The vaccination clinic is open only to those APPROVED in Massachusetts' eligible groups. You do not have to be a patient at Lowell General Hospital or Circle Health.
At the Governor's press conference on 1/25/21, the Administration announced updates to plans for Phase Two of the Commonwealth's distribution plan. Individuals 75 years or older will now be the first priority group in Phase Two, and individuals 65 years and older have been moved into the second priority group, in addition to individuals with two comorbidities. Starting on February 1 individuals age 75 or older can be vaccinated. Vaccination sites can be found on the Commonwealth's map at http://www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap.
The Board of Health will inform the community as we are able to provide vaccinations but individuals looking to get vaccinated should take the following steps in pursuit of becoming vaccinated;
1. Please visit the State's website listed above to find out when you would be eligible for receiving the vaccine; the site is updated regularly.
2. Contact your primary care provider to inquire when they will be administering the vaccine.
3. Check with your local pharmacy, the large pharmacy chains to see when they will start to administer the vaccine.
4. Check large throughput sites (http://www.cic-health.com/vaccine). Eligibility for receiving the vaccine will be determined through the site.
The Board of Health is exploring options to be a partner in the State's vaccination program but it is important for citizens to reach out to the locations where they are normally vaccinated to stay informed of their options.
News/Events
NASHOBA Associated Boards of Health Flu Clinic 2021 Schedule
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health (“NABH”) will be holding their Annual Flu Clinic in Groton during the dates and times below.
- 65 years and older – Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at the Groton Public Library, Sibley Hall (2nd Floor) from 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- 65 years and older – Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 at the Groton Senior Center from 9am – 11am
- 19 years and older – Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at the Groton Public Library, Sibley Hall (2nd Floor) from 2:30pm – 5:30pm
- 19 years and older – Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 at the Groton Senior Center from 9am – 11am
- 6 months through 18 years old – Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at the Groton Public Library, Sibley Hall (2nd Floor) from 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Please see the full 2021 Flu Clinic Schedule for more information. Please note there is a blue registration link for each age category that you may click on within to register. Groton residents are welcomed to attend any NABH Flu Clinic, and should bring with them their Photo ID and insurance card(s).
Please check the NABH website for additional information or call the Community Health Nurse, Tamara Bedard, at 978-772-3335, ext. 340, with any questions.
Rabies Clinic
For a full schedule for surrounding areas please click HERE
Discount For Tick Testing 2019 Season
Information available HERE
Over the last few months there has been significant news coverage of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (aka “triple E” or EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) in Massachusetts. Many communities—including a few nearby—have reported mosquitoes testing positive for the virus. As of September 25th, 2019, 10 human cases of EEE and 9 cases of WNV have been reported and there have been 3 related deaths in the state. As a result, several Groton residents have contacted the Board of Health asking (in essence) what we are doing about this.
Please mark your calendars. Nashoba Associated Boards of Health to hold its annual rabies clinic:
EEE Information
Understanding the risk
The risk varies significantly by geography. As responsible adults we should base our response on evidence rather than other factors and avoid propagating a culture of irrational fear in our community. As of October 9th, 2019, Groton is designated a low risk area.
You can find a map of the risk by town here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-daily-update. You may need to scroll down a bit to see the map. There is a link on this page to a full screen version of the map, but this link changes as the map is updated. So, the most reliable way to make sure you are getting the latest map is to start at the link above.
You may be wondering how we know these risks? The state runs a program that tests mosquitoes, reports findings, and send alerts as appropriate to affected communities.
Protecting yourself and your family
The most effective protection against mosquito borne illness is a personal responsibility. The state’s web site offers proven guidance for minimizing risks: https://www.mass.gov/lists/mosquito-borne-disease-information-for-the-general-public
What about spraying?
Spraying is not a cure. It will not “solve” the problem or eliminate the risk. However, various mosquito control techniques (including spraying) can significantly reduce risks. Mosquito control efforts in Central Massachusetts are managed and run by the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP).
