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

It’s Time to Get Winter Ready

It’s that unpredictable time of year on Cape Cod when the weather could go from 55 degrees and sunny to a snowy nor’easter in a matter of days. Don’t be […]

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Wicked Wellness: December is Handwashing Awareness Month!

The December 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 and […]

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Tips for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving

COVID-19, influenza, and RSV transmission and severity are currently at low/baseline levels. Influenza and RSV are starting to creep up. We expect viral respiratory illnesses to increase shortly after Thanksgiving, consistent with […]

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Did you Receive a Letter from Your Local Water Department Regarding Potential Lead in Your Water Lines? Here’s What You Should Know.

Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory has been receiving a high volume of phone calls from homeowners across the Commonwealth who recently received a letter from their local water department prompting […]

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A turkey wearing a shower cap sits in a bathtub surrounded by rubber ducks, with text reading "Turkeys Don't Do Baths. County logo in the upper right corner.

Cape Cod Holiday Guide: Turkey Safety Tips for Your Seasonal Feasts

As you prepare for a Cape Cod Thanksgiving or holiday feast, make sure your turkey is cooked safely to avoid foodborne illnesses. Learn the best practices for thawing, cooking, and storing leftovers. Skip the bath (yes, that means no washing your turkey!) and follow safe cooking temperatures to ensure a stress-free meal. From turkey temperature checks to handling leftovers, we’ve got you covered with simple tips that will keep your holiday feast safe and tasty. Read our full guide for all the turkey-safety secrets!

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Deceased Raccoon with Rabies Discovered in Eastham with Porcupine Quills in its Muzzle and Arm

November 21, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – On Sunday November 17, 2024, Wild Care staff in Eastham reported to USDA Wildlife Services the discovery of a dead raccoon on Smith Road […]

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Upcoming Meetings & Events

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