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Regional public-health network to provide services but has not yet posted a nurse, Hubbardston board hears
Summary
At its March 10 meeting the Hubbardston Board of Health heard that the regional public-health network (MPHN) will provide inspection support, clinic assistance and training, but had not yet onboarded a full-time public-health nurse to serve the 13 towns it covers; a nurse is expected at a future meeting.
The Hubbardston Board of Health was told March 10 that the Mid‑regional Public Health Network (MPHN) will supply on‑request services — including housing and food inspections, clinic support and specialty response teams — but had not yet posted a public‑health nurse to be based for the 13 towns it serves.
The chair said MPHN described its offering as “cafeteria‑style,” meaning towns can request specific supports when needed. The board heard MPHN plans to provide housing inspectors, lead and TB response teams, and help with paperwork that arises during investigations. The chair added that MPHN will cover a Mass Board of Health training for three board members.
Why it matters: Hubbardston and nearby small towns rely on state and regional partners for specialized investigations (lead, tuberculosis) and for clinical staffing during outbreaks. Board members said having an on‑site nurse matters for prompt, in‑person response rather than remote handling.
Board members pressed MPHN’s capacity: the chair said MPHN had not yet staffed a full‑time nurse for the region but expected one to be introduced at the next MPHN meeting. Members emphasized that one nurse may not be enough for 13 towns and urged MPHN to plan for additional nursing coverage.
MPHN’s role also spans clinics and mass‑vaccination support. The board discussed how Walgreens previously provided fall clinics (vaccines and nurses) at no cost to the town and that the pharmacy paid for vaccines; syringe costs were described as roughly $35 per box when the town runs clinics itself. The chair said MPHN will help coordinate clinics and training but that the town should continue to leverage partnerships such as Walgreens.
Board members also reviewed certification and recordkeeping expectations: attendees will file ICS/IC certificates and other workforce credentials in personnel records as required. The chair said state teams for lead and TB exist, but local certification and on‑site nursing presence are important for timely investigations.
Next steps: MPHN is expected to bring a nurse to a near‑term meeting for a meet‑and‑greet; the board will continue tracking staffing and training availability and will rely on MPHN for inspection and clinical backups when needed.
