Board of Health gets update on successful coat drive & more in regular meeting (audio)

FM #1349 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1349 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Discussion on new oversight board and appointment of Director Liberty as representative. Motion made and approved 2-0

• Coat drive update: successful, collected over 600 new/used costs, distribution of 325 or so to families, some of the left over coats went to a church in Milford. Total among the distribution and collections, approx. 1,000 coats, etc. delivered to families who wanted them.

• 427 Oakland Park update, coordinated with Attny General; owners did start work with a contractor on the roof, letter/ notification of process is underway

• 147 Pleasant St septic exemption requested, relatively minor recommended, so moved, passes 2-0

• Health agent report, training done. Discussion on suspected food poisoning, investigation of incident from a confirmed case, hard to confirm exact cause/location. FDA had notifications recently on cucumbers for example. COVID tests still available via Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 33 current cases (folks actually getting tested)

• Monitoring continues on other cases that arise. Surge in cases due to home and holiday gatherings; Noro virus reports up Training for the school nurses conducted on communicable diseases, hands only CPR last month, participating in the Student Wellness committee, participated in Winter Wonderland at Senior Center

• No citizen comments

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Jan 8, 2025. Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1349-tof-board-of-health-mtg-01-08-25/

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/1-8-25_boh_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TLS4pouWCegoJ-PmqjCPItM3p_WbYgLF/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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 gets update on successful coat drive amongst other items (audio)

Board of Health gets update on housing condemnation in process, monthly report in short session (audio)

FM #1332 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1332 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the 2 members of the Board (1 absent, Sweet) and Health Dept members were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• The meeting audio quality improves considerably after the first minute

• Meeting schedule for 2025, motion to approve, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

• Oakland Pkwy condemnation discussion, unsanitary conditions, hole in roof, no working bathrooms, etc. House was placarded, owner/occupants refused to leave, multiple agencies worked with them to get them elsewhere. Fire occurred on 2nd floor, insurance provided a trailer. One permit was pulled but work has not yet been started or completed. Been over a year without movement by owner, visit being scheduled, could take track with the Attorney General's office to get movement to get a resolution. Will provide additional info next time. Hard situation as there has been lack of compliance in this case. Insurance money not being used for repairs.

• Moving on to Kerri, health agent covers report, (hard to hear via bridge) 6 re-inspections today.

• Alecia, health nurse report, only 10 COVID cases, test kits Available at Senior Center, is flu season but only 5 confirmed cases thus far. Food recalls, cucumbers (Sunset brand), Central Park terrace food pantry monthly, clinics, classes, etc. food board illness training for Tri-County; webinar and trainings continued.

• No citizen comments

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Dec 4, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1332-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-12-04-24/

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/december_4_2024_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mTuCZJasT2c3Ys4bAzwnGNiAwP-osNLS/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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 gets update on housing condemnation in process, monthly report in short session (audio)

Free COVID-19 Test Kits - Contact the Senior Center to arrange pick-up

The Franklin Senior Center has received more COVID-19 test kits. Please call to coordinate pick-up at the Franklin Senior Center!

Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Call us: 508-615-1341

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/free-covid-19-test-kits-0

Free COVID-19 Test Kits - Contact the Senior Center to arrange pick-up

How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers

How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers By Eunice Kim The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits.  When it opens in September (ed. it is open now), you can order up to four kits per household at COVIDTests.gov. All for free. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/how-order-free-covid-test-kits-federal-government-and-avoid-scammers? How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers

Free COVID-19 Test Kits!

Make  sure to grab some free COVID-19 Test Kits!

