Citizens' Guide to State Services:
Health

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: 617-624-6000
TTY: 617-624 6001
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health

The department's areas of responsibility are to prevent disease and physical impairment and identify, investigate, and eliminate their causes; ensure the availability, accessibility, and quality of appropriate health services and provide those services when they are not available elsewhere. To instill and reinforce the responsibility of all individuals in the preservation of their own health and that of their fellow citizens; and to help foster a healthy society through health promotion and education.

This is done through the department’s seven bureaus of:

• Community Health and Prevention
• Environmental Health
• Family Health and Nutrition
• Health Care Safety and Quality
• Health Profession
• Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences
• Sustance Abuse Services
• many other divisions, offices and programs

Department of Public Health Helplines

AIDS/HIV: 617-983-6550
Cancer: 1-800-422-6237
Car Safety: 1-800-227-7233
Eastern Equine Encephalitis: 1-888-658-2850
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 (not DPH)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: 617-983-6550
Substance Abuse: 1-800-327-5050
Tuberculosis: 617-983-6550

UMass Extension Service

319 Stockbridge Hall
80 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: 413-545-4800
Fax: 413-545-6555
https://ag.umass.edu/extension-outreach

Outreach efforts from the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) and its outreach related units, UMass Extension and the UMass Water Resources Research Center, take many forms. They do, however, have a common goal, which is to educate and inform individuals, communities and businesses on topics of interest and concern, utilizing the academic resources of UMass Amherst and other sources. The forms may range from an in-depth series of workshops over many weeks, to a single twilight meeting on a Massachusetts farm, to a few pages of results from a soil test. UMass Amherst, UMass Extension and the Mass. Agricultural Experiment Station have been traditional places for farmers and green industry professionals in Massachusetts to find answers, assistance and information on new research and discoveries. As home to Extension and the Experiment Station, the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment provides a central portal to resources and services that you might find helpful as well as a way to get a sense of the research and educational outreach work being pursued by UMass Amherst faculty and staff associated with the Center and by our many collaborating and partner organizations. The Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is open to all young people ages 5 through 18 throughout the Commonwealth. It is part of a nationwide system connected to each land-grant institution of higher education and as such, has access to a wealth of resources and curriculum. In Massachusetts, 4-H is based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has offices in seven regions of the state. There are several regional offices; call, or visit their website for the nearest location.

Office of HIV/AIDS

Department of Public Health
Bureau of Infectious Disease
250 Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-983-6550
www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/hiv

The Office of HIV/AIDS assists in preventing the spread of the AIDS epidemic and the development of appropriate, cost - effective health and support services which will maintain patients in the least restrictive setting. The office also has informational brochures for local city and town clerks to distribute to all marriage license applicants. In addition, the office works with the governor's special AIDS education campaign targeting adolescents, called Project Prevention. This campaign involves training of several hundred teenagers to be peer educators in AIDS-related issues. The department contractually supports HIV counseling and testing sites statewide which provide services to individuals. Each site also offers psychosocial support services for individuals who test positive. These services are designed to help people adjust to the notification of their infection, to seek appropriate services, and to decrease behaviors which might put others at risk. For referral to a local counseling/testing site, call this office. As of 1/1/99, taxpayers may make a contribution to the AIDS prevention and research fund by means of a check off to indicate this on their state income tax form.

HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program

Department of Public Health
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6550
www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/hiv

The goal of the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program is to provide a comprehensive picture of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in order to support prevention and health service activities delivered by the Department of Public Health and a statewide system of health care and social service organizations. Epidemiologists are responsible for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of adult and pediatric HIV/AIDS case data. HIV/AIDS Surveillance data are disseminated widely throughout the Commonwealth; to governmental agencies, public and private providers, advocacy groups and consumers. The program distributes specialized and routine data reports. The program also works collaboratively with planning and policy groups, health care providers and other bureaus within the Department of Public Health, providing surveillance information and assisting with assessment of resource distribution and ongoing planning to ensure that the needs of people at risk for infection or infected with HIV are met.

Bureau of Substance Abuse Services

Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4609
Phone: 617-624-5111
Alcohol and Drugs Toll Free: 1-800-327-5050
TTY Toll Free: 1-800-720-3480
Gambling: 617-624-5012
www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-substance-addiction-services

