SEMA Public Health

11/15/2025

FOOD SAFETY ALERT: Infant Botulism linked to ByHeart Infant Formula.

Do not feed your infant ANY ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Stop use of all cans and single serve packets immediately. All products have been recalled.

Seek immediate medical care if your infant shows any of the following symptoms after consuming ByHeart formula: Poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expressions.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/index.html

11/07/2025

FREE laundry for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or facing challenges.
🗓 Every 3rd Wednesday and every 3rd Friday of the month
📍Location: Xpress Laundry 330 Hathaway Blvd, New Bedford
⏳Next dates: Wednesday 11/19 (9 AM - 12 PM) & Friday 11/21 (1 PM - 4 PM)
👕Free wash and dry (2 loads max) plus laundry supplies and toiletries while supplies last
This community resource is made possible by Xpress Laundry and Steppingstone Incorporated R.E.N.E.W. - Restoring Every Neighborhood's Empowerment & Worth. For more information, call Project FAIHR at 774-992-0655

FREE laundry for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or facing challenges.

🗓 Every 3rd Wednesday and every 3rd Friday of the month
📍Location: Xpress Laundry 330 Hathaway Blvd, New Bedford
⏳Next dates: Wednesday 11/19 (9 AM - 12 PM) & Friday 11/21 (1 PM - 4 PM)
👕Free wash and dry (2 loads max) plus laundry supplies and toiletries while supplies last

This community resource is made possible by Xpress Laundry and Steppingstone Incorporated R.E.N.E.W. - Restoring Every Neighborhood's Empowerment & Worth. For more information, call Project FAIHR at 774-992-0655
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION] The top of the flyer includes logos for Xpress Laundry and Steppingstone Incorporated, and a graphic of a white washing machine with colorful toiletries and laundry supplies on top of the machine. In front of the machine are baskets of colorful laundry.

11/05/2025

MASS 211 and Lyft are partnering to fill the gaps in transportation with Relief Rides, limited FREE rides supplied by Lyft to people in New Bedford and Fall River that meet specific eligibility requirements. To find out if you are eligible for a Relief Ride, dial 2-1-1 or 877-211-6277.

DO YOU NEED A RIDE? Mass 2-1-1 and Lyft have partnered to provide Relief Rides—limited, FREE transportation for those who meet specific eligibility requirements and have no other local resource available.

These rides are meant for critical non-emergency needs, including:
✅Food Access: Trips to food pantries, grocery shopping, or SNAP applications.
✅Employment: Short-term work transportation (up to 5 one-way or 3 round-trip rides).
✅Health & Medical: Non-emergency appointments, pharmacy trips, and mental health services.

This service is currently available to qualifying individuals in Fall River and New Bedford.

Rides can often be scheduled immediately or up to 48 hours in advance.

To check your eligibility, dial 2-1-1. Once you get the automated attendant, dial 28.

The phone line is available: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM.

11/04/2025

🎬 FREE Community Screening Event this Thursday!

📽️ "Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media"
This documentary examines the impact of social media on the mental health of young people.

🗓️ Thursday, November 6, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Greater New Bedford Regional Voc-Tech High School
1121 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA

🎤 Stay after the film for a special panel discussion featuring voices from the documentary.
🥨 Free snacks provided!
👶 Free childcare!
📺 Spanish subtitles and resources available!
🎟️ To register, visit: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...

11/03/2025

Local food assistance is available. Food pantry list in greater New Bedford, updated 10/31/25

10/31/2025

🎬 FREE Community Screening Event!

Join us for a powerful evening hosted by the New Bedford Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)!

📽️ "Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media"

This gripping documentary reveals the hidden dangers of social media and its impact on young users.

🗓️ Thursday, November 6, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Greater New Bedford Regional Voc-Tech High School
1121 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA

🎤 Stay after the film for a special panel discussion featuring voices from the documentary.
🥨 Free snacks provided!
👶 Free child care provided!

🎟️ Scan the QR code on the flyer to register or click here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Pjtnq8VX8U-kKTelCR_20NgkHCTddZ9HoZks2WDq_cpUQU5YNEtJRURBWElUU04wOEdWNEgyMlFVSi4u

Let’s come together to raise awareness and support our youth. 💬💙

10/28/2025

A food drive has been organized by the City's Department of Community Services that will remain ongoing through March 31, 2026.

Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at:
🔹City Hall Room 113 (Community Services)
🔹New Bedford Council on Aging (181 Hillman Street, Building 9 Entrance 1)
🔹Buttonwood Senior Center in Buttonwood Park

Food will be distributed to PACE, the New Bedford Housing Authority, and local food pantries.

For questions or more information, please call the New Bedford Office of Community Services at 508-979-1464.

10/28/2025

Starting Nov. 1, people who rely on SNAP benefits may experience a break in food assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. If you're age 60 or older, Coastline wants you to know that you may be eligible for a free lunch at any of the eight meal sites we serve.

Meals are served at 11:30 a.m. at each of these sites and is available Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted. Call 508-999-6400, Ext. 3 to reserve your meal at one of these sites:

Boa Vista Housing
134 South Second St., New Bedford

Buttonwood Senior Center
1 Oneida St., New Bedford

Tripp Towers Housing
12 Ruth St., New Bedford

Anderson Way Housing
2 Anderson Way, North Dartmouth

Dartmouth Senior Center
628 Dartmouth St., South Dartmouth

Fairhaven Senior Center
229 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven

Village Court Housing
1 Acushnet Road, Mattapoisett

Rochester Senior Center
(Tuesday-Friday only)
67 Dexter Lane, Rochester

This is a reliable option for a good meal and good company. See the flyer below for more details.

10/28/2025

SNAP Customers - keep a small balance (even just one cent) on your SNAP card going into November so you can still access your HIP benefits AND make sure you use your October HIP benefits this week so you don't lose them.
The Massachusetts Health Incentives Program (HIP) puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors.

Visit DTA's HIP Finder tool to find a HIP vendor near you: https://dtafinder.dtadash.ehs.mass.gov/

For more information about the HIP program, visit mass.gov/massachusetts-hip-gives-you-money-back-when-you-use-your-snap-benefits-to-buy-healthy-local-fruits-and-vegetables-from-hip-farm-vendors?fbclid=IwY2xjawNtvKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFlY2JLY3pTOEFMZlBMbXdpAR5Vgu2IsKtwLMGROwVwbJ4iIPv2CRGK-YT27Yyh8wEoGyCNF3cpOaZQlRVu_A_aem_Y965QskdR-o9JpJi_L7npg