Please call the Franklin Senior Center to coordinate pick-up. Call 508-613-1341

Free COVID-19 Test Kits!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/free-covid-19-test-kits

Consider donating a blood sample for COVID research and earn some money

COVID research

Via MRN Diagnostics: 

Read all about our COVID-19 research collection and others like it at www.mrndx.com/clinicalollections to see how you may qualify.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C74i73Zq77p/

We talked with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis in October 2023 about the work his company (based here in Franklin) does. You can listen here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/take-part-in-mrn-clinical-trial-to.html

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here's how to get yours By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education Starting November 20, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Vaccines and what they do "reduce your risk of hospitalization and death"

"Rick from Maryland is among the many readers who expressed bewilderment about becoming infected despite vaccination. “My wife and I are both in our 80s with diabetes," he wrote. "We got the new vaccine as soon as it became available. Not even two weeks later, we both tested positive. We are fine other than for a stuffy nose, but we are wondering what happened. Some of our family members are against vaccines, and they are using our experience to explain why they are not getting vaccinated.”

Rick brings up an important point: We need to be clear about what the coronavirus vaccines do and what they don’t. As with every medical intervention, health-care providers must set expectations so that people don’t view anticipated outcomes — in this case, testing positive — as failures.

The most important reason to stay up-to-date on coronavirus vaccines (and the flu vaccine and RSV vaccine, for that matter) is to reduce your risk of hospitalization and death. On this front, the coronavirus vaccine has delivered consistently strong results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the bivalent vaccine reduced the chance of critical illness by 69 percent in the week to 59 days following the shot. The protection remained three to four months later, though it diminished to 46 percent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/10/12/covid-vaccine-booster-benefits-limitations-protection/

Vaccines and what they do "reduce your risk of hospitalization and death"

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here's how to get yours By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through COVIDtests.gov. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended

"NEW: Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended.

This means immunizations for all three major fall and winter respiratory viruses – COVID-19, flu, and RSV – are available.

Learn more at https://t.co/S2DQV6MlBv"

Shared from ->  https://t.co/Rc34cBzbq6

Updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children have just been authorized and recommended

Boston Globe: "Cold virus season is nearly upon us. Here’s what to know about new RSV, COVID, and flu shots"

"It’s almost time for seasonal viruses to return to the forefront of everyone’s minds. But, this year, there is good news: People will have more ways to protect themselves, thanks to new vaccines and injections for RSV, influenza, and COVID.

Here is what you need to know about the multiple shots doctors recommend this season."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/22/metro/covid-rsv-boosters-fall-2023/

A health care worker prepared to administer a vaccine. NATHALIA ANGARITA/BLOOMBERG CREATIVE

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID test kits available

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Sun, Jul 16, 2023:

Residents are reminded that the Franklin Health Department has COVID-19 self test kits available. Residents can call the Public Health Nurse at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. https://t.co/rLrMz5RuUZ 

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1680578209543225344

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID test kits available

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

New York Times: "For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over"

Seniors are increasingly left to protect themselves as the rest of the country abandons precautions: “Americans do not agree about the duty to protect others.”

In early December, Aldo Caretti developed a cough and, despite all his precautions, came up positive for Covid on a home test. It took his family a couple of days to persuade Mr. Caretti, never fond of doctors, to go to the emergency room. There, he was sent directly to the intensive care unit.

Mr. Caretti and his wife, Consiglia, both 85, lived quietly in a condo in Plano, Texas. “He liked to read and learn, in English and Italian,” said his son Vic Caretti, 49. “He absolutely adored his three grandchildren.”

Aldo Caretti had encountered some health setbacks last year, including a mild stroke and a serious bout of shingles, but “he recuperated from all that.”

COVID was different. Even on a ventilator, Mr. Caretti struggled to breathe. After 10 days, “he wasn’t getting better,” said Vic Caretti, who flew in from Salt Lake City. “His organs were starting to break down. They said, ‘He’s not going to make it.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/11/health/covid-pandemic-seniors.html

Eleanor Bravo of Corrales, N.M., lost her sister to Covid early in the pandemic, and two years passed before the family could gather for a memorial. “I had this inordinate fear that if I got Covid, I would die too,” she said.Credit...Adria Malcolm for The New York Times

Annual booster for COVID-19 proposed

"US health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.

