Health Department/Board of Health
Questions for the health agent? Please e-mail Town of Holden Health Agent
The presence of local boards of health in towns and cities across the state allows for a more grass roots effort in overseeing the public health in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While many of the laws and regulations the Board of Health enforces are determined by the State, the Board also has the ability to develop regulations and take actions that they deem are uniquely beneficial to the health of the residents of Holden.
Holden is a member of the Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition (LRPHC), which provides the town and its Board of Health with public health recommendations and additional services, including community health, environmental health, emergency preparedness, nursing, and epidemiology.
The LRPHC is a coalition of eight municipalities (Towns of Barre, Brookfield, Hardwick, Holden, Leicester, North Brookfield and Oakham) working cooperatively to create and sustain a viable, cost-effective, and labor-efficient regional public health model. The regional health coalition provides a comprehensive array of services to partner municipalities through a single organization managed by the town of Leicester.
For more information about LRPHC, as well as the meeting agendas and minutes for the regional meetings please visit: https://www.leicesterma.org/230/Leicester-Regional-Public-Health-Coaliti
Town of Holden Expands Access to Naloxone, Announces Public Trainings and Listening Session
The Town of Holden has installed a NaloxBox in the outer lobby of the Public Safety Complex at 1370 Main Street, providing free, easy access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. The box is available during building hours, and anyone may take a kit—no questions asked.
TICK BORNE DISEASE REPORT
The Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition (LRPHC) has published its 2020–2025 Tick-borne Disease Report, which highlights local trends in Lyme disease, Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA), and Babesiosis across Central Massachusetts — including Holden.
The data show a steady increase in Lyme disease cases across the region, with infections most commonly occurring between April and October, though cases have been reported year-round. The report provides town-by-town case counts, prevention strategies, and public health recommendations based on current epidemiological trends.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take preventive measures such as:
- Performing daily tick checks after outdoor activities
- Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks to limit exposed skin
- Using EPA-approved tick repellents
- Consulting a doctor if symptoms such as rashes or flu-like illness appear after a tick bite
Read the full report here:
LRPHC Tick-borne Disease Report 2020–2025 (PDF)
This report was developed through collaborative efforts across the eight member towns of the LRPHC and aims to support education, early detection, and prevention of tick-borne illness in our communities.
For more information on tick prevention and safety, visit mass.gov/tick-borne-diseases.
Board Members
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Michael Mazloff | Chair |
| Michelle O'Rourke | Member |
Staff Contacts
Assistant Chief | ||
Health Director REHS/RS | ||
Senior Clerk |