February 2024

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

-Paxlovid costs are rising-what can YOU do about it?

-COVID test availability - free tests now available at the Health Department!

-It's American Heart Month- Learn how to be heart healthy all year!

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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FREE COVID Tests Now Available!

The Health Department has free tests available for Wellesley Residents. Tests can be accessed outside the Health Department office on the 2nd floor of the Warren Building, 90 Washington St., M-F 6:00 AM -Close. Tests are available until supplies run out. Note: Test amounts may vary. Please check # of tests before taking (some may have one test/box, some may have two tests/box).

Paxlovid Out of Pocket Cost Skyrockets:

In October 2023, the federal government announced that starting in January, they would no longer be purchasing Paxlovid from it's manufacturer (Pfizer) and offering it for free to US residents. The new out of pocket cost is now approximately $1,500. Read more about what this might mean for you, and how you can keep costs down.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen dating violence is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. In the United States, up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report being psychologically abused (“Teen Dating Violence,” Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, 2022). Check out the resources below for tips on how to prevent and identify teen dating violence and how to help teens experiencing dating violence.

General Info and Resources Prevention Love Is Respect Action Guide

Info for Teens Parent Info

Need help? Know someone who does?

-Love is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453

-Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

-Visit rainn.org to chat one-on-one with a trained RAINN support specialist, any time 24/7.

February is American Heart Month

You can take action to protect yourself against heart disease. Get your friends and loved ones involved, too! Being heart smart starts with knowing your numbers. Stay up to date on your doctors’ appointments & medications. Have your blood pressure, blood sugar, & cholesterol levels checked and know what your numbers mean for your risk for heart disease. Learn More!

Check out our Winter Health Update!

Click this link to read our Winter Health Update with information on Winter safety and the latest updates on Flu, COVID, RSV, and more.

Respiratory Virus season Is Here

Spending more time indoors and spending more time with each other over the Holidays offers the perfect environment for respiratory viruses like Flu and COVID-19 to spread. Click this link to learn how to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.

Stay Safe in The Cold Weather

Visit our website for tips on cold weather safety including information on how to stay safe this Winter season.

Includes info on pets, cars, and indoor safety too!

Health Department Calendar

Keep Well Clinics. The Health Department offers weekly Keep Well sessions for residents. Get your blood pressure checked and have your health questions answered.
- Visit this link for the January-March 2024 Schedule

Stay Up to Date With The Health Department!

Contact us: health@wellesleyma.gov, or call 781-235-0135

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellesleyhealth

Website: https://wellesleyma.gov/193/Health

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