The goal of the division is to provide a spectrum of treatment options for low-income individuals who would not otherwise receive treatment. Alcohol, drug and gambling treatment services and programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of different geographical areas and populations throughout the state. Particular emphasis is given to development of services designed to meet specialized needs of ethnic and linguistic minorities, high risk youth, women, the physically disabled, and individuals with a "dual diagnosis" of mental illness and substance abuse. The services include emergency treatment, residential services, ambulatory services, and prevention/early intervention programs. It licenses drug/alcoholism programs and facilities and purchases care from a statewide network of self-help and hospital agencies, provides training to enhance substance abuse treatment skills; as well as conducts needs assessments, research and evaluation studies.  The division also encourages statewide, regional, and local programs for the prevention and treatment of drug dependency through cooperation of interested public agencies and private organizations. In addition, Substance Abuse Services administers the driver alcohol re-education programs pursuant to MGL Ch. 90:24.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-727-5550
Toll Free: 1-800-392-6450 (within Massachusetts only)
TTY Toll Free: 1-800-392-6556 (within Massachusetts only)
Fax: 617-626-7685
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind provides the Commonwealth's share of the Supplemental Security Income program payment, under the aid to the blind category, to more than 4,500 eligible blind recipients each year by offering financial and medical assistance. It offers vocational rehabilitation, independent living social services, home care and respite assistance, radio reading programs, resource information, community systems advocacy, and residential and day services. The Commission provides after-school recreation and socialization programs for blind children, aged 7 to 12, in four geographic areas. The program provides emergency assistance to needy blind clients and burial assistance for families. In its vocational rehabilitation program, the Commission, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Jobs Council, identifies employment sectors with growth opportunities, targets training programs consistent with those sectors, and identifies employment opportunities for qualified blind applicants. In addition, the Commission for the Blind operates an electronic bulletin board service. This system provides thousands of job postings and downloadable files, hundreds of special interest groups and Internet E-Mail addresses for home computer users who have modems installed in their equipment. Bulletins are also provided to keep users informed on subjects that might require their immediate attention.

Regional Offices

888 Purchase Street, Suite 205
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508-993-6140
Toll Free: 1-800-989-4411

436 Dwight Street, Room 109
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413-781-1290
Toll Free: 1-800-332-2772

390 Main Street, Suite 620
Worcester, MA 01608-2111
Phone: 508-754-1148
Toll Free: 1-800-263-6944

Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences

Department of Public Health
William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institite
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6550
24/7 Emergency: 617-983-6800
www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/id

Within the bureau is found the Office of Integrated Surveillance and Informatics Services (ISIS) provides a single point of contact for infectious disease reporting in Massachusetts and is responsible for data collection and other surveillance activities for approximately 80 reportable diseases. ISIS's principal goal is to ensure the timely and accurate processing of critical infectious disease information in order for epidemiologists and nurses and the state and local health level to conduct public health investigations. ISIS monitors infectious disease information in the Commonwealth in order to identify infectious disease trends and guide policy decisions. ISIS provides oversight for surveillance and informatics initiatives that support the Bureaus epidemiological, and disease control and prevention efforts; these include MAVEN (Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network), the Commonwealth's web-based disease surveillance and case management system and electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) efforts.

Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention

Department of Public Health
William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institite
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6550
www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/std

The Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention has as its primary goals the reduction and prevention of the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infections. Critical to achieving this goal is the integration of the work of the Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), who are instrumental in preventing further transmission of STD's and HIV infection through their client education and partner notification activities, with a statewide network of Sexually Transmitted Disease clinics and private providers. A variety of population- and community-based educational activities further enhance the efforts of the Division and the community to promote healthful behaviors which reduce the burden of illness and prevent the spread of these infections.

Division of Epidemiology and Immunization

Department of Public Health
William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institite
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Eplidemiology Phone: 617-983-6550
Immunization Phone: 617-983-6800
www.mass.gov/dph/epi
www.mass.gov/immunization-program

Prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases is promoted through the distribution of all recommended age-appropriate vaccines without charge to all children and adolescents in the state, through monitoring of compliance with state laws requiring certain vaccinations, by distribution of educational materials and through investigation of cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. Direct assistance is provided to cities and towns for investigations of unusual or significant disease occurrences. Information is maintained to analyze trends in the frequency of infectious diseases.

▲ Top of page

Division of Global Populations and Infectious Disease, TB Program

Department of Public Health
William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institite
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6550
www.mass.gov/tuberculosis

Formerly the Division of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, this program seeks to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) through surveillance, education and clinical services delivered within a collaborative multiagency system. A wide spectrum of educational services coupled with a network of contracted tuberculosis clinics and multidisciplinary projects creates a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy. Provision of these services involves a cooperative working relationship with local boards of health and other community agencies, to ensure that needs are met and to build community capacity to respond to TB-related health issues.

Bureau of Community Health and Prevention

Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: 617-642-5070
www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-community-health-and-prevention

The Bureau of Community Health and Prevention oversees the following divisions: Division of Health Access; Division of Violence and Injury Prevention; Division of Prevention and Wellness; and the Office of Statistics and Evaluation.

