Health Department
Our Mission
About the Health Department
The Health Department accomplishes its mission statement through a wide range of services including but not limited to licensing and permitting, city ordinance enforcement, monitoring infectious disease control through surveillance and mitigation efforts, and health education.
The Board permits and performs complaint and mandated inspections of food establishments, swimming pools, tanning and body art establishments, body art practitioners, recreational camps, housing, and various other permits.
The Board enforces the State Sanitary Code, Housing Code, and MA and Federal Food Codes. Boards of Health are also given statutory powers to develop regulations in many areas of environmental health, and authority to promulgate reasonable public health rules and regulations under MGL c.111, sec. 31.
Department Links
- Health Department Permit Applications
- Massachusetts Sanitary Codes
- Health Department City Ordinances and Board of Health Regulations
- Inspectional Services
- Public Health Concerns
- Public Health Nursing
- COVID-19 RESOURCES
- Opioid Settlement Information
- Housing Materials
- Food Establishment Educational Resources
- NHANES
Health Department Permit Applications
- Fee schedule
- Body Art Establishment Application & Body Art Practitioner Application
- Permit for a Food Establishment (All)
-
Food Employee Health Reporting Agreements
-
-
Licensed Haulers List (PDF) and Licensed Haulers Application
-
Permit to Operate a Recreational Camp for Children and Camp Inspection Form
-
Tobacco Sales/Location Permit (also see Medford’s Tobacco Regulations- PDF)
- Massage Practitioner/Establishment License
- Well Permit Regulations and Well Permit Application
- BioSafety Low Risk Facility Registration Application and BioSafety Lab and Facility Permit Application
- High Risk Biological Permits
- Low Risk Biological Permits
Massachusetts Sanitary Codes
Housing Code - https://www.mass.gov/doc/105-cmr-410-state-sanitary-code-chapter-ii-minimum-standards-of-fitness-for-human-habitation/download
Residential Kitchen - https://www.mass.gov/doc/retail-food-code-standards-for-permitted-residential-kitchens-040119/download
Recreational Camps - https://www.mass.gov/doc/105-cmr-430-minimum-standards-for-recreational-camps-for-children-state-sanitary-code-chapter/download
Body Art - https://www.mass.gov/doc/body-art-establishments-model-regulations/download
Hazardous Waste - https://www.mass.gov/doc/310-cmr-30000-hazardous-waste-regulations/download
Septic - https://www.mass.gov/doc/310-cmr-15000-title-5-of-the-state-environmental-code/download
Bathing Beaches - https://www.mass.gov/doc/105-cmr-445-state-sanitary-code-chapter-vii-minimum-standards-for-bathing-beaches/download
Solid Waste (DEP) - https://www.mass.gov/doc/310-cmr-1600-site-assignment-for-solid-waste-facilities/download
Solid Waste Management - https://www.mass.gov/doc/310-cmr-19000-solid-waste-management-facility-regulations/download
Health Department City Ordinances and Board of Health Regulations
The City of Medford enforces ordinances to ensure preventative methods to curb stomp varies public health concerns.
Some of these ordnances and regulations include
- BioSafety Lab Regulations
- Thin-Film Plastic Bags Ordinance
- Minimum Standards for Food Establishments
- Ice Cream Truck/Mobile Unit Vending
- Minimum Standard of Fitness for Human Habitation
- Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children
- Solid Waste Removal/Septic/Offal/Medical Waste/Grease Rendering, Transportation and Dumpster Permitting & Operation Regulations
- Dumpster Regulations/Licensing of Dumpsters
- Body Art (Body Piercing, Tattooing & Branding/Scarification) Establishments
- Massage Establishments & Massage Therapists/Practitioners
- Well Installation, Use and Maintenance of Private Wells
- Demolition and Removal of Buildings
- Construction, Renovation and Conversion Requirements
- Nuisances Affecting Public Health
- Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches
- Keeping of Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs as Domestic Pets
- Portable Sanitation Units (Portable Toilets/Temporary Septic)
- Restricting the Sale and Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products to Minors, the Workplace and Municipal Properties
- Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Related Products
- Prohibition on the Use of Polystyrene Based Disposable Food Containers
- Rodent Control for Dumpsters
Inspectional Services
The City of Medford partakes in various inspectional services. The services are visual examinations of readily accessible establishments that include:
- Food Establishments (restaurants, mobile food services, residential kitchens, convenient stores, etc.)
