The Marion Board of Health met on Thursday, February 5 to go over new training standards for board members, Marion Sanitary Code changes, and various updates on town health initiatives.
The board began with discussions on new standards and training provisions regarding the Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community Act (SAPHE 2.0 Law). These new training courses are recommended by the Massachusetts Associates of Health Boards (MAHB), of which the Marion Board of Health is a member.
Public Health Director Lori A. Desmarais explained the new standards as well as various surveys required that must be completed by board members. She explained the SAPHE 2.0 programs would “be probably annually” and that she was informed, should the surveys not be completed, the town would be removed from the South Coast Collaborative Grant. She noted that the training program will be required for other grants as well.
Next, Chair Albin R. Johnson III brought forward discussions on possible changes to the Marion Sanitary Code, mainly § 4.180: Septic System Denitrification Regulation and § 8: Food Service. In order to amend the Marion Sanitary Code, the board would need to hold public hearings and open discussions on desired changes. The Public Hearing for changes to the code was tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 19.
The public health director then gave updates on various ongoing town health initiatives including the “Be Safe – Be Seen” high-visibility vest program, with police officers now possessing bags of the slogan-bearing vests in their cruisers for distribution. Desmarais stated that, due to the success and popularity of the program, she has received word that Mattapoisett may launch a similar initiative.
The town still has flu and Covid vaccines available, with the director noting influenza-like illness in the state is high and that the southeast region is very high. She did add, “I haven’t seen as many cases coming through – most of the cases that have come through haven’t had a flu vaccine this year, or the last couple years.”
Desmarais announced that on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 in the Marion Council on Aging, there will be a presentation by a USDA representative to go over the aerial oral-baiting program to fight against rabies in local wildlife.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, February 19.
Marion Board of Health
By Sam Bishop