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Natick Board of Health reviews Nicotine Free Generation survey results and announces spring public‑health events
Summary
Board members heard state survey results showing local support for Nicotine Free Generation policies and received department updates on hazardous‑waste day, a community health fair, marijuana facility changes, tick surveillance and an April 25 vape collection event.
At its April 6 meeting, the Town of Natick Board of Health heard results from a state survey on the Nicotine Free Generation (NFG) concept and received a series of Health Department updates on events and surveillance.
Catherine Sugarman and Elizabeth Chalfin presented survey findings and local breakdowns. Among respondents connected to Natick, 85% reported never having used a nicotine product (the same share statewide). Forty‑one percent of survey participants were affiliated with Natick Above The Influence (NATI), while 59% were not affiliated with NATI. Local respondents reported higher support for an NFG policy than the statewide average: 65% of Natick respondents said they would support an NFG policy (59% statewide), and 77% said they would strongly support NFG becoming state law (75% statewide). The presenters told the Board that 69% of Natick respondents had never heard of NFG policies (71% statewide) and that 65% of Natick respondents felt “excited to be part of the first Nicotine Free Generation” (compared with 55% statewide).
Board members discussed ways to solicit broader community feedback on NFG policy proposals.
The Health Department reported several upcoming and recent items: the 40th Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held May 2, 2026 (tickets available); a Community Health and Wellness Fair is scheduled for May 9 on the Natick Common; Bountiful Farms, the town’s only medical marijuana facility, has closed while four adult‑use marijuana facilities remain in operation; T‑Market indicated it will submit another variance request to maintain live molluscan shellfish tanks; mandatory training for summer camp operators was completed. Public health nurse updates noted that Alpha‑Gal — a tick‑borne condition — is now reportable to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health via Maven; the department has ordered tick‑removal wipes and kits and noted potential progress on a Lyme vaccine.
For youth and prevention outreach, Sugarman and Chalfin announced a vape collection on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the police station during a medication‑collection event; Natick Above The Influence students will promote the collection at Natick High School.
Board member updates were none; the Board set future meeting dates and adjourned unanimously.