- Burial permits
- Swimming Pools (public and semi-public)
- Tanning Salons
- Body Art Establishments/Practitioners/Apprenticeship
- Permanent Cosmetics Establishment/Practitioners/Apprenticeship
- Transportation of Wastes
- Dumpster/Trash Areas
- Private Sewage Disposal
- Sewage Treatment: MA DEP Title 5 Regulations (310 CMR 15)
- Schools: Public/Private
- Recreational Camps for Children
- Wells
Some of our Environmental Control includes:
- Bathing Beach Waste Testing
- Insect and Rodent Control
- Indoor Air Quality
- Water Pollution
- Hazardous Waste Monitoring
- Mosquito Control
- Environmental Health Advice and Education
- Right-to-Know (MSDS) Assistance
- Consultation and Information on Environmental Issues
The Health Department also enforces:
- State and Local Housing Regulations
- Tenant Occupancy
- Public Buildings, dormitories, rooming houses
- Abrasive blasting of paint
- Issue Certificates of Habitability (enforce state housing codes when needed)
- Enforce State Lead Laws and Lead Abatement
- Respond to all Complaints regarding Housing Violations
- Provide Inspections for the Presence of Asbestos and Assess its Conditions and Instruct Owners on Proper Abatement Procedures
- Wells
- MA General Law Chapter 111, Section 122, Investigate and Require the Elimination of Nuisances or Sources of Filth on Land or in our Water. This Law can be Broadly Interpreted but is Reserved for those Situations where a strong Odor, Large Number of Debris or other Hazardous Conditions Exists
Public Health Concerns
The City of Medford takes the concerns of the public very seriously. Below is a listing of some concerns that may arise for Residents:
Lead & Mercury Information
- Center for Disease Control Lead Information
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- EPA The National Lead Info Center
- Lead in Drinking Water
Mercury-bearing items (thermometers, etc.) batteries, cell phones. CF bulbs, fluorescent tubes (tubes limited to 4 and 4FT long only) may be recycled at City Hall Room 304 – Department of Public Works (DPW).
If broken, please call DPW 781-393-2417 so that we can schedule to have it picked up.
More Resources:
- https://www.mass.gov/
- https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-environmental-protection
- https://www.epa.gov/
- https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-energy-resources
- https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services
West Nile Virus / EEE
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Information
- Mosquito Information (https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases) (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mosquito-repellents) (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mosquito-control-and-spraying) (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/mosquito-control-for-the-twenty-first-century-task-force) (https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts)
- Tick Information (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention) (https://www.mass.gov/tick-borne-diseases) (https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks)(https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tick-repellents)
Tobacco Control
The City of Medford enforces a no smoking ordinance (municipal buildings, schools, restaurants and workplaces).
- Permit Tobacco Sales
- Educational Programs and Materials
- Merchant Training
- Referral for Cessation Programs
- Smoke-Free Homes
- MA Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Program
- Guide to Quitting Smoking
- Facts on Smoking
- BOH Tobacco Regulations
Substance Use Prevention
Additional Resources
- CDC’s National Center for Enviornmental Health (NCEH)
- Centers for Disease Control
- Emergency Preparedness Guide (https://www.ready.gov/) (https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan)
- Earthquake Preparedness
- Environmental Protection Agency
- MA Department of Public Health
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Monetary Assistance
Non-Monetary Assistance
Layoff Aversion
Public Health Nursing
Scope of Services
Health Surveillance, Reporting and Treatment
- Communicable disease control, surveillance and information
- TB testing and surveillance
- Annual flu immunization program
- Immunization clinics
- Distribution site for state provided vaccine to Medford physicians in the program
- Health statistics
- Community health assessment
- Disease cluster investigation
School Health (Private)
- School entry requirements – immunizations, physical exams, etc.
- Health services (illness, first aid and emergency care)
- Mandated programs: Hearing and vision screening; Scoliosis screening; Immunization compliance
- Pediculosis (head lice) control assistance
- Special health needs assistance
- Public Health/School Physician provides physical examination to indigent children, advises the school district and school nurses on health matters and policies, and reviews policies for the school nurses.
Useful Links
Diabetes
MA Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource
American Diabetes Association
Hepatitis A
MA Health and Human Services information
Hepatitis B
CDC Hepatitis Information
Hepatitis C
MA Health and Human Services Information
CDC Hepatitis Information
Seasonal Flu, Avian Flu and Pandemic Flu
MA Health and Human Services Information
CDC Flu Information
COVID-19 RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs assistance or support, click here.
