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

Contract Epidemiologist Lea Hamner’s Work Highlighted for Essential Role in Local Community Health

Article from the Massachusetts Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) Newsletter Local epidemiologists play an essential role in safeguarding community health by identifying and addressing emerging health threats through data-driven actions. […]

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Quarterly Community Health E-Newsletter | Issue 2 | January 2025

Welcome to the second issue of our new and improved quarterly Community Health Newsletter! Our goal is to discuss important public health and environmental health issues impacting our region, while […]

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State Action for Public Health Excellence Passes in Massachusetts

In a significant stride towards enhancing public health in Massachusetts, the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE 2.0) initiative has successfully passed, setting a new standard for public health […]

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Winter Storm Preparedness: It Takes a Village

With the arrival of winter on Cape Cod, preparing for storms becomes a community effort. While personal preparedness is vital, the power of communication and connection with trusted friends, family, […]

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Safely.

As we transition into the winter season it is important to continue to be physically active. Physical activity helps maintain both physical and mental health. The cold snowy weather and shorter hours […]

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H5N1 Bird Flu: Understanding the Risk

Although highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (commonly known as the bird flu), has been a public health concern for years, recent developments have heightened media attention and public awareness. In […]

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Upcoming Meetings & Events

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