Catching up with Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty (audio)

FM #1279 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1279 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty  September 4, 2024. We had our conversation via the Zoom conference bridge.

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1279-franklin-ma-health-director-cathleen-liberty-09-04-24/

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Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Metacomet Health page -> https://www.metacometpha.org/

Health Dept Homeless Resource page -> 

https://sites.google.com/view/homeless-resources-services/home 

Sign up for Health alerts via Regroup -> https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup 

The Topic podcast ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/topic-podcast-links 

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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"

Healthcare Resources & Services

Boston Globe: "10 Mass. communities are at high risk for EEE. Here’s what to know about it."

"State officials said over the weekend that 10 Massachusetts communities were at high or critical risk for Eastern equine encephalitis, the mosquito-borne disease better known by its acronym EEE, and announced plans to spray parts of Worcester and Plymouth counties starting Tuesday evening to combat the threat."

Continue reading the article -> (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/26/metro/what-is-eee-and-what-are-the-symptoms/

EEE risk level by town (Franklin highlighted as "Low")

At the bottom of the article the Globe does get around to answering a key question:

"How can people protect themselves?

State DPH officials advise the public to avoid scheduling outdoor events from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

While outdoors, DPH says, it’s best to wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt and socks, even when the mercury climbs.

“This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin,” DPH says."

Continue reading the article -> (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/26/metro/what-is-eee-and-what-are-the-symptoms/

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Tue, Aug 06, 2024:

"Take note of these important steps to keep yourself safe from mosquitos this summer!"

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

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

Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District Commission

BOH Agenda - Norfolk County Mosquito Control Update

1:30 PM on Thursday July 22nd, 2021

1. Approval of the minutes of the June 24th, 2021 Commission Meeting
2. Budget Overview

a. Overview for end of FY 2021 / beginning of FY 2022

b. District website/IT update

3. Fieldwork Overview

a. Overview of 2021 year to date

b. Telematics review – battery situation

c. Tire recycling contract update

4. Surveillance/Virus update
5. Mosquito Control for the 21st Century Task Force update

The full agenda doc includes the Zoom info to join the meeting    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_-_norfolk_county_mosquito_control_0.pdf

Norfolk County Mosquito Control District Commission

MA News: (1) Prepare for mosquito and ticks (2) stable housing improves health for low income

"State public health officials on Thursday released a raft of summer safety recommendations for preventing tick and mosquito bites, as well as precautions to take in the water and in cars.

The tips came in a detailed statement from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, or DPH.

Regarding ticks, officials said the “the single most important thing” residents can do is check themselves for the blood-sucking insects once a day."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/03/metro/mass-health-officials-detail-summer-safety-tips-dealing-with-mosquito-bites-dangers-water/

Link to the DPH summer tips ->  https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-public-health-offers-summer-safety-guidance

‘It makes sense’: Stable housing improves health for low-income families, study finds

"Improving housing stability for low-income families in Boston, and assisting them in accessing social services, sharply reduced their health problems, a five-year study has found.

On Tuesday, the Boston Foundation released a report on the impact of Health Starts at Home, an initiative launched in 2015 with two nonprofits, Health Resources in Action and the Urban Institute. Its goal was to establish collaborations between housing services and health care providers to offer comprehensive support to families with children who were struggling to make rent and put food on the table.

“Part of the partnership between health care and housing is you have one person connecting the household to a whole range of services, whereas in the past you would have sent them to a housing specialist, and then someone who specialized in [food assistance] benefits, and then a different person doing a different thing,” said Soni Gupta, senior director of Neighborhoods and Housing for the Boston Foundation, New England’s largest community foundation. “It’s a kind of focus in service provision that we don’t typically fund at this level.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/03/metro/it-makes-sense-stable-housing-improves-health-low-income-families-study-finds/

The Boston Foundation report => https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/press-releases/2021/june/health-starts-at-home-evaluation-pr-20210601

FM #556 - Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 05/26/21 (audio)

FM #556 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 556 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty  May 26 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• COVID-19 and the relaxation of protocols

• Mosquitoes, ticks and other ‘normal’ Health items including Salmonella 

• New Health Dept. podcast coming

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d081316b-d574-43c2-b202-41f449658e66

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Health Dept. page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Article on Healthy Families and Flocks  https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/salmonella-baby-poultry.pdf

Norfolk County Mosquito District https://norfolkcountymosquito.org/

CDC article on salmonella outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-04-21/index.html

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

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"

 

Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 05/26/21 (audio)

FM #530 - Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 04/22/21 (audio)

FM #530 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 530 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on Apr 22, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• Earth Day
• COVID-19
• Mosquitoes, ticks
• Salmonella 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ec483124-d95c-44c1-b64c-80c4914a2fab

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• Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
• Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
• Article on Healthy Families and Flocks  https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/salmonella-baby-poultry.pdf
• Norfolk County Mosquito District https://norfolkcountymosquito.org/
• CDC article on salmonella outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-04-21/index.html

 

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

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 www.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"

Health Director Cathleen Liberty participating in a virtual School Committee meeting

FM #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)

FM #479 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 479 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Health Dept. were in the Municipal Building, the remainder, Committee, and public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes.

