Board of Health

Bob Valery, Health Agent
                            Mission Statement
 It is the responsibility of every Board of Health to protect the public, promote sanitary living conditions and protect the environment and, to what extent we can, prevent health and safety problems. The Halifax Board of Health takes that responsibility seriously. We strive to serve the needs of a growing/changing community by honoring existing mandates while developing new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.
 
 
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The Board of Health Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 04/17/2024 at 6:30pm at the Halifax Town Hall has been cancelled.
 
The next Board of Health Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 05/01/2024 at 6:30pm at the Halifax Town Hall.
 
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A MESSAGE FROM THE HALIFAX HEALTH DEPARTMENT
 
Earthquakes:

While earthquakes can be unsettling, it is crucial to stay calm and prioritize safety. Remember to drop, cover, and hold on during shaking, and evacuate the building if necessary once the shaking stops. Additionally, please familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and designated meeting points.

Let's take this opportunity to review our emergency kits within our homes, and vehicles. If you haven't put together one or both of these kits, now is a good time. Please look at the two attachments to help you in building your kits.
 
More ways to be prepared:
 
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NACCHO (National Association of County & City Health Officers)
Updates: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus
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SARS-CoV2 Infection or Exposure:
 
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Norovirus:
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Respiratory Viruses:
Data shows Respiratory Virus cases are currently increasing in Massachusetts and the Country.
The Flu, RSV, Covid, and indoor Allergens are the prevalent causes.
 
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Prevention is our Best Medicine.
Recommended options to help you and others from difficulty in breathing:
Healthy Habits: Food, Water, and Exercise. Also take a 5-minute break to sit, relax, and breathe.
Vaccination: Many vaccines are available and usually at no cost at a local pharmacy.
Personal Hygiene and Masking:  Weigh the Risk vs. the Reward of what you do.
 
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The Choice is Yours.
Please contact your Doctor when symptoms worsen /persist and with questions.
 
We want everyone to be and Stay Safe!
 
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Community Health Equity Initiative Survey
To improve the health of everyone in Massachusetts, we need to center the voices of people and communities who have been long denied an equal chance at health. The survey will be open through early Fall 2023. Anyone aged 14 and older can take the survey. It takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete and is available in 10 languages. The survey will also be available in ASL later this summer.

Taking the survey is easy! Just click on this link to get started: www.mass.gov/healthsurvey.
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health Offers Summer Safety Guidance
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The State has established an on-line COVID Safe Practices Concern Form for anyone who would like to report possible concerns about non-compliance with the Commonwealth’s travel advisory quarantine, face covering, gathering, or other public health rules.
 
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For information on how to protect and prevent against EEE, please use the links below
 
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For information on Mosquitoes, EEE/WNv and Aerial Spraying visit our website athttp://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/id/epidemiology/providers/public-health-cdc-arbovirus-info.html
 
Ticks & Mosquitoes: For more information on ticks visit our website at:  https://www.halifax-ma.org/board-health/pages/ticks-mosquitoes
 
 
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  You can receive an official signed copy of regulations and/or meeting minutes at the Board of Health office.
 
 
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Board of Health (3-year Elected Term)

NameE-MailTerm ExpiresTitle
Candice Greene

2025

Chair

Pamela Engstrom

2024

Co-Chair

David Hatch

2026

Clerk

Staff Contacts

NameTitleE-MailPhone
Bob Valery

Health Agent

(781) 293-6768

Administrative Assistant

(781) 293-6768

Patti Sanda

Secretary

(781) 293-6768

Brian Kling

Animal Inspector

(781) 293-6768