Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Sep 6 at 5 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

September 6, 2023

The Board of Health will be conducting the Board of Health meeting at 355 East Central St,

Training room, 3rd floor at 5:00pm. The Public has the option of attending the meeting live at the Town Hall or dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance of June 7, 2023 draft meeting minutes

PUBLIC HEARING

● Tobacco Products and Smoking Regulation

NEW BUSINESS

● Impact Melanoma

● Food Summit

● Health Fair

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report (June, July, August)

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report (June, July, August)

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report (June, July, August)

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_09-06.23_-_google_docs.pdf

Note the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcmte meeting is also scheduled for the same date, time and room. Stay tuned, something for one of these meetings will likely change.

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Sep 6 at 5 PM

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a flu clinic at the Franklin Senior Center on September 28th, 2023 from 12 PM - 3 PM. 

Sign up for your flu shot today: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2023-franklin-senior-centerflu-clinic

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

What is the ONE question would you ask of each candidate for the Town of Franklin 2023 Election?

The candidates are in their final days to gather signatures for the November 2023 Biennial Town of Franklin Election. The nomination papers are due to the Town Clerk by September 6. 

It is now time for us (together) to prepare the set of interview questions. 

• Which one question would you ask of a Town Council candidate? School Committee candidate? etc...

Submit one question per elected position via the form below. 

Your email is required to avoid nefarious folks from interfering with this process. Your email will only be used (1) to verify the question if not completely understood, and (2) to ensure you get a copy of the final set of questions. 

Note: the question set would likely be similar to prior years. We would have 3-4 questions that would generally apply to all candidates and at least 1 (maybe 2) for specific positions. I want the question set short so we (the candidates and interviewers) can proceed efficiently, and concise to provide answers so Franklin voters can make an informed choice for each elected position.

Based upon feedback obtained after the last election, every effort will be made to provide interviews in all three formats (video, audio, and text transcript). The video interview would be recorded, audio extracted, and audio transcribed. This will require the coordination and willingness of the candidates to be available for this interview to be scheduled in time to turn it all around.

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The current listing of candidates as of Thursday, August 24 can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/nom_in_out_november_7_2023_11.pdf

The question set used for the candidates in 2021 -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, was notified this week that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has entered into a year lease with the Best Western Plus Executive Residency on Upper Union Street in Franklin to shelter incoming migrant families.  

 

“The Town, and its departments, will lead with compassion, support and assistance for families, as allowed by the state” Hellen said. “We are working with various Town departments to proactively organize a managed response and we will communicate more information as it becomes available.”

Massachusetts law requires cities and towns to find housing for migrants coming into the state under the right to shelter provision. No local approvals are required and, at this time, the Town does not have any specifics, such as how many migrants Franklin will host, where the migrants are coming from, and the composition of these individuals. 

The Town’s Public Health Director, Cathleen Liberty, will be coordinating these efforts in close collaboration with both the Healy Administration and the Town Administrator’s office.  As more information becomes available the Town will share it broadly and post it to the Health Department’s website at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department.

More than 80 communities throughout Massachusetts are working with the state to support more than 20,000 homeless families in crisis. Once the Town becomes aware of the particulars and understands the needs associated with helping individuals and families coming to Franklin, we will notify the community for support.

“At this time we are asking the community not to send donations until the Town has a better understanding of the needs” said Liberty. “We anticipate there will be a need for aid and we will work closely with local human services organizations and the community in the coming weeks to lend a helping hand to those requiring assistance” 

“Franklin is a welcoming community, and I have no doubt we will do whatever we can to accommodate and accept migrants with open arms and an open heart,” said Hellen. “It is my understanding that the Commonwealth will be providing meals, public health services, and transitional assistance. With that said, there will still be ongoing impacts and costs associated with hosting these families for Franklin and the Town will work with the state to help alleviate these costs.”

The Town is advising the public to not visit the Best Western hotel as there are no families currently housed there and there are no services present. 

Copy of press release ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view?usp=drive_link

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21

August 21 is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Nearly 200 people die every day in the U.S. from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like illegally made fentanyl. 

To learn more browse the resources below:

Fentanyl Facts

Fentanyl Test Trips: A Harm Reduction Strategy

Lifesaving Naloxone

What You Should Know About Xylazine

Stop Overdose Website

Know The Signs and Get Help for Opioid Addiction 

 

Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21

Town of Franklin, MA: Registration is open for a FREE Hands Only CPR class Aug 16 - 4 PM

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Mon, Jul 31, 2023:

The Franklin Health Department & @FranklinMAFire are teaming up to offer a FREE Hands Only CPR class on 8/16/2023 at 4pm.  

Spots are limited! This class is for educational purposes only & participants will not receive a CPR certification.

Sign up here: https://t.co/06KR0inYZc

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1686084196287086592

Town of Franklin, MA: Registration open for a FREE Hands Only CPR class Aug 16 - 4 PM

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

July is Group B Strep Awareness Month. 

Group B Strep can be transmitted during birth. Babies may have long-term problems, such as deafness and developmental disabilities, due to having GBS disease. 

Get tested & take preventive measures. Learn more: cdc.gov/groupbstrep

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

 

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

The sun is most intense at between 10am - 4pm. During this time make sure to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), cover up, avoid tanning beds, and stay in the shade. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. These three materials reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. 

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure 

 

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month

June is Men's Health Month! Men die an average of 5 years earlier than women. Many diseases that disproportionately impact men, like heart disease and cancer, are preventable through regular doctor's visits and healthy lifestyle choices. 

