The Charles River shared public-health partnership approved a balanced FY27 budget after trimming administrative fees to preserve $325,000 in the plan; members also reported progress toward hiring a medical director and prioritized nurse training and coverage for the summer.

At a Charles River Public Health District shared-services meeting members debated whether the medical-director scope should include optional standing orders to enable administration of long-acting injectable medications in limited circumstances. Clinicians warned of clinical complexity and documentation gaps; the committee agreed to contact two candidates and proceed cautiously.

Town of Needham public‑health staff reported substantial declines in local vaccination coverage, saying influenza uptake fell from about 60% to 39% and COVID vaccine coverage is around 13%, and urged outreach and verification of state reporting data.

MASC and DPH initiate data collection amid rising COVID cases and respiratory virus season.

Participants explore regional collaboration to address environmental health inspection shortages.

Communities discuss leveraging expertise and training to improve environmental health services.

Board discusses options to regulate nicotine pouches and align with state legislation.

Participants discuss shared services to enhance public health nursing in local communities

The Needham Public Health Division discusses youth access to nicotine and substance use education.

Select Board updates fines and training requirements for businesses with sales violations.

Hospital resolves Legionnaires' disease issue by removing dead legs and improving water temperature.

Vernon officials confirm decreased rat activity after winter pest control efforts and monitoring.

Synthetic turf testing reveals elevated zinc and arsenic levels, but no public health risk identified.