If you missed The Chat with Jack Spillane and local leaders of food distribution programs, you can watch it here.
Category: Public health
Posted inPublic health
Bird flu kills Atlantic harbor seal at Buttonwood Park Zoo
Zoo officials say they believe Blue, a 21-year-old male seal, likely contracted the illness from a wild bird.
Posted inPublic health
New Bedford health center grapples with confusing Trump DEI orders
Although a restraining order keeps federal funds flowing to states for now, providers fear executive orders may threaten future health services for residents.
Posted inPublic health
South Coast farms take precautions amid bird flu outbreak
Hundreds of wild birds and dozens of domestic birds have been infected with the H5N1 virus in Massachusetts communities this winter, including some in Lakeville and Westport.
Posted inPublic health
Raccoon at Buttonwood Park tests positive for rabies
If community members encounter an animal that may be infected with rabies, they should keep a safe distance, and call New Bedford Animal Control.
Posted inPublic health
State raises the risk for West Nile virus in the South Coast
New Bedford, Dartmouth and Acushnet at “high” risk after a woman contracted the mosquito-borne disease in southern Bristol County last month.
Posted inPublic health
As COVID cases rise in New Bedford, doctors urge vaccines
“There’s every reason to get vaccinated, because a portion of patients do get quite ill with COVID.” — Dr. Dani Hackner, chief clinical officer for Southcoast Health
Posted inWorkplace Safety
Feds probe child labor issues in New Bedford seafood plants
Five children interviewed by The Light described stories of working long hours in contact with dangerous machinery and chemicals. Each was between the ages of 15 and 17. Each had recently immigrated to the United States from impoverished villages or small farms in the highlands of Guatemala.
Posted inClimate Change
Gov. Healey announces new strategies for rising sea levels
“We have some tough questions ahead — where will it be safe to build? How can we preserve our historical landmarks? What infrastructure will withstand ever worsening weather?” — Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper
Posted inPublic health
‘Half of our shelves are empty’: Hunger is rising on the South Coast, but pandemic emergency funds for food pantries are gone
About 66,000 people in Bristol County are turning to a food pantry for help per month, an increase of 23% from a year ago.