1213 Purchase St
New Bedford, MA 02740
Tel: 508- 991-6199Fax: 508- 991-6292
Department Head:
Stephanie Sloan, Director
Welcome to the City of New Bedford Health Department
The New Bedford Health Department is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and health equity, preventing and responding to disease, and ensuring safe and sanitary environments that protect our diverse, multicultural community through services, outreach, and regulations.
The Health Department is responsible for leading a broad public health mandate including Environmental Health (e.g. housing sanctions, childhood lead poisoning prevention, food safety, trash/nuisance, and environmental clean-up), Public Health Nursing, Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention (e.g. tobacco and alcohol), Municipal Marine Lab Testing, and Health and Wellness.
QUICK LINKS
- BEACH REPORT: The Health Department tests the water quality of all public swimming beaches in New Bedford at least once a week, following standards set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. See the latest results through the Beach Report link on our Marine Lab page.
Announcements
Calendar
Primary Program Areas
- Public Health Nursing Division
- Environmental Health Division
- Food Protection Program
- Community Sanitation (Housing) Program
- Municipal Marine Laboratory
- Tobacco, Alcohol and Substance Use
- Health and Wellness
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) | UPDATES
COVID-19 Cases in Greater New Bedford
With hundreds of thousands of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported across the United States, it is more important than ever to practice prevention measures to control the spread of the virus. See below for current data on COVID-19 cases in Greater New Bedford.
The Health Department maintains a COVID-19 section with up-to-date information on the disease, data tracking its spread, how to prevent it, and steps to take if you think you’ve been exposed.
General Information
Call 2-1-1 for Non-Emergency Assistance | Mass.gov
Call 2-1-1 during a disaster to receive non-emergency information such as shelter locations, disaster assistance programs, or how to volunteer. Mass 2-1-1 was created and is staffed by the United Way. This 24/7 service was created as a resource to connect callers to information about critical health.
Permits & Licenses
The New Bedford Health Department issues a variety of permits and licenses, as well as immunization, and marine lab testing services for residents and businesses. The list of available permits, licenses, and services and their fee schedule along with details on the application process, where and locations hours are available through the link below.
COVID-19 Updates
The Health Department maintains a page dedicated to the coronavirus, including charts, data, and information on symptoms and preventing infection and spread.
hot topics
Health Access Kids New Bedford
New Bedford’s source for connecting families with health insurance they need
The New Bedford Health Department is concerned about the health of our community. HEALTH ACCESS KIDS is a program helping families enroll in health insurance for FREE or at LOW cost through MassHealth and the Health Connector.
Draft BOH Regulations for Synthetic Drugs
The New Bedford Board of Health has posted regulations on synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, and synthetic psychedelic/hallucinogens that pose health, safety, and welfare issues for the residents of New Bedford.
Lead in Drinking Water FAQ for School and Childcare Facilities
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about lead and health, how lead may get into the drinking water at your school or childcare facility, and how children, teachers, and staff can avoid exposure.
public nursing
Blood Pressure Clinic
The Health Department will be offering a blood pressure clinic the first Tuesday of every month beginning in April from 10-12pm.
Sharps Disposal containers available and information on where to dispose them
Unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern, because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, diversion, misuse, and abuse. Do you have unused or expired prescription drugs or medications in your home?
Flu Shots Available
New Bedford Health Department is offering the flu shot to New Bedford residents while supplies last. Flu shots are available by appointment only. Flu shots are free with insurance card and $10 without insurance card.
primary program areas
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Use Prevention Program
The New Bedford Health Department’s Tobacco, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program seeks to protect youth in the community by reducing the flow of tobacco products, alcohol, and other drugs to underage youth and adults.
Health and Wellness
The New Bedford Board of Health has posted regulations on synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, and synthetic psychedelic/hallucinogens that pose health, safety, and welfare issues for the residents of New Bedford.
Environmental Health Division
The New Bedford Health Department Environmental Health Division is concerned with all aspects of the built and natural environment factors that may effect a person’s health. The Division assesses and controls factors to prevent disease and create healthy environments.
City of New Bedford Municipal Marine Laboratory
The New Bedford Health Department’s Municipal Laboratory ensures the safety of the city’s water through regular monitoring and testing.
Emergency Preparedness
The New Bedford Health Department plays a key role in preparing our residents and businesses to respond to emergencies, both intentional and unintentional.
Regulations and Policy
The New Bedford Board of Health is responsible for creating, adopting, and enforcing regulations aimed at improving and preserving the health and welfare of our residents, visitors, and businesses.
