We are the nation's first health department and trace our roots back to 1799, when Paul Revere was named Boston's first health officer. Back then, the Board of Health was formed to fight a potential outbreak of cholera. Taking innovative strides to save lives, health officials posted signs on lampposts, held meetings, and led an early-day public information campaign to reduce deaths due to cholera, a highly preventable disease.
Two hundred years later, that tradition of prevention continues through the Boston Public Health Commission. While we are the country's oldest health department, we pride ourselves on having some of the most innovative services for our residents. Described as "the most activist arm of city government," by the Boston Globe, the Commission has a vigorous commitment to the health of Boston's residents.
Take a look at some of our exciting programs - we have services and information that touch every Boston resident.
The Boston Public Health Commission is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts created pursuant to the Boston Public Health Act of 1995, G.L. c. 111 App. § 2-1. Our Executive Officer for purposes of G.L. c. 258 is Dr. Barbara Ferrer.
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City Employee Survey
The Boston Public Health Commission is engaged in several programs and initiatives, which affect the health and well-being of city employees. The purpose of the survey is to learn more about behaviors that can impact health, such as nutrition and physical activity, specifically among city employees. All responses remain confidential, and the survey only takes 5 short minutes.
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Mayor Menino Issues Order to End Sugary Drink Sales on City Property
Citing a link between the consumption of sugary beverages and rising obesity rates and healthcare costs, Mayor Menino issued an executive order requiring City departments to take steps in the next six months to phase out the sale, advertising, and promotion of sugary beverages on City-owned property.
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Enrollment for Uninsured Residents
The Mayor's Health Line is a free, multi-lingual service that can help residents sift through the new health insurance requirement paperwork, select the right program, and then help with each step of the application process.
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YouTube Contest Targets Youth Consumption of Sugary Beverages
Mayor Menino and the Boston Public Health Commission are enlisting Boston teens in their campaign to get young people to reduce their consumption of sugary beverages. The Commission is sponsoring the “Drink Responsibly: Be Sugar-Free” YouTube video contest for Boston residents between ages 12 and 19 to help spread the word about the health consequences of drinking soda and other sugary drinks.
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Free Flu Vaccinations
The City of Boston is hosting a series of public clinics where residents can get vaccinated against the influenza virus. These free clinics are for Boston residents three years and older and will be held in Roxbury, Dorchester, and at Boston City Hall.
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Health Click
Podcast series about health topics facing the city of Boston.
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Get Healthy Campaign
Mayor Menino and the Boston Public Health Commission are taking new steps aimed at addressing the public health threat of obesity in Boston.
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The Boston Public Health Commission is using YouTube.
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