During Men's Health Month, men are encouraged to:

• Exercise
• Get screened
• Eat a healthy meal
• Get regular medical checkups
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress

Learn more: https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/mens-health

Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month

Board of Health hears of Shaw's/AFC sushi issue, completes review of tobacco regulations - 06/-7/23 (audio)

FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0

• Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday

• Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching

• Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening

The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23

--------------

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_060723_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/view?usp=drive_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

Meeting schedule reminders: Board of Health, Economic Development, & Town Council

5:00 PM - Board of Health Meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/town-of-franklin-board-of-health-agenda.html

5:45 PM - Economic Development Subcommittee meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/economic-development-subcommittee.html

7:00 PM - Town Council Meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for.html

Meeting schedule reminders: Board of Health, Economic Development, & Town Council

Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

June 7, 2023 - 5:00 PM

3rd floor Training room

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance of May 3, 2023 meeting minutes

OLD BUSINESS

● Discuss tobacco 2023 sales regulation restricting the sale of tobacco and

vape products

● Project locker MetroWest grant

● Fee for Bodyworks application discussion

NEW BUSINESS

● Recap of the Health fair held on May 24, 2023

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc includes remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/boh_agenda_06.07.2023.pdf

Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

Franklin: Weekly Wellness Update - Help prevent recreational water illnesses

It's health and safety swimming week! 

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) affect 10 million people annually. They are are often linked to swimming in pools, hot tubs/spas, water parks, and splash parks. RWI's include gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. 

Help prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) with the Steps of Healthy Swimming: http://go.usa.gov/cuV4W

Franklin: Weekly Wellness Update - Help prevent recreational water illnesses

Spring Health Fair at Library - May 24, from 3 PM to 6 PM

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM 

Join us for Local Vendors • Petting Zoo • Farm Stand • Refreshments • Health Services • Face Painting • Raffles & Give-a-ways • Kids Zone • Activities • Education for all ages • and More!

The Petting Zoo is by registration.  RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share with friends and neighbors

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEKt7sJjUDdK76sTeJYipGXLDqnkyOE5/view?usp=share_link

Spring Health Fair at Library - May 24, from 3 PM to 6 PM

Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update - Women's Health Week

It's Women's Health Week!

• Get regular checkups, including a yearly well-woman exam. Talk to a healthcare provider about any health concerns you have.
• Get active.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Prioritize your mental health and learn how to cope with stress.
• Practice healthy behaviors. Daily decisions influence your overall health.

More information Visit: https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/nwhw/index.html

A healthy balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - Melanoma Awareness Month

It's Melanoma Awareness Month. Schedule regular skin exams & if you see anything that looks suspicious, contact your doctor. 

Visit: cdc.gov/cancer/skin

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - Melanoma Awareness Month

Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM 

Join us for Local Vendors • Petting Zoo • Farm Stand • Refreshments • Health Services • Face Painting • Raffles & Give-a-ways • Kids Zone • Activities • Education for all ages • and More!

The Petting Zoo is by registration.  RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share with friends and neighbors

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEKt7sJjUDdK76sTeJYipGXLDqnkyOE5/view?usp=share_link

Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)

 FM #988 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 988 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. All three board members participated in person; Harris, Cochrane, & Chair Sweet. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Bridget Sweet opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve mins of Apr, second, passes 3-0

• Old business, tobacco sales regulations discussion on cap, currently at 32, permitted at 21 (?) Reduce, or maintain. No interest in reduction at ...

• This time. #boh0503 3 of the 22 are adult only, could have dual caps, i.e. one for full sales, one for adult only. Desire for more info on what the neighboring communities are doing. Qs on 3,13,16,17 for checklist. consensus on unified approach for fines

• Level of discretion at Health Dept Director action, should there be more of a graduation clause? i.e. first time one set amount, second more, third more, etc... #boh0502 re: consistency of enforcement shall does better than may

• Currently do not have a permit for catering, may consider for future. Discussion on food truck, trailer permit for year vs. time of event #boh0502 discussion on mobile, temporary vs catering, issue with catering going to another town, other local may not want

• Discussion on protocol for notification of fee change, hearing notification cost, combine tobacco and body works for one hearing #boh0502 health fair, 5/24 3-6 PM flyers being spread, on Weds at the Library

• Health inspection report, 14 inspects, 14 reinspection, Council meeting 4/12 - health nurse report, numbers better around for COVID and flu, vaccine recommendation has been updated #boh0502

• Fundraiser for Gaspar family 5/10 at George's. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 52 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting May 3, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-988-tof-board-of-health-mtg-05-03-23

--------------

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/boh_5.3.23_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8wbpzBkx6blhpAw3Di2eZ_eRZ5Gg_fz/view?usp=share_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - agenda for May 3, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance of April 5, 2023 meeting minutes

OLD BUSINESS

● Discuss tobacco 2023 sales regulation restricting the sale of tobacco and vape products  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sy9s8x8ajKGfifpMPxFDaXz2fpJ2LN6i/view?usp=share_link

NEW BUSINESS

● Review current permit options for food operations

● Fee for Bodyworks application discussion

● Discussion of Health fair on May 24, 2023

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc and remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_05.03.23.docx.pdf

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - agenda for May 3, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC

Based upon the FDA actions announced in this release, the CDC has updated their guidance as well.

"Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals. This action includes authorizing the current bivalent vaccines (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) to be used for all doses administered to individuals 6 months of age and older, including for an additional dose or doses for certain populations. The monovalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States."

Continue reading for the FDA details ->

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines

"Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to discuss these COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, and the associated implications and implementation. Although there was no vote at this meeting, ACIP members expressed their support for these recommendations."

Continue reading for the CDC details ->

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html

CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations