Marianne LaBarge City Councilor | Ward 6 | Northampton, MA

WARD 6

         CITY COUNCILOR

MARIANNE LABARGE
Text Box: For Immediate Release: April 3, 2025 Media Contact: Merridith O’Leary, Health Commissioner Northampton Health and Human Services 413-587-1214 It Starts Here! Northampton Department of Health and Human Services Celebrates National Public Health Week! Northampton, MA - April 7 - April 13 marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, and the theme for 2025 is “It Starts Here!” Public health begins with connection - feeling part of a community. The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites residents to participate in a full week of activities highlighting the vital public health services available in our city.  DHHS Event DHHS is kicking off the week in Pulaski Park on Monday April 7th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm with “Pizza In The Park” In the case of inclement weather, please check the DHHS webpage at www.northamptonma.gov/245/Health-Human-Services for updates. DHHS staff from the Division of Community Care (DCC), Hampshire HOPE, DART, Inspectors and Public Health Nurses will all be present to discuss essential services they provide, distribute Narcan and share resources related to treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Community members will also have the opportunity to provide input on future Narcan training and NaloxBox locations - DHHS wants to hear from you!,  Seed Starting Workshop  On Tuesday, April 8th from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, the Division of Community Care (DCC) community space (1 Roundhouse Plaza) will host a seed-starting workshop for  "Climate Action Starts Here" day. Grow Food Northampton will be tabling at the event, introducing residents to Farmers Market SNAP incentives, the free mobile market, and other various offerings they provide.  Free COVID Vaccine Clinic On Wednesday, April 9th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the DHHS public health nurses will be offering a free COVID Vaccine clinic for individuals who are immune compromised or 65+ in age at the DHHS Nurses Office (1 Roundhouse Plaza). Car Seat Inspections Rounding off the week, on Saturday, April 12th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm city health inspectors will provide car seat inspections at Smith Vocational High School (Lot A). Certified inspectors will ensure proper car seat installation and answer any safety-related questions.  Food Drive In addition to these events, DHHS is hosting a food drive throughout April to support the Northampton Survival Center, which has provided nutrition and other essential services to low-income families in Hampshire County for over 45 years. Donation boxes will be located at: Forbes Library, Lilly Library, Northampton Senior Center, YMCA, Northampton Athletic Club, DHHS main office.  A list of the most needed items is available at northamptonsurvival.org/donate/donatefood.  Public health plays a role in every aspect of our lives—from mental health support to safety response teams, food security to emergency preparedness, and harm reduction to vaccine access. This National Public Health Week, join Northampton DHHS to celebrate, learn, and support a healthier community. For questions about DHHS Public Health Week, contact Amy Cronin DiCaprio, Public Health Grant and Communication Specialist, at adicaprio@northamptonma.gov.     -- Office of Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra City of Northampton 210 Main Street, Room 12 Northampton MA 01060 413-587-1249 phone 413-587-1275 fax www.northamptonma.gov