New Bedford Health Department

09/15/2026

Your voice is your vote to tell the state what is needed in your community. Take the anonymous Community Health Equity Survey today at mass.gov/healthsurvey -- Available in 11 languages!

09/11/2026

In honor of Su***de Prevention Month, the DMH Southeast Area Board is sponsoring a virtual event, “Talk Saves Lives” on Friday, September 25 from 1-3 via Zoom.

Below is the link to register for the event as well as the QR Code on the flyer.

https://www.massdmh-learningcalendar.org/event-details-registration/talk-saves-lives-the-first-step-on-the-path-to-su***de-prevention-and-support

09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

In the United States, su***de is the:

-10th leading cause of death overall
-2nd leading cause of death in people age 10-34
-4th leading cause of death in people age 35-44

Be kind to others. You may never truly know what someone is going through.

If you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, drug or alcohol use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, call or text 988 - available 24/7/365.

We hope you will join us tonight at the su***de awareness event put on by the New Bedford Police Department, beginning at 6:30 PM at River's End Park.

09/03/2026

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk and which screening may be right for you.

Knowing your risks and having conversations about screenings can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Visit the American Cancer Society for more information about prostate cancer, screening and risk factors: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month graphic featuring a large light blue awareness ribbon on a navy blue background. Below are heart-shaped icons containing awareness ribbons and a logo for the New Bedford Health Department.

09/03/2026

Free baby safety class taught by our public health nurses next week in downtown New Bedford! Sign up at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/b0tXx6gMSz

09/03/2026

💜 Two important observances. One shared mission: hope, connection, and recovery.

This September, the New Bedford LEAD Outreach Team recognizes National Recovery Month and Su***de Prevention Month.

We honor those in recovery, those struggling in silence, the survivors, the families, and every person who continues to choose hope—even on the hardest days.

Mental health and substance use often intersect, and breaking stigma can save lives. Our message to our community is simple:

💜 It’s okay to ask for help.
💜 Recovery is possible.
💜 You are not alone.
💜 Your life and your story matter.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis and su***de prevention support.

The New Bedford LEAD Outreach Team will continue meeting people where they are—with compassion, connection, resources, and without judgment.

***dePreventionMonth

09/02/2026

The final beach water testing results are in for the 2026 summer season, and all beaches are open for swimming 🏊‍♀️

Sending a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to the NBHD Laboratory team for their hard work in processing hundreds of water samples this summer to make sure that New Bedford and the surrounding communities can enjoy their beaches safely!
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Beach Status September 1 - September 7
East Beach: Taber Park OPEN, Tower 1 OPEN, Tower 4 OPEN, O'Toole OPEN, Davy's Locker OPEN.
West Beach: Kids Beach OPEN, North 400 OPEN, South 400 OPEN, J Beach OPEN, Squid Beach OPEN. Last testing date: August 31, 2026.

Second image includes photos of Darlene, NBHD Laboratory Director and Alex, NBHD Laboratory Assistant with large yellow text at the top reading Thank you! with the New Bedford Health Department logo, all over a photograph of West Beach as the background.

08/31/2026

Take the Massachusetts Community Health Equity Survey at https://www.mass.gov/community-health-equity-survey

The New Bedford Health Department is encouraging residents to take the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Community Health Equity Survey. More details on our website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/new-bedford-health-department-encourages-residents-to-take-massachusetts-community-health-equity-survey/

08/28/2026

As we wrap up World Breast Feeding Month, we celebrate every feeding journey and the families behind them. All families deserve to feel supported in nourishing, connecting with and caring for their babies, this month, and year round.
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Logo for SEMA Public Health. Logo for the New Bedford Health Department. World Breast Feeding Month. Support caregivers, support babies. Person sitting comfortably on a chair holding a small baby closely in their arms. Published August, 2026.