Helaine Hazlett (Chairperson)
Dr. Todd Belf-Becker
Michelle B. Gottlieb

Mass. Department of Public Health News & Updates

West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-carried virus that usually causes mild or no illness in Humans. In rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

West Nile Virus Facts and Information
        
Beach Closures: 
A Public Health Notice will be posted of this website's Homepage when it becomes necessary to close public beaches because they have failed to meet the minimum standards for bathing beaches. 

Exterior Paint Removal
The Board of Health has adopted rules and regulations with regard to exterior paint removal and abrasive blasting. A permit may also be required under SECTION III - PERMITS of the regulations. To obtain a permit an Application for Permit to Engage in Exterior Paint Removal must be submitted to the Board of Health.

Services: 

• Flu clinics 
• Blood pressure screenings by appointment 
• Head lice checks by request from parents 
• Resources and referrals relating to public health 
• The "Proper Sharps Disposal Program", collecting used needles from residents for safe sposal. 
• Mercury Recovery Program

When We Meet
The Board of Health meets at the Mary Alley Municipal Building once per month with additional meetings scheduled as needed. For a schedule of duly posted meetings call the Board of Health Office.

Volunteer Opportunities
The Board of Health needs volunteers for data entry and nurse and clerical volunteers to help during immunization clinics. Please contact the Board of Health office for more information.

Tips for Buying, Storing and Preparing Fresh Produce
The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a publication on Advise to Consumers to Reduce Risk of Foodborne Illness from Fresh Produce. The publication offers tips on buying, storing and preparation of fresh produce.

Organic Pest Management (OPM)
The Marblehead Board of Health, under authority granted by Massachusetts General Laws, formed an Organic Pest Management Advisory Committee to develop Organic Pest Management Regulations pertaining to the use of pesticides in Marblehead.

Organic Pest Management is a problem-solving strategy that prioritizes a natural, organic approach to turf grass and landscape management without the use of toxic pesticides. It mandates the use of natural, organic cultural practices that promote healthy soil and plant life as a preventative measure against the onset of turf and landscape pest problems.

What We Do
The Board of Health 

• Provides state-supplied vaccine to physicians in town 
• Plans, organizes and operates immunization clinics (i.e. Flu) 
• Administers immunizations individually by appointment (i.e. Hepatitis A, B and others) 
• Provides blood pressure screenings 
• Conducts communicable disease investigation and surveillance 
• Performs inspection of food establishments, camps, and massage establishments 
• Housing inspections at tenant's request 
• Lead paint inspection for rental property only 
• Enforces smoking regulations and tattoo and body art regulations 
• Offers health education, information and referrals 
• Participates in emergency planning and bioterrorism preparedness

Related Links

• Directions to Mary Alley Municipal Building 
• North Shore/Cape Ann Emergency Preparedness Coalition
• Board of Health Storm Fact Sheet - Flooding 
• North Shore/Cape Ann Emergency Information, Planning and Response Guide 
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health 
• Center for Disease Control