Public Health

Michael P. Hirsh, M.D., Medical Director
Soloe Dennis, M.S., M.E.P., Director

About Us

The City of Worcester Division of Public Health is the first nationally accredited health department in Massachusetts as well as the only multi-jurisdictional accredited health department in the country.

The Public Health Division is the lead agency of the Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA). The CMRPHA is a coalition of four municipalities (Towns of Grafton, Shrewsbury, and West Boylston and the City of Worcester) working cooperatively to create and sustain a viable, cost-effective, and labor-efficient regional public health alliance. Services offered include community health, environmental health, emergency preparedness, nursing and epidemiology.

Top Services

Board of Health

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Needle Safety & Disposal

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Regional Public Health Alliance

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Tobacco Sales

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City Officials Advise Precautions During Periods of Poor Air Quality

Throughout the summer and wildfire season, local air quality will be at risk of surpassing unhealthy levels. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has established an Air Quality Index (AQI) that measures concentrations of pollutants in the air based on public health standards.
Posted: Thursday 06/08/23

Fitness in the Parks to Launch June 5

The City’s annual summer program, Fitness in the Parks, will kick off Monday, June 5.
Posted: Friday 06/02/23

Movies on the Common Returns to Downtown Worcester for Summer 2023

The City of Worcester and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) are thrilled to announce the return of Movies on the Common, an exciting outdoor cinema experience in Downtown Worcester throughout the summer. With a diverse lineup of films and various themed nights, this year's series promises to bring joy, laughter, and family fun to the heart of Downtown Worcester.
Posted: Thursday 06/01/23

More Announcements...

Coronavirus Information

We are currently monitoring the Coronavirus situation and will provide further updates as needed. We encourage you to check out the following information from the State of Massachusetts and the CDC.

Fight the Bite - Mosquito Protection

Practice the 5 D's of mosquito protection during the months when mosquitoes are most active - Dress, DEET, Dusk, Dawn and Drain.

More Seasonal Information...

Programs & Initiatives

Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance
The regional health district provides a comprehensive array of services to partner municipalities through a single organization managed by Worcester's Division of Public Health.

Community Health Improvement Plan
The goal of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is to provide direction to the health department, health coalitions, hospitals, and other public health partners to best improve health in the Greater Worcester community.

Worcester REACH
The Division of Public Health is working on an exciting project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (CDC REACH) program. With an overarching goal of health equity for the Latino/Latinx community in Worcester, the REACH project values the community's experiences and expertise.