Greetings from the Wellesley Health Department! 

This month brings some major changes ! First, the Health Department is wishing a fond farewell to one of our biggest champions, outgoing Board of Health Chair Shepard (Shep) Cohen. We offer a wholehearted thank you to Shep, both for his unending faith in the value of public health, and for his steadfast leadership and guidance during the 35 years he has been an elected member of our Board and the nearly 25 he served as Chair. Shep has been a fearless advocate for the health and well-being of everyone who lives and works in Wellesley and his guidance, especially these past few years, has been invaluable. 

As we say goodbye to one champion, we welcome another! The Health Department would like to introduce our newest Board member, Dr. Shira Doron. Dr. Doron is the Chief Infection Control Officer and Hospital Epidemiologist for Tufts Medical Center, and we are looking forward to having her knowledge and expertise strengthen the work of our Department. Dr. Doron joins current Board members Dr. Marcia Testa Simonson (newly elected Chair) and Linda Oliver Grape.  

As always, please reach out to us with questions or suggestions for how we can better serve you by emailing us at health@wellesleyma.gov. We love to hear from you! 

Don't forget to subscribe to receive future Newsflashes if you haven't already: https://www.wellesleyma.gov/list.aspx (be sure to scroll all the way down). 

Wellesley Health Department has two full time social workers on our staff: Joyce Saret, LICSW and Wanda Alvarez, LSW. 

They offer coordinated and personalized support for residents including, but not limited to accessing resources such as:

•    Housing, including concerns about eviction and/or inability to pay rent or  mortgage,

•   Finances-addressing chronic and/or one-time needs, 

•   Emergency assistance, 

•   Food insecurity-referrals to food pantry, SNAP applications, etc.,

•   Transportation support,

•   Referrals to health care, and

•   Referrals for mental health and/or substance use treatment.

In addition, our social workers provide town wide educational and prevention programming on topical issues impacting residents. Learn more about our social work team and resources here.

Environmental Health Division secures grant to improve food safety. Click here to read more!

COVID Rapid Tests Available at Health Department

The Health Department has free rapid tests available for residents. Tests are  placed directly inside the rear door of the Warren Building at 90 Washington St. and can be accessed during building hours: M-F, 8:00-4:00 unless otherwise noted. Additionally, residents may pick up tests directly from the Department by calling or emailing. See contact information below.