- Groton has been a member of the CMMCP in the past
- Due to state budgeting processes, towns are accepted into CMMCP once per year with a 3-year minimum commitment requirement
- In 2014, after a presentation on the health risks and observed historical data, town meeting voted against joining the CMMCP for 3 the year commitment period at a total cost of ~$219K
- As a result, Groton is not currently a member of CMMCP
For those wondering, there is no “we changed our mind and want to join right now” option. There is no way to leverage this program this year.
What about the future?
In the future if the residents decide to reconsider membership to the CMMCP a petition or Warrant Article for Town Meeting could be initiated through the Select Board for inclusion for next year.
About
The Board of Health performs on the local level many important duties relative to the protection of public health, the control of disease, the promotion of sanitary living conditions, and the protection of the environment from damage and pollution.Mandated duties include:
- health care and disease control
- enforcement of housing and dwelling codes
- monitoring of, and providing for, hazardous waste disposal
- monitoring the sanitary landfill
- enforcement of Title 5 (the State Environmental Code relative to septage and garbage)
- investigating nuisances which in the board’s opinion may be injurious to health
- enforcing MGL Chapter 2 of the State Sanitary Code involving food service establishments
- enforcing Title 5 of the State Environmental Code regarding safety and sanitation of pools and beaches
The Groton Board of Health is served by a paid, full-time office administrator with an office in the Town Hall.
Contact Information
Phone: (978) 448-1120
Fax: (978) 448-1113
Office: Town Hall, 173 Main St
Hours: M 8:00am – 7:00pm; T-TH 8:00am – 4:00pm; F 8:00am – 1:00pm
Selection: Elected
Term In Years: 3
Remuneration: None
Members
Evan Thackaberry
Term Start: 2021-09-21
Term End: 2022-05-17
Michelle Collette
Term Start: 2021-05-27
Term End: 2024-05-21
Robert J. Fleischer
Term Start: 2019-05-22
Term End: 2022-05-17
Board of Health Resources
TADS-Teenage Anxiety and Depression Solutions
Water Quality Testing Info For The Town Of Groton
Please be advised that homeowners are required to have a full water quality test done within six months but no less than 30 days prior to transfer of ownership. Please refer to Section 330-8 within the Town of Groton Well Regulations in addition to this Well Water Sampling Quality Testing handout which is provided to agents and homeowners in advance of a home closing for more information.
The water quality testing has to be done by a certified lab in MA. You may contact either Nashoba Analytical in Ayer, MA at (978) 391-4428, Skillings & Son (https://www.skillingsandsons.com/water-testing/) or New England Well & Pump Co., LLC (978) 732-4803
Board of Health Documents
-
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2021-04-10_id-12006.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-09-03_id-10661.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-08-05_id-10141.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-07-15_id-10120.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-07-01_id-10096.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-06-17_id-10037.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-06-03_id-9988.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-05-20_id-9953.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-05-07_id-9908.pdf
- Board_of_Health_approved_minutes_2019-04-01_id-9816.pdf
- Access additional meeting minutes and agendas at the Meeting Center
- Preventing_Mosquito_Bites.pdf
- Portable_Toilet_-_Temporary_Permit_Application.pdf
- NABH_2021_Flu_Clinic_Schedule.pdf
- Lyme_Disease_FAQ.pdf
- Board_of_Health_Fees.pdf
- 2021_Stable_License_and_Right_to_Farm_Notice.pdf
- 2021_NABH_Rabies_Clinic_Schedule.pdf
Licensed Trash Haulers
Waste Management:
124 Hartwell Street
W. Boylston, MA 01583
(800) 545-4560
Waste Not:
52 Hartwell Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
(978) 649-0641
GW Shaw and Son, Inc.:
124 Old Wilton Road
Greenville, NH 03048
(603) 878-4108
DPS Trash & Recycling:
286 Kemp Street
Dunstable, MA 01827
(978) 302-8982
Republic Services:
385 Dunstable Road
Tyngsboro, MA 01879
(800) 442-9006
