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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Emergency Winter Shelter to Open at Former RMV Site Downtown

City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Thursday the opening of an emergency winter shelter for single adults experiencing homelessness at the former Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Service Center located at 611 Main St. in Worcester.
Posted: Thursday 11/30/23

2024 Greater Worcester Community Health Assessment Published

The Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) – the lead agency of the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA) – in partnership with UMass Memorial Health, the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester, and Fallon Health this month published the 2024 Greater Worcester Regional Community Health Assessment (CHA).
Posted: Thursday 11/16/23

Dr. Robinson Named Director of Veterans Services

City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Joe Robinson as Director of Veterans Services within the Department of Health & Human Services.
Posted: Thursday 11/09/23

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.