The meeting recording runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 3.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/daa307f2-99b6-468e-96b1-e6c3e7ea09af

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Agenda doc
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21_revised_0.pdf

Health Dept./Board of Health page   https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-board-of-health-meeting-mar-3.html
 

Quick Recap:

• Partnered with Housing Authority to schedule vaccine clinic for 3/5/21. Last clinic of this type anticipated due to DPH and supply restrictions
• COVID message covered by State/Federal funding
• House on Jordan Rd condemn to provide for legal recuse due to owner inaction since fire 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

 

FM #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)

Recap of the Board of Health meeting - Mar 3, 2021

Quick Recap:

• Partnered with Housing Authority to schedule vaccine clinic for 3/5/21. Last clinic of this type anticipated due to DPH and supply restrictions
• COVID message covered by State/Federal funding
• House on Jordan Rd condemn to provide for legal recuse due to owner inaction since fire

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh0303 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0303&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21_revised_0.pdf #boh0303
• #boh0303 Chair runs through the COVID protocol for the meeting.
• #boh0303 approval of minutes for Feb meeting, motion to approve, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
• #boh0303 partnering with Housing Authority to conduct vaccines for residents, delivered yesterday, scheduled for Friday 3/5 distribution. Last clinic (currently authorized) per DPH.
• Housing authority is handling the scheduling for the residents, using a roster template for MIIS entry. #boh0303 still a question on the 2nd dose possible for Apr 2. Do have backup lists to use the allocation. Staffing covered.
• Messaging covered by funding, billboard and signage, also social media piece on Town page with Cathleen http://bit.ly/BOHVac #boh0303
• #boh0303 mosquito update, yes, it is that time again targeting for Apr 5 aerial spray (weather dependent). House on Jordan Rd, no demo permit yet, State also involved. Looking to move forward with condemnation of building, wd set up for next step in due diligence, safety issue
• Propose to condemn property at 76 Jordan Road, so moved and seconded, passes 3-0 via roll call, Winter St property coming to market via foreclosure. #boh0303 reminder to members to complete the conflict of interest form.
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. #boh0303 that's all for this one. Economic development coming up at 5:45 PM Stay tuned. Town Council follows at 7 PM. Yup, a busy night!

Recap of the Board of Health meeting - Mar 3, 2021

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Mar 3, 2021

Board of Health 

Agenda - Mar 3, 2021 - 5:00 PM

AGENDA
1) Reading and Acceptance of February 3, 2021 meeting minutes

2) OLD BUSINESS

3) NEW BUSINESS

• COVID-19 Vaccine update
• COVID-19 Educational Messages
• New hire discussion
• Norfolk County Mosquito Control aerial applications Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

5) ADJOURNMENT 

Agenda doc with virtual meeting connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21.pdf

Health Director Cathleen Liberty presenting to the School Committee meeting 2/23/21

In the News: "second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"The state Department of Public Health is reporting the year’s second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis.

State health officials said a woman in her 60s was exposed to the EEE virus in Hampden County.

As a result, the EEE risk level in Wilbraham has been raised to “critical,” while the risk levels in Hampden and Monson have been raised to “high.” All three communities are in Hampden County.

In addition, the risk level in the Hampden County communities of Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Palmer and Springfield has been raised to “moderate.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/state-reports-second-human-case-of-eee?rssfeed=true

Listen to my conversation with Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty on mosquito and tick borne diseases  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html

For more about EEE in MA, check out the MA.gov page  https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts  and the risk map copied below  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#eee-risk-map-

EEE risk map

FM #326 Franklin (MA) Board of Health Mtg - 8/05/20 (audio)

 FM #326 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 326 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Aug 5, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and conducted the usual proposal for such remote meetings. She left the meeting just before it ended and ceded the role of Chair to the Vice-Chair Tim Cochrane.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyXqgKQK

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Meeting agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-8-5-20.pdf 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/board-of-health-recap-weds-aug-5-2020.html

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

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

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/

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"

FM #326 Franklin (MA) Board of Health Mtg - 8/05/20 (audio)

Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0805

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0805&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting. #boh0805
  
• Cathleen Liberty spending at least 6 hours per week on the school re-opening process providing guidance from the health perspective. #boh0805
• EDS drive through discussion, plan sounding good, process handbook best seen thus far, logistics to be worked; include Senior Center and Housing Auth in planning for this flu clinic. #boh0805
  
• Arbovirus report, DPH reports first human EEE case in Plymouth County, individual has recovered. Norfolk County mosquito control webpage has info on testing process. #boh0805 all applications now online for permits via ToF page
• BOH members sharing kudos for Cathleen, Ginny and Tyler for their efforts on everything along with COVID-19 #boh0805 intern generated survey, initial results showed depression widespread among Community. New survey got over 800 responses, not related to school process
• Food inspections found 3 problems, resulted in one establishment getting closed down (name not revealed - assumed a quick turn on issue) #boh0805 safe celebration document to be shared. 2 businesses were notified by MA DLS for non-compliance with COVID-19 violation
• Calls on RI about their status change per MA change, work exemption applies should be only point to point and not for recreational purposes. DPH will send spreadsheet to BoH for tracking on quarantine #boh0805 next meeting, Weds Sep 2. No citizen comments/questions
• Motion to adjourn, approved. Meeting ends. Catch you all next time #boh0805

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-aug-5.html

Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020