Boston Public Health Commission - Building a Healthy Boston

Birth control recall: If you use Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) Tablets or Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic), AND your pack lot number matches those listed here, use backup contraception such as condoms. There are no immediate health risks, but if you are using an affected pack you may be at risk for unplanned pregnancy. If you have any questions or believe your birth control is affected by the recall, please call your doctor immediately.

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Did you know? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head or body that changes the way the brain normally works. Most concussions do not result in loss of consciousness. If you think you have suffered a concussion, do not return to activity until you have been evaluated by a medical professional. Read about the signs and symptoms of a concussion here, but if in doubt, sit it out!

Learn more about the laws covering sports-related injuries here.

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Teens! It's not too early to start thinking about a summer job!

Mayor Menino and Boston Youth Fund invite you to apply for the BYF Summer Employment Program. Learn more here and apply here.

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Winter Safety Tips

With cold temperatures and winter weather on the way, Mayor Menino and the Boston Public Health Commission have some tips to keep you and your family safe and warm. Read more >>

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Report: Substance Abuse in Boston 2011

In Boston, Mayor Menino and BPHC have made the reduction of substance abuse a public health priority. Monitoring substance abuse patterns and abuse-related outcomes is essential to measuring the progress of the public health response to this priority. Substance Abuse in Boston 2011 provides a broad picture of alcohol and drug use among Boston residents, and Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Services in Boston describes substance abuse services available.

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High school students drinking fewer sugary beverages

Read a study finding that the Boston Public Schools' decision to restrict the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages in 2004 led Boston high school students to drink fewer sugary drinks.

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Department of Housing and Community Development Offers Money to Homeowners to Avoid Foreclosure

On June 20, the Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) made funding available to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. The funding program – the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) – will provide much-needed funds for homeowners who have lost their job or experienced an involuntary decline in income. Read More...

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