Greetings from the Wellesley Health Department! In this issue...

As we ease back into our Fall routines, we've highlighted some steps you can take to make sure you and your family stay healthy this season.  Be sure to visit our new Back to School webpage for important health information for students of all ages. 

September is National Food Safety Education month. Did you know that each year 48 million people get sick from food borne illness? Check out the info below to stay up to date on best practices when preparing and cooking food to avoid getting sick. September is also Suicide Prevention Month. We use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide while ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. In this issue, we've included links to mental health resources for all ages. 

 As always, please reach out to us with questions or suggestions for how we can better serve you by emailing us at health@wellesleyma.gov. We love to hear from you! 

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Check out our Fall Health Update!

Click this link to read our Fall Health Update which includes information on Flu, COVID, RSV, and more.  

Have a student heading off to college? 

A new adventure can both be exciting and stressful for students and caregivers. Visit the new Back to School section on our website for tips to deal with empty nest syndrome, ideas to help your student prepare to live on their own, mental health resources and more!

Get an A+ in Food Safety This School Year

This month take an active role in preventing foodborne illness, also known as “food poisoning.” Check out the links below for information and ideas to prevent food-borne illness.

Safe Food Handling       Food Safety for Young Adults        Avoid Cross Contamination

Lunch Box Prep                Food Safety in Your Kitchen          What is Food Poisoning?

Statewide Community Health Survey- Responses Needed

The Community Health Equity Survey (CHES) aims to help communities address barriers to health. Developed in collaboration with residents and community partners across the state, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) will use survey results to improve programs, make decisions about funding and resources, and support policies to improve health inequities. MDPH will also share the results of the survey with partners across Massachusetts to support the important work they are doing to improve health in their communities. If you choose to participate, your answers are anonymous and cannot be connected back to you.  

Taking the survey is easy. Just click here or visit our website www.mass.gov/chei to get started.