TopicsPublic Health

Public Health

Boards of health, health departments, inspections, and community health decisions.

Franklin County NewsJul 31, 2026

Greenfield Board of Health Bans Kratom Sales

The Greenfield Board of Health voted to ban the sale of kratom products at its Wednesday, July 29 meeting, per Franklin County Now. The vote, detailed in "Kratom Sales Banned by Greenfield Board of Health," bars local retailers from selling the herbal supplement going forward. Separatel…

Greenfield NewsJul 31, 2026

Greenfield Board of Health Bans Kratom Sales

The Greenfield Board of Health voted to ban the sale of kratom products at its Wednesday, July 29 meeting, per Franklin County Now. The vote, detailed in "Kratom Sales Banned by Greenfield Board of Health," bars local retailers from selling the herbal supplement going forward. Separatel…

Wellesley NewsJul 30, 2026

Board of Health Meeting (online remote) 7-30-26

Thursday, July 30, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Wellesley MA 02482

Wayland NewsJul 30, 2026

West Nile Virus Detected in Wayland Mosquito, Health Department Warns Residents

West Nile Virus has been detected in a Wayland mosquito for the first time this season, the Health Department announced Thursday. The mosquito was collected July 28 and tested positive July 30, prompting officials to urge residents to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and …

Middlesex County NewsJul 30, 2026

West Nile Virus Detected in Wayland Mosquito, Health Department Warns Residents

West Nile Virus has been detected in a Wayland mosquito for the first time this season, the Health Department announced Thursday. The mosquito was collected July 28 and tested positive July 30, prompting officials to urge residents to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and …

Worcester County NewsJul 28, 2026

Gardner Board of Health upholds $2,000 fine and seven-day suspension for A1 Mart tobacco sale to minor

Gardner Board of Health votes to uphold $2,000 fine and seven-day tobacco permit suspension against A1 Mart.

Barnstable NewsJul 28, 2026

Barnstable Board of Health Approves Body Art Licenses and Septic Repairs, Defers Grease Trap Vote

Barnstable Board of Health approves body art licenses and septic repairs, defers hotel grease trap decision.

Barnstable County NewsJul 28, 2026

Barnstable Board of Health Approves Body Art Licenses and Septic Repairs, Defers Grease Trap Vote

Barnstable Board of Health approves body art licenses and septic repairs, defers hotel grease trap decision.

Gardner NewsJul 28, 2026

Gardner Board of Health upholds $2,000 fine and seven-day suspension for A1 Mart tobacco sale to minor

Gardner Board of Health votes to uphold $2,000 fine and seven-day tobacco permit suspension against A1 Mart.

Bristol County NewsJul 27, 2026

Fall River Board of Health Suspends Durfee Street Store's Tobacco License for Seven Days

Fall River Board of Health suspends a Durfee Street convenience store's tobacco license and clears the way for emergency beaver-control work at two city water sites. The board, with Chair Thomas Cory and member Michael J.

Belchertown NewsJul 27, 2026

Belchertown Board of Health orders North Street septic replacement, continues Granby Road appeal

Belchertown Board of Health orders a five-bedroom septic replacement at 160 North Street and continues a contested Granby Road permit appeal to August.

Fall River NewsJul 27, 2026

Fall River Board of Health Suspends Durfee Street Store's Tobacco License for Seven Days

Fall River Board of Health suspends a Durfee Street convenience store's tobacco license and clears the way for emergency beaver-control work at two city water sites. The board, with Chair Thomas Cory and member Michael J.

Hampshire County NewsJul 27, 2026

Belchertown Board of Health orders North Street septic replacement, continues Granby Road appeal

Belchertown Board of Health orders a five-bedroom septic replacement at 160 North Street and continues a contested Granby Road permit appeal to August.

Middlesex County NewsJul 26, 2026

Burlington Board of Health Schedules Kratom Subcommittee Meeting

Burlington's Board of Health has scheduled a special subcommittee meeting on kratom regulations for Wednesday, July 29, at Town Hall. The move adds a new regulatory question to the town's summer committee calendar, coming as a Patch roundup flagged Burlington's Aug. 8 fireworks show and…

Burlington NewsJul 26, 2026

Burlington Board of Health Schedules Kratom Subcommittee Meeting

Burlington's Board of Health has scheduled a special subcommittee meeting on kratom regulations for Wednesday, July 29, at Town Hall. The move adds a new regulatory question to the town's summer committee calendar, coming as a Patch roundup flagged Burlington's Aug. 8 fireworks show and…

Middlesex County NewsJul 23, 2026

Tewksbury Board of Health Schedules Public Hearing on Full Kratom Sales Ban

Tewksbury Board of Health votes unanimously to advance a draft Kratom ban to public hearing.

Tewksbury NewsJul 23, 2026

Tewksbury Board of Health Schedules Public Hearing on Full Kratom Sales Ban

Tewksbury Board of Health votes unanimously to advance a draft Kratom ban to public hearing.

Middlesex County NewsJul 23, 2026

Groton Board of Health Approves Conditional Irrigation-Well Conversions in PFAS Zone

Groton Board of Health votes to allow PFAS-zone residents to keep irrigation wells under strict conditions.

