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Where is the Newton Health Department's New Location?

The Health Department recently made a move from its building at 1294 Centre St.

Earlier this month, we asked readers what they think the city should do with the Health Department building at 1294 Centre Street, as the department was planning to vacate the building and move to a new location. But where is the new office located?  The city's Health & Human Services Department is now located in the Veterans Wing on the main (first) floor of Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave. To get to the Veterans Wing, go through the front door of City Hall and walk straight back, down the middle corridor. The Health Department will be located on the left.  The Health Department phone number (617-796-1420) will remain the same. As for the old Health Department building, a Joint Advisory Planning Group (JAPG) has done a study on …

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Newton Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions Against Flu; Vaccines Still Available

Like many communities, Newton has had a significant increase in flu cases this year (over last year), with more than 130 cases so far this season.

As the region continues to deal with a bad flu season, Newton health officials have offered a number of tips on how to stay healthy and where to get a flu vaccine locally.  For those who still need a flu shot, the city of Newton will partner with Newton-Wellesley Hospital to offer a free flu vaccination clinic next week at the Newton Free Library, according to a press release on the city's website . The clinic will be by appointment only. To schedule a time for the clinic next week, call the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Carefinder appointment line at 617-243-5900. The clinic is open to all and non-Newton residents may schedule appointments. "Vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu,” Health and Human Services Commissioner Dori Zaleznik…

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Two Newton Stores Fail Tobacco Compliance Check

Nine stores were tested in Newton, and two sold tobacco products to minors.

Two Newton convenience stores were recently fined after they failed a tobacco compliance check conducted by the city's Health & Human Services Department.  According to a press release issued by the Health & Human Services Department, 128 Gas, 8 Circumferential Highway, and Auburndale Discount Wine & Spirits, 2101 Commonwealth Ave., each sold tobacco to a customer under the age of 18. There were a total of nine stores checked in Newton, the press release said.  “Selling cigarettes to kids is a violation of our ordinances that we take very seriously,” Newton Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dori Zaleznik, MD, said in the press release. “We know how hard it is for anyone to quit smoking, and the best thing is never to start. We want…

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Household Sharps Disposal Day in Newton This Saturday

Have syringes lying around? Bring them to the Rumford Avenue depot on Saturday.

If you have any household syringes or needles in need of disposal, Saturday is the day to dispose of them. The city's Health & Human Services Department and Environmental Affairs will hold a household sharps disposal day this Sat., May 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rumford Avenue recycling depot. Newton residents can bring down syringes, needles and lancets in puncture-proof containers such as red medical waste containers or detergent bottles. The city asks the containers be nearly full, according to a flyer on the city's website. The collection will not accept loose sharps, prescription medication, pills or other medical waste. This drop-off is open to Newton residents only and proof of residency will be required to dispose of …

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