SEMA Public Health

01/23/2026

Due to extreme weather, PAACA will be OPEN OVER NIGHT on SUNDAY 1/25 starting at 12 PM and ending MONDAY 1/26 at 8 AM when we open for regular hours. This is not a shelter, but you can sit, have some food and coffee, and stay out of the cold. Please share!

01/22/2026

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1144 AM EST Thu Jan 22, 2026
..WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Potential for snow accumulations
between 6 and 12 inches, with localized accumulations over 12
inches possible.

* WHERE...Southern New England.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday evening.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road
conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday
morning and evening commutes. Travel during the Monday morning
commute is likely to be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. Travel Sunday afternoon
to Monday morning is likely to become very difficult. If travel is
absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for
sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and
the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

01/21/2026

Very cold temperatures are coming to Southeastern Massachusetts this weekend. Take time to think about outdoor activities and look out for others; Watch for these warning signs of hypothermia.

The weather forecast is calling for extreme cold this weekend. Now is the time to think ahead about what activities you have planned and how to stay safe while avoiding frostbite and hypothermia.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-cold-safety-tips

01/16/2026

We are thankful for our partners who help us make these trainings possible. More community classes coming soon!

Fairhaven Police Department
SEMA Public Health

01/16/2026

Acushnet Complete Streets Pop-Up Event

Join us at the Acushnet Public Library on Tuesday, January 27, from 2:30–7:00 PM for a drop-in pop-up event for the Acushnet Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. Stop by anytime to share your experiences and help shape the future of walking, biking, and driving in Acushnet. We want to hear where it feels uncomfortable or challenging to get around. We’ll have maps to mark up, visual preference surveys, and other fun ways to gather your feedback. Come for a few minutes or stay longer. Can’t make it? No worries! You can stay up to date on project progress and take our online survey here: https://tinyurl.com/AcushnetCSPP We look forward to hearing from you!

01/13/2026

There are still several seats available in our free Narcan and Stop the Bleed community class this Thursday - To sign up, visit https://forms.office.com/g/cZLt6PXhmH

Free community class on Thursday 1/15 -- Learn how to save a life!

Sign up at: https://forms.office.com/g/cZLt6PXhmH
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
Free Community Class - Stop the Bleed and Narcan Training at the Fairhaven Council on Aging. Thursday, January 15 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Fairhaven Council on Aging 229 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven To register, scan QR on right side of photo or call 508-991-6199. Logos for Fairhaven Community Outreach, Fairhaven Police, and SEMA Public Health. Close-up photo of a hand holding Narcan, logo for Stop the Bleed.

01/07/2026

Flu activity is currently very high across Massachusetts. Here are some things you can do to stay healthy and prevent spreading it around:

🔹Get the flu vaccine
🔹Stay home when sick
🔹Wash hands frequently
🔹Cover coughs and sneezes
🔹Clean high-touch surfaces
🔹Eat nutritious meals
🔹Get good sleep
🔹Stay hydrated

The New Bedford Health Department has no-cost flu vaccines available. Contact us to schedule your vaccine appointment at 508-991-6199.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
Graphic of the state of Massachusetts showing influenza activity across different regions of the state. All regions have very high rates of flu activity as indicated by a dark red color.

01/07/2026

Vaccination remains one of the best defenses against severe respiratory illness. Stay informed on current virus activity in our community by visiting:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/respiratory-illness-reporting

01/02/2026

Learn how to respond to bleeding emergencies and opioid overdoses at our next Stop the Bleed and Narcan training on January 15th at the Fairhaven Senior Center with the Fairhaven Police Department.

This class is open to all adults in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet. To sign up, visit https://forms.office.com/g/cZLt6PXhmH or call us at 508-991-6199.

12/30/2025

Free community class on Thursday 1/15 -- Learn how to save a life!

Sign up at: https://forms.office.com/g/cZLt6PXhmH
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
Free Community Class - Stop the Bleed and Narcan Training at the Fairhaven Council on Aging. Thursday, January 15 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Fairhaven Council on Aging 229 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven To register, scan QR on right side of photo or call 508-991-6199. Logos for Fairhaven Community Outreach, Fairhaven Police, and SEMA Public Health. Close-up photo of a hand holding Narcan, logo for Stop the Bleed.

12/19/2025

12/18/2025

Happening now at the Fairhaven Recreation Center!