Groton NewsJul 23, 2026

Groton Board of Health Approves Conditional Irrigation-Well Conversions in PFAS Zone

Groton Board of Health votes to allow PFAS-zone residents to keep irrigation wells under strict conditions.

Middlesex County NewsJul 23, 2026

Board of Health Fees Now Payable Online in Sherborn

Sherborn's Board of Health rolled out online payment for all its fees this week, giving residents a new digital option previously unavailable, town officials announced Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The move comes as the town continues work on its recently approved Housing Production Plan an…

Sherborn NewsJul 23, 2026

Board of Health Fees Now Payable Online in Sherborn

Sherborn's Board of Health rolled out online payment for all its fees this week, giving residents a new digital option previously unavailable, town officials announced Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The move comes as the town continues work on its recently approved Housing Production Plan an…

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Bans Tent Encampments, Declares Addiction and Homelessness Public Health Crisis

Boston declares substance use disorder and unsheltered homelessness a public health crisis.

Worcester County NewsJul 22, 2026

Auburn Board of Health Declares One Dog Dangerous, Two Nuisance After Attack Kills Greyhound

Auburn Board of Health declares one dog dangerous, two nuisance, and upholds tobacco fine.

Bridgewater NewsJul 22, 2026

Bridgewater Health Agent Warns Formal Trash Nuisance Fines Are Coming

Bridgewater's Board of Health signaled a shift toward formal trash nuisance enforcement at its July 22 meeting.

Auburn NewsJul 22, 2026

Auburn Board of Health Declares One Dog Dangerous, Two Nuisance After Attack Kills Greyhound

Auburn Board of Health declares one dog dangerous, two nuisance, and upholds tobacco fine.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston City Council unanimously declares climate crisis a public health emergency

Boston City Council opens 2020 term with climate declaration and wide-ranging reform agenda.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Bans Tent Encampments, Declares Addiction and Homelessness Public Health Crisis

Boston declares substance use disorder and unsheltered homelessness a public health crisis.

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston City Council unanimously declares climate crisis a public health emergency

Boston City Council opens 2020 term with climate declaration and wide-ranging reform agenda.

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston City Council Refers Racism Public Health Crisis Hearing Order to Committee

Boston City Council orders twin public health hearings on racism and COVID-19.

Plymouth County NewsJul 22, 2026

Bridgewater Health Agent Warns Formal Trash Nuisance Fines Are Coming

Bridgewater's Board of Health signaled a shift toward formal trash nuisance enforcement at its July 22 meeting.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston City Council Refers Racism Public Health Crisis Hearing Order to Committee

Boston City Council orders twin public health hearings on racism and COVID-19.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Bans Tent Encampments, Declares Addiction and Homelessness Public Health Crisis

Boston declares substance use disorder and unsheltered homelessness a public health crisis.

Norwell NewsJul 22, 2026

Norwell Board of Health Issues Cyclospora Health Advisory

Norwell's Board of Health posted a new cyclospora health advisory Wednesday, as the town library's new device lending program went live. The News Flash notice, dated July 22, directs residents to guidance on the parasitic illness but does not specify whether it stems from a local case. …

Plymouth County NewsJul 22, 2026

Norwell Board of Health Issues Cyclospora Health Advisory

Norwell's Board of Health posted a new cyclospora health advisory Wednesday, as the town library's new device lending program went live. The News Flash notice, dated July 22, directs residents to guidance on the parasitic illness but does not specify whether it stems from a local case. …

Norfolk County NewsJul 21, 2026

Bellingham Board of Health calls emergency meeting over housing authority mold remediation

Bellingham's Board of Health voted unanimously to hold an emergency meeting July 28 to confront the Bellingham Housing Authority over a mold and structural decay case in one of its units.

Bristol County NewsJul 21, 2026

Acushnet Board of Health Rescinds Pandemic-Era Septic Inspection Policy With New Agent in Place

Acushnet Board of Health welcomes new health agent and rescinds temporary septic inspection policy at July 21 meeting.

Acushnet NewsJul 21, 2026

Acushnet Board of Health Rescinds Pandemic-Era Septic Inspection Policy With New Agent in Place

Acushnet Board of Health welcomes new health agent and rescinds temporary septic inspection policy at July 21 meeting.

Dighton NewsJul 21, 2026

Dighton Board of Health Approves Waste Zero Bag Contract, Eyes Stormwater Transfer

Dighton Board of Health approves Pay-As-You-Throw bag contract with Waste Zero and wrestles with flagging farmers market attendance.

Bellingham NewsJul 21, 2026

Bellingham Board of Health calls emergency meeting over housing authority mold remediation

Bellingham's Board of Health voted unanimously to hold an emergency meeting July 28 to confront the Bellingham Housing Authority over a mold and structural decay case in one of its units.

Worcester County NewsJul 21, 2026

Dudley Board of Health Elects New Chair, Defers Vote on PFAS Connection Mandate

Dudley Board of Health elects new chair and tables PFAS mandatory water-connection proposal pending further review. At the July 21 meeting, the board reorganized, unanimously electing Thomas Kampe as chair and seating new member Susan Wenzel, a retired St.