Division of Health Access

Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: 617-624-5070
TTY: 617-624-5992
www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-community-health-and-prevention

The division administers the following programs: Adolescent Health and Youth Development; Sexual and Reproductive Health Program; Massachusetts Healthcare Workforce Center; School Based Health Centers and School Health Services as well as the offices of Rural Health; Oral Health and Primary Care Office.

Division of Violence and Injury Prevention

Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: 617-624-5528
24/7 Llamanos: 1-800-223-5001
www.mass.gov/dph/dvip

Violence and injury prevention programs are collaborative efforts among many programs in the Bureau of Community Health and Prevention. The goal is to develop and expand efforts to prevent child abuse, youth violence and suicide, Safe Spaces for Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) Youth, sexual assault, and domestic violence, and the Spanish Language Sexual Assault Hotline. There are many other programs and services available, please contact the division for further information.

▲ Top of page

Injury Prevention and Control Program

Division of Violence and Injury Prevention
Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: 617-994-9846
Massachusetts/R.I. Regional Poison Control Center Toll-Free:1-800-222-1222
www.mass.gov/dph/injury

The goals of the Injury Control and Prevention Program (IPCP) are to promote reduction in the incidence of residential, recreational, school, traffic, and intentional injuries among Massachusetts residents, and to improve emergency medical services for children. IPCP uses data from various statewide data sources to understand the incidence as well as risk and protective factors for injury in Massachusetts. Epidemiologists provide technical expertise in the analysis and interpretation of data, produce data bulletins and reports, and present data findings to audiences around the state. IPCP include: emergency care for injured children, falls and older adults, home safety for infants and young children, infant safe sleep and the prevention of sudden unexpected infant death, injury data resources, injury prevention for older adults, opioid overdose prevention, poison prevention, sports and recreation, sports related concussions and head injuries, transportation safety, traumatic brain injury (TBI), water safety, and weapon safety. The Massachusetts/Rhode Island Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention, a public-private partnership, located at the Boston Children's Hospital, operates a statewide, toll-free, twenty-four hour a day phone line for poisoning emergencies and poison information.

Division of Prevention and Wellness

Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: 617-624-5070
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bureau-of-community-health-and-prevention-directory#division-of-prevention-and-wellness-

The Division of Prevention and Wellness supports change that creates and sustains healthy environments where people live, work and play. The Division works to eliminate health disparities so that all Massachusetts residents reach their full potential. Areas of focus include: asthma prevention and control, chronic disease, community health workers, programs for healthy aging, healthy comprehensive cancer prevention and control program, diabetes prevention and control, heart disease and stroke prevention and control, healthy aging and disability unit, Mass in motion (nutrition and physical activity) and the women's health network to name a few, please contact the division for further information.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-740-1600
TTY: 617-740-1700
Toll Free: 1-800-882-1155 (within Massachusetts only)
TTY Toll Free: 1-800-530-7570
Videophone: 617 326 7546
Fax: 617-740-1810
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-commission-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the principal contact point for MA residents of all ages who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Among the special services provided are: statewide interpreter referral service, specialized bilingual case management and advocacy services, independent living training services, and peer support referrals. Serving in an advocacy capacity, the agency helps people get the services they need and assists agencies in making services communication accessible.

Regional Offices

Pittsfield 160 North Street, Suite 201
Pittsfield, MA 02101
Tel/TTY: 413-788-6427
Videophone: 413-347-4094

Plymouth 61 Industrial Park Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 617-740-1600
TTY: 617-740-1700
Toll Free: 1-800-882-1155
Toll Free TTY: 1-800-530-7570

Springfield 436 Dwight Street, Room 204
Springfield, MA 01103
Tel/TYY: 413-788-6427
Videophone: 413-301-0915

Westborough 167 Lyman Street, 2nd Floor
Westborough, MA 01581
Tel/TTY: 413-788-6427
Videophone: 508-762-1124

Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)

Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
Department of Public Health
67 Forest Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone: 617-753-7300
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-emergency-medical-services

The mission of the Office of Emergency Medical Services is to promote a statewide community-based emergency medical service system that reduces premature death and disability from acute illness or injury through the coordination of local and regional EMS resources. The office licenses, and receives complaints all ambulances that are based in or operate regularly within Massachusetts and also issues EMT certifications. OEMS also certifies trauma centers operating in Massachusetts. There are five regional offices, call or visit their website for the nearest location.

Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)

1 Ashburton Place, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-222-7750
Toll Free: 1-800-243-4636
www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-elder-affairs

Whereas the Commission on End of Life Care has been dissolved, people facing end of life decisions, and their caregivers, can find appropriate end of life and hospice care by contacting the EOEA and its affiliate Age Info for programs and services. Local Council on Aging offices may also have information and local services to offer.

Bureau of Environmental Health (BