leadership Award for their outstanding service during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The award is given to an individual who has shown extraordinary leadership in the field of Public Health, both locally and nationally. Full press release.
The Friends of Brookline Public Health Invite Community to 'Harnessing AI for Public Health' Panel Presentation
BROOKLINE – The Friends of Brookline Public Health would like to invite the community to a live panel presentation titled “Harnessing AI for Public Health: Opportunities and Challenges for Brookline.” Full press release.
Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services Begins Assessment and Gap Analysis
The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services announces that it has begun a process to assess human, health and social services and determine any gaps in access to, or receipt of, essential needs for the residents of the Town of Brookline.
A five-phase plan will study, illuminate and address real or perceived inequities in human services using a foundation of historical studies, current resources and projection of needed services to allow all groups to access human services in the Town. Full press release.
COVID-19 vaccines are still available at no cost to most people living in the U.S. through their private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. However, there are 25-30 million adults without health insurance and additional adults whose insurance does not offer COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to them.
CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.
Who can get a no-cost COVID-19 vaccine through this program?
Adults 18 years and older without health insurance and adults with health insurance that does not provide zero-cost access to COVID-19 vaccines.
All CDC-recommended updated COVID-19 vaccines are included in the Bridge Access Program.
Find a vaccine location participating in the Bridge Access Program.
The Bridge Access Program will provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to eligible adults through December 31, 2024.
For additional information on COVID-19, visit the Covid Hub.
CURRENT EVENTS
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Public Health: Opportunities and Challenges for Brookline
At this event, you'll have the opportunity to hear from renowned local experts in the field who will share their insights and experiences. Learn about the latest advancements in AI technology and how it can be applied to address public health challenges specific to Brookline.
Featured Panelists:
Isaac (Zak) Kohane, MD, Ph.D, Inaugural Chair, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School
John Brownstein, Ph.D, Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Children’s Hospital; Professor, Harvard Medical School
Carey Goldberg, Panel Moderator, Co-author, The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond, Medical and Science Journalist
Raul Fernandez, Ph.D, Board Member, Brookline For Racial Justice and Equity; former Select Board member
MC: Chris Chanyasulkit, Ph.D, MPH, Trustee, Friends of Brookline Public Health; Immediate Past President, APHA
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with professionals, researchers, and fellow enthusiasts passionate about the intersection of AI and public health in Brookline. Join us at 115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA, USA for an educational and thought-provoking event.
FLU CLINIC | December 5, 2023, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
The best part of the holidays is simply being there. Don’t miss your shot to stay healthy this season. Come by the Brookline Department of Public Health & Human Services (11 Pierce Street) on Tuesday, December 5th, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and get your flu shot. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Quantities available while supplies last. Limited availability – high dose for adults ages 65 and older and flu mist for children ages 2 – 18.
Save time and register today: https://tinyurl.com/decfluclinic.
Share with your neighbors: event flyer.
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Next blood drive - December 5, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Brookline Public Library
Main Branch, Hunneman Hall
361 Washington Street
AMERICAN RED CROSS
To schedule an appointment please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrooklineMA
or
Follow this link to automatically donate with our sponsor code.
PAST EVENTS
View past events held by the Brookline Department of Public Health & Human Services.
SAFE HOLIDAY PLANNING
Thanksgiving is right around the corner! To help you enjoy a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, remember to take precautions like staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, wearing a mask, and washing your hands. Don’t forget to take a COVID-19 test if you have been exposed to the virus, are experiencing symptoms, or are visiting anyone at heightened risk for serious illness.
TIPS FOR A SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON
Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations is one defense against respiratory illness. Here are some additional tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy throughout the season:
Keep your hands clean. Make sure you are washing your hands often to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based product when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
Wear a mask. If you are visiting a family member or friend at high risk, make sure you wear a high-quality mask. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, wear a mask while visiting high-traffic places. Stay home when you feel sick and test for COVID-19, especially after traveling. Free test kits are available at Brookline DPHHS.
Sneeze or cough in a bent elbow. Make sure you turn your sneezes and coughs away from others while using your bent elbow instead of your hand to reduce spreading germs. If you use tissues, make sure you dispose of them immediately and wash or sanitize your hands.
Keep a safe distance. Respiratory illnesses spread by droplets through coughing and sneezing. If possible, maintain distance between others to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading sickness. Try to avoid crowded and non-ventilated places.