Additional resources:
- Medford’s COVID-19 Information Webpage
- Medford Vaccination Rates Data
- Medford Case Counts
- Housing Resources
- Business Resources
- Food Resources
- Support & Recovery Resources
COVID-19 Rapid Tests are available throughout the city. Locations include City Hall, Council on Aging, Medford Public Library, Medford Housing Authority, Mystic Community Market, and West Medford Community Center.
The City of Medford is following the latest CDC guidance for residents who test positive for COVID. For the latest guidance please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
For vaccine locations and eligibility visit: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/
For digital version for your vaccine card emailed or texted to you visit: www.myvaxrecords.mass.gov
For more information on COVID-19 please visit: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information
Opioid Settlement Information
The City of Medford will receive over $830,000 from a settlement of a statewide class action lawsuit filed by Attorney General Maura Healy against opioid distributors and manufacturers. Paid out over an 18-year period, the administration will use these funds to mitigate the effects of addiction, focusing on prevention, intervention, and supporting those in recovery.
Next steps of using the settlement funds include:
- Establish role of the Prepare Prevent Promote Behavioral health commission.
- Solicit feedback from the community:
- Listening sessions (2-3)
- Survey
- Prepare a plan based on feedback
- Present to City Council for approval
- Reporting to state on use of funds year to year
Learn more:
Housing Materials
- Notice of Occupants’ Legal Rights and Responsibilities
- Guidance on Housing Code Temperature Requirements
- Guidance on Submetering of Water and Sewer
- Submetering of Water and Sewer Certification Form
- Guidance on Excess Moisture Control and Mold – Occupants Fact Sheet
- Guidance on Excess Moisture Control and Mold – Owners Fact Sheet
- Pest Control Guidance for Occupants – Occupants Fact Sheet
- Pest Control Guidance for Owners – Owners Fact Sheet
Food Establishment Educational Resources
NHANES
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
WHAT IS NHANES?
NHANES is a health information source! It monitors the health and nutritional status of adults and children across the United States.
WHY IS NHANES UNIQUE?
The survey is unique in that it combines interviews and physical examinations.
- Determines the frequency of major diseases and risk factors for diseases
- Combines interviews and physical examinations of participants
- NHANES program began in 1960. Since 1999, the survey has examined about 5,000 people in 15 different counties across the country each year.
- Over 240,000 people have already participated.
WHAT ARE THE OVERALL BENEFITS OF NHANES?
- Results from local participants and persons across the nation will be combined to:
- Provide statistics that inform public health policy and services
- Identify risk factors for certain diseases
- Reduce problems associated with heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and much more
HOW IS DATA COLLECTED?
- Step 1: Complete a brief online questionnaire about the people living in your home to see if anyone is eligible to participate. This can also be done over the telephone or in person with our interviewer.
- Step 2: Home-based interviews with NHANES health representative by phone at a convenient time
- Step 3: Health exams in the mobile examination center. Your health exam is specific to you – based on your age and gender.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING?
- Participants will receive a FREE report of their health findings
- Tests are done FREE to participants.
- NHANES will reimburse participants for transportation and child/elder care.
- Participants receive a token of appreciation as a gift card for their time.
WHO IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN NHANES?
- Communities throughout Middlesex County will have residents taking part in the survey.
- Individual eligibility is decided by a set of questions administered by the NHANES during screening via online, phone, or in person questionnaire.
- Participation in the NHANES is by invitation only.
WHO DO I CALL WITH QUESTIONS?
For more information: WWW.CDC.GOV/NHANES
OR call: 1-855-958-0631
City Hall: Room 311
MaryAnn O’Connor
Director
Email: moconnor@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781) 393-2560
Jillian Hertig, RN, BSN, MPH
Supervising Public Health Nurse
Email: jhertig@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781) 393-2448
Rose Marie Mitrano
Principal Clerk
Email: rmitrano@medford-ma.gov
Janet Esposito
Junior Clerk
Email: bohadmin@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781) 393-2560
Fax: (781) 393-2562
Sophie Antoine
Health Equity Coordinator
Email: santoine@medford-ma.gov
Sophie Greenebaum
MVPHC Prevention Coordinator
Email: sgreenebaum@medford-ma.gov
Patrick Hogan
Animal Control/Animal Inspector
Email: phogan@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781) 393-2563
Alysia LaGambina
Social Worker
Email: alagambina@medford-ma.gov
Cell: (781) 654-5635
(preferred contact and also available to receive texts)
Office Phone: (781) 475-5646
Follow the Health Department on Instagram: @MedfordHealthDep