Somerville Health and Human Services Department

09/17/2021

After you’ve asked questions, been there for someone, kept them safe if needed, and connected them to resources, continue to follow up and check in to see how they are doing. This continues to increase feelings of connectedness for that person, plus there is evidence that suggests even small acts like sending a postcard, may reduce thoughts of su***de. ***deawareness

09/16/2021

Helping someone who is thinking about su***de explore and connect with ongoing supports and resources in their community can help to establish a consistent level of support for times of crisis as well as ongoing self-care. ***deawareness

09/15/2021

If you determined someone was thinking about su***de after asking, ask some more questions to help keep them safe. Does the person thinking about su***de have a plan? Do they have a timeline and/or access for their planned method? Answers to these questions will help to inform your next steps, such as call for emergency help. The Su***de Prevention Lifeline can always be used as a resource if you don’t know what to do. ***deawareness

09/14/2021

Being there for someone who is at risk for su***de whether this is being physically present, speaking to them via phone, exchanging text messages, or finding another creative way to “be there.” Increasing someone’s connectedness and sense of belonging is a protective factor against su***de. ***deawareness

09/13/2021

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness month and over the course of the month we will be sharing information and resources related to su***de. We hope to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and to ensure our friends, family, and community have access to resources they need to provide support and seek help. Please be mindful: the following content directly references su***de.

Asking questions in a nonjudgmental manner such as “Are you thinking about su***de?” and “How can I help?” tell somebody you are open to talking about su***de in a supportive way. Studies show that acknowledging and talking about su***de reduces the risk, though a common misconception is that it causes someone to think about it more.

***deawareness

08/31/2021

Check out these upcoming vaccine clinics! Please note that these clinics are for first and second doses only--anyone seeking a third dose should first consult with their health care provider, and if a third dose is indicated, can go to the CHA Vaccine Center (176 Somerville Ave): https://www.challiance.org/locations/somerville/cha-vaccination-centers

08/25/2021

In order to protect ourselves and those around us, masks are now required in indoor spaces. Keep up to date on the latest COVID information at www.somervillema.gov/covid.

The Somerville Board of Health (BOH) approved a face-covering mandate for all indoor public spaces at its August 19 meeting that is in effect as of Friday, August 20. The mandate applies to anyone two or older, and face coverings can be removed when people are actively eating or drinking. Masks shou...

08/20/2021

"Back-to-School" COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic!
Wednesday, August 25, 1:30-3:30pm
East Somerville Community School (50 Cross Street)

Walk-ins are welcome. The clinic is free, and open to all people 12 years or older, regardless of immigration status or health insurance. Identification is not required. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to ensure a faster process: https://home.color.com/vaccine/walk-up/somerville/city-of-somerville-city-hall-annex (language switch options available by clicking the "English" button at the top).

Pfizer will be available for all persons 12-17 years old. All minors must have parent/guardian permission. Permission forms are available here: https://www.mass.gov/lists/ma-consent-forms-for-people-under-18-years-of-age. All minors 12-15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 311 (617-666-3311).

08/20/2021

Public Indoor Face Covering Mandate in Place in Somerville

The Somerville Board of Health (BOH) approved a face-covering mandate for all indoor public spaces at its August 19 meeting that is in effect as of Friday, August 20. The mandate applies to anyone two or older, and face coverings can be removed when people are actively eating or drinking. Masks should have a snug fit and cover the nose and mouth (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html). The order can be read at https://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/COVID-19-Mask-Order-Proposed-8.21.pdf.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone in areas of high or substantial COVID-19 transmission wear face coverings when in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status. Currently, all Massachusetts counties have either high or substantial transmission.

08/17/2021

08/17/2021

Immigration Legal Clinic
Need a legal consultation about immigration?
Make an appointment for a free telephone
consultation with immigration lawyers from
Moreno Law.
Date:Wednesday, August 18 5pm-7pm
The clinic is limited to residents of Somerville.

08/09/2021

Safety Improvements Coming to Powder House Circle in August

- New intersection design aims for safer travel for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers

SOMERVILLE, MA – Improvements to Powder House Circle will be officially underway in mid-August as the City of Somerville makes a series of safety upgrades to benefit all road users. Powder House Circle is a high-crash intersection with an antiquated design. The City will convert the high-speed, chaotic rotary into a modern roundabout intersection using low-cost “quick-build” materials including pavement markings, signage, and flex posts.

Key design elements of the safety project include shortened crosswalks, relocated bus stops, and protected bike lanes. A single travel lane around the circle will reduce dangerous weaving behavior. The work will proceed as a quick-build project with no heavy construction, bringing immediate safety improvements to this intersection and allowing the City to plan more permanent changes like curb extensions and the addition of new green space. A full visual breakdown of the project can be viewed at somervillema.gov/PowderHouseCircle.

“This is Vision Zero in action,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, referring to the City's strategic plan to eliminate crashes that result in severe injuries and fatalities. “Our community asks us to take bold and proactive steps to reduce risk at locations like Powder House Circle. This new design will make the intersection safer and more predictable for all users. It will also address a major barrier for Somerville families who wish to walk or bike to our wonderful public schools.”

One of the key elements of the new configuration is that pedestrians no longer will be able to cut through the center of the rotary, which stops vehicle traffic and increases the potential for pedestrians to be struck by motorists seeking to navigate the circle. A safer, more efficient pedestrian passage around the outer rim of the circle will be created.

For drivers, the new design should enable a steady flow of traffic at reduced speeds, limiting the potential for collisions. Cyclists will have their own separate lanes leading into and around the circle.

“Somerville residents have advocated for a safer, slower Powder House Circle,” said City Mobility Division Director Brad Rawson. “Our staff are excited to implement the community’s vision, and we’re working hard to complete these changes in time for the start of school this fall. I want to thank our stakeholders who have been engaged in this project and other safe streets initiatives in Somerville.”