From the Lynn Public Health Department: The Lynn Public Health Department distributes a monthly newsletter with health-related information for the City of Lynn. For more information and questions you can call the Public Health Department at 781-598-4000 extension 6712.

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SEPTEMBER Health Theme: National Preparedness Month

September was National Preparedness Month! Whether natural or man-made, the purpose of this month is to take steps to be prepared and ready before disaster strikes. There are many easy and practical ways to prepare your family:

• Establish a source to receive information on emergency alerts and warnings
• Create a shelter plan
• Establish an evacuation route
• Create a communication plan with your family 
• Prepare an emergency preparedness kit 
• Assess the needs of specific family members in your household such as medication, dietary needs, medical equipment, etc.
• Document plans created so the household is aware 
• Practice your plan

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“Public health is an adventure between health for all and all for health!”

– Prachi Kerkar

 October Health Themes: Domestic Violence Awareness Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

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Upcoming Fall Vaccination Clinic

The Lynn Public Health Division, in collaboration with Stop & Shop Pharmacy will be hosting a fall vaccination clinic. Flu and COVID vaccine will be available. 

According to the CDC:

“Getting both vaccines at the same time if you are due for both is an option.”

“Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions.”

“Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu.”

“People can get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit if they are eligible, and if the timing for each vaccine is right”

Date: October 15, 2026
Time: 3pm – 7pm
Location: 3 City Hall Square, Community Health Resource Room (Room:108)

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Congratulations Damianny

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Transportation 

o help ensure that all City programs and services are accessible to residents and visitors with disabilities, the City of Lynn has retained KMA, LLC to conduct an accessibility assessment and develop a strategic accessibility plan.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person with a disability is defined as as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. Some examples of disabilities include, cancer, diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, HIV, autism, cerebral palsy, deafness or hearing loss, blindness or low vision, epilepsy, mobility disabilities such as those requiring the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane, intellectual disabilities, major depressive disorder, and traumatic brain injury.

Public input is an essential part of this effort. We would like to hear your ideas, experiences, and concerns regarding the accessibility of City programs, services, and facilities. Please take a few minutes to respond to this survey using the link below:

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click here for Public Health Internship OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in interning with us? We accept internship applications on a rolling basis. 

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SUD Grants and Opioid Working Group Updates

There are lots of exciting things happening with our Substance Use Disorder initiatives and grants! We are currently gearing up for our biannual Youth Health Survey, which will be distributed to public middle and high school students across Lynn.

These surveys provide valuable insight into the challenges and barriers young people are experiencing and help us identify opportunities to better support their needs and strengthen existing resources. We are also continuing our Teen Mental Health First Aid trainings.

Organizations that work with high school aged youth and are interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to Candice McClory at 781-598-4000, ext. 6940 for more information

Additionally, the City of Lynn’s Opioid Working Group (OWG) is accepting applications for funding through its Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Through this opportunity, the City of Lynn is making up to $100,000 available to support initiatives that supplement and strengthen resources for organizations serving Lynn residents affected by substance use disorder. The application deadline has been extended to October 19, 2026. We encourage eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity.

Additional Grant Updates

CHRP (Community Heat Resilience Project): The Lynn partners are finalizing the CHRP extension plan and budget allocation to support continued climate resilience and community health initiatives across Lynn. 

HEAL/MVP Grant: School and community partners are exploring next steps for building-related heat mitigation improvements following strong student engagement and stakeholder outreach efforts. 

Community Health Inclusion Initiative (CHII): Staff continue to advance inclusion planning through data collection, partner engagement, focus groups, and accessibility assessments to strengthen services for residents with disabilities.

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CALM Team Updates

Over the past few years, unarmed response has grown exponentially nationwide, with more than 100 communities across the United States implementing or developing unarmed response programs, compared with just six in 2020. The City of Lynn continues to advance unarmed, care-oriented approaches to enhance public safety and support the well-being of residents.z

The Lynn Calm Team continues to support the Lynn community through a care-oriented response to calls involving nonviolent conflicts, public health concerns, mental and behavioral health, and other community needs. Throughout September, the team responded to a wide range of calls, including assisting seniors, supporting families experiencing hardship related to changes in immigration status, and connecting residents experiencing housing insecurity with resources and support.

The team also participated in several community events to support Lynn residents as the community entered the back-to-school season. In addition, Calm hosted weekly community cleanup events in partnership with the Lynn Shelter Association. Team members rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside residents experiencing housing insecurity to help keep our city clean, safe, and welcoming. The cleanup effort was supported through RIZE Mosaic Grant funds.

Calm continues to respond to calls and foster a sense of safety through a compassionate, care-oriented presence throughout the community, including in city parks and other public spaces. Residents are encouraged to call Calm for support with non-emergency situations and community concerns.

📞 For help, call: 781-905-CALM (2256)
🌐 For more information: www.lynncalmteam.org

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Introducing Our New City Hall Fellow

Rosii Floreak recently joined the Public Health Division to focus on youth violence prevention. For the next two years, she will focus on bringing community leaders together to work on strategies to prevent violence and create opportunities that make the city safer for young people.

Read more about Rosii’s work in the Daily Item.

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Fall and Winter Resources

Fall is right around the corner!

Visit the link below to learn about respiratory viruses, keeping warm, and our upcoming flu vaccination clinics.

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MassHealth Members

Open enrollment for MassHealth starts on October 23rd and ends January 23rd. There have been some federal changes to the program that may affect some MassHealth members.