Kingston NewsJul 21, 2026

Kingston Board of Health closes Dollar Tree, shifts meeting night to Tuesdays

Kingston Board of Health closes Dollar Tree over pest conditions, shifts to Tuesday meetings.

Dudley NewsJul 21, 2026

Dudley Board of Health Elects New Chair, Defers Vote on PFAS Connection Mandate

Dudley Board of Health elects new chair and tables PFAS mandatory water-connection proposal pending further review. At the July 21 meeting, the board reorganized, unanimously electing Thomas Kampe as chair and seating new member Susan Wenzel, a retired St.

Plymouth County NewsJul 21, 2026

Kingston Board of Health closes Dollar Tree, shifts meeting night to Tuesdays

Kingston Board of Health closes Dollar Tree over pest conditions, shifts to Tuesday meetings.

Bristol County NewsJul 21, 2026

Dighton Board of Health Approves Waste Zero Bag Contract, Eyes Stormwater Transfer

Dighton Board of Health approves Pay-As-You-Throw bag contract with Waste Zero and wrestles with flagging farmers market attendance.

Groton NewsJul 20, 2026

Groton Board of Health Defers PFAS Well Policy, Approves Septic Variance and New Sampler

Groton Board of Health defers PFAS irrigation-well policy as free municipal hookup offer draws homeowner resistance.

Barnstable County NewsJul 20, 2026

Falmouth Board of Health Approves Septic Variances With Three-Year Nitrogen-Reduction Deadline

Falmouth Board of Health approves contested Edgewater Drive West septic variances with a three-year nitrogen-reduction deadline.

Falmouth NewsJul 20, 2026

Falmouth Board of Health Approves Septic Variances With Three-Year Nitrogen-Reduction Deadline

Falmouth Board of Health approves contested Edgewater Drive West septic variances with a three-year nitrogen-reduction deadline.

Middlesex County NewsJul 20, 2026

Groton Board of Health Defers PFAS Well Policy, Approves Septic Variance and New Sampler

Groton Board of Health defers PFAS irrigation-well policy as free municipal hookup offer draws homeowner resistance.

Groton NewsJul 20, 2026

Groton Board of Health Defers PFAS Well Policy, Approves Septic Variance and New Sampler

Groton Board of Health defers PFAS irrigation-well policy as free municipal hookup offer draws homeowner resistance.

Middlesex County NewsJul 18, 2026

Carlisle Board of Health Issues Level 3 Drought Advisory

Carlisle enters Level 3 Critical Drought status as the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs designates the Northeast Region critical, prompting a new Board of Health advisory. The Community Preservation Committee opened its FY27 fall grant cycle, with application…

Middlesex County NewsJul 18, 2026

Board of Health Confirms West Nile Virus in Marlborough Mosquitoes

West Nile virus turns up in Marlborough mosquitoes as the city announces a new ambulance provider. The Board of Health confirmed the state Department of Public Health detected the virus in mosquitoes collected in the city, while Mayor J. Christian Dumais named Coastal Medical Transporta…

Worcester County NewsJul 16, 2026

Southbridge Board of Health launches kratom regulation review, extends Hill Avenue sewer deadline

Southbridge Board of Health begins formal process toward kratom regulation and unanimously extends a sewer-complaint deadline for two Hill Avenue property owners.

Worcester County NewsJul 16, 2026

Mendon Board of Health Unanimously Appoints New Animal Inspector for the Town

Mendon Board of Health appoints new Animal Inspector and schedules August 29 hazardous waste event.

Mendon NewsJul 16, 2026

Mendon Board of Health Unanimously Appoints New Animal Inspector for the Town

Mendon Board of Health appoints new Animal Inspector and schedules August 29 hazardous waste event.

Southbridge NewsJul 16, 2026

Southbridge Board of Health launches kratom regulation review, extends Hill Avenue sewer deadline

Southbridge Board of Health begins formal process toward kratom regulation and unanimously extends a sewer-complaint deadline for two Hill Avenue property owners.

Bristol County NewsJul 15, 2026

Plainville Board of Health Adopts Body Works Regulations on Split 2-1 Vote

Acushnet NewsJul 15, 2026

Acushnet Select Board Hires Health Agent, Awards Golf Course OPM to RTA

Acushnet Select Board fills health agent vacancy, awards golf clubhouse OPM contract, and approves year-end transfers topping $420,000.

Hampshire County NewsJul 15, 2026

Easthampton Board of Health Waives Restaurant Fine, Orders Certified Food Safety Training

North Attleborough NewsJul 15, 2026

Plainville Board of Health Adopts Body Works Regulations on Split 2-1 Vote

Plainville Board of Health adopts body-works licensing regulations on a 2-1 vote, approves two land-use variances, and confronts a clerical staffing loss. Chairman Lou LeBlanc and Vice Chair T.J.

Plymouth County NewsJul 15, 2026

Halifax Board of Health Withdraws Holmes Street Violation, Cites Wrong Regulation

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