This means Americans would no longer have to keep track of how many shots they’ve received or how many months it’s been since their last booster.

The proposal comes as boosters have become a hard sell. While more than 80% of the US population has had at least one vaccine dose, only 16% of those eligible have received the latest boosters authorized in August."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/23/nation/fda-lays-out-annual-covid-19-shot-plan-similar-flu/

COVID-19 vaccinations could become an annual affair. VEEJAY VILLAFRANCA/BLOOMBERG

Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents

Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents

The Franklin Health Department received more home COVID-19 self test kits from the state. Franklin residents can call the Public Health Nurse at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. 

Pick up hours are as follows...

• Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday: 8 AM - 6 PM
• Friday 8 AM - 1 PM

There is a limited supply! One test per household member, first come first serve.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/additional-covid-19-test-kits-available-franklin-residents

Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents

"significantly fewer people support requirements that children be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella than did just two years ago"

"Vaccine disinformationists have cherry-picked data to support their claims, failing to note that genetic connective tissue disorders are important risk factors for ascending aortic aneurysms (and in my husband’s case the most likely risk factor, as early genetic test results suggest).

When disinformation profiteers leverage tragedies like Grant’s and Mr. Hamlin’s for their personal gain, they re-traumatize families, compromising our ability to interpret information and distinguish truth from lies and putting all of us at risk. The results of allowing this to continue will be disastrous. Merchants of disinformation argue that vaccines killed my husband, but they’re also at least in part responsible for the return of polio to the United States and the fact that so many children in Ohio are suffering from measles right now. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that while most of the public still supports routine childhood vaccinations, significantly fewer people support requirements that children be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella than did just two years ago. In December, Congress repealed a Covid vaccine mandate for troops even though doing so threatens military readiness and puts our nation’s security at risk."

Continue reading the article online - (gifted article hence long URL)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/opinion/grant-wahl-celine-gounder-vaccine.html?unlocked_article_code=m2-kre8YItxU0muS6_jLsN-NNQqZ8ozQdQKP0IDPtam6WwTGfNzKAjkQn7_E7zIZ_1XruxpG7LghYON1oeYx3RqzJq02SpQwTEPUI-PEDxc7In7363SFTNpG4vI9jf2RQfQvNL7M0gx844SGh8Pul_sbljZw1Cp2cjsLOZbV-0fsYUwId34fLPtzYrOsNW5EjOwXJEfgP7s2cyCr2_tbMEeIM1FQsJv0A8f88hSIvjYnEfJzzuKVTMQu5AwzkDei7aGzWxganIwjxUj7rhPEMWV3lzbA6IN_M18GDBkBdlsoXqflP7iU5w86ZytvejhNCQcfPlMWyYAEea0xo2MOyup0-4yK4F3Xl-kh&smid=tw-share

Céline  Gounder & Grant Wahl (via Céline Gounder)

Board of Health reorganizes and approved Reflexology regulations (audio)

FM #909 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 909 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. All three board members participated, 2 in room, 1 remote (hence roll call votes). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on proposed reflexology regulations held as scheduled, regulations approved, to be effective in 30 days to allow for posting, communications, etc.

• Reorganization of committee resulted in B Sweet remaining as Chair, and T Cochrane taking role as Vice-Chair 

• Capture of food waste pilot program made another appearance on TV, is continuing to be expanded to other schools

• Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major

• Homeless data gathered for report to CHANA6 region (of which we are part)

• Development of new OPIOID dashboard almost complete, updates to COVID dashboard ongoing, new Flu dashboard also nearing competition status

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Jan 4, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-909-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-01-04-23

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-4-23_0.pdf 

Reflexology regulations as proposed

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/regulation_governing_the_practice_of_bodywork_draft_11-2-22.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y-9VCBjQzNIFo5couL4nsGDvTxRqRQz2/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 reorganizes and approved Reflexology regulations (audio)