May 2024-Mental Health Awareness Month

WHD Social Workers

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

-Mental Health Awareness Month

-Latest recalls

-Get ready for summer...and more!

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!

Don't forget to subscribe to receive future Newsflashes if you haven't already (click here to subscribe).

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Every May, we focus on increasing awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support. Visit our website to learn more!

Mental Health Myths and Facts Help Prevent Suicide/988 Mental Health Kids/Teens

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 for immediate support.

Latest Recalls

Visit our website to stay up to date on the latest recalls.

Get Ready for Summer!

It's not too early to start thinking about summer safety. Visit our website to learn how you can be prepared NOW to safely enjoy Summer with your friends and family.

New CDC Guidelines For COVID and Other Respiratory Viruses

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses. Current MA guidelines remain in place although the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has indicated plans to adopt the new CDC guidelines soon. Visit our website to see the new CDC guidelines and learn more.

Avian Flu Update

The Wellesley Health Department is closely monitoring the current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) which has affected dairy cattle in multiple states. Commercial milk products show evidence of the presence of the virus, but tests thus far have not revealed any live transmissible virus, and it is believed that the pasteurization process should be extremely effective at neutralizing the virus in milk and milk products. At this time the risk to the general public is considered LOW. There have only been 2 known cases of avian influenza in humans in the United States. Visit our website for more information and ways to protect yourself and your family from avian influenza.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Residents recently got the chance to learn about using fire extinguishers safely at a training provided by the Wellesley Fire and Health Departments. After a short presentation, attendees got tp put their knowledge into practice by putting out a real fire!