Working Together

...to promote a healthy Cape Cod community through disease prevention and control, health and safety education, environmental protection and emergency preparedness.

Welcome!

The Department of Health and Environment was established in 1926 to provide regional efficiencies throughout the 15 towns of Barnstable County, while supporting the autonomy of local boards of health. The Department provides a diversity of services that promote public health and environmental protection, from emergency planning, to monitoring of water, land, and air, to disease prevention, inspectional services, COVID-19 pandemic response, and even the practical application of providing loans for septic system repair and replacement. The physical and mental well-being of Barnstable County’s residents, alongside protection of our sensitive ecosystems, are our top priorities.


News

2025 Rabies Vaccination Clinics

The Cape Cod and Southeast MA Rabies Task Force would like to announce upcoming local rabies clinics and encourage everyone to have your animals vaccinated. Domestic pets have been identified […]

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Wicked Wellness: March is National Kidney Month!

The March 2025 issue of Wicked Wellness is here! This monthly flyer is inspired by relevant health awareness themes. Each edition discusses an important health topic, with helpful exercise tips […]

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WCAI’s Gilda Geist Interview with Commissioner Mark Forest and Lab Director Dan White

PFAS analysis now available at Cape Cod lab The state recently certified the Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory to test drinking water for the presence of PFAS, a group of chemicals that have […]

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Barnstable County Continues Legacy of Public Health Leadership with the Appointment of James G. Gardiner as Director of Health and Environment

March 11, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County proudly announces the appointment of James G. Gardiner as the new Director of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment (BCDHE). Mr. […]

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DNA Analysis of Rabies Positive Raccoon Found in Eastham in November Identified New York/Pennsylvania Border as Likely Origin

March 7, 2025 Dead Raccoon Discovered in Eastham On November 17, 2024, a dead raccoon was discovered on Smith Road in Eastham, near the entrance to the Wild Care facility. […]

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The Alternative: A Newsletter from the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Technology Center

Check out MASSTC’s most recent edition of their newsletter “The Alternative”!

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Upcoming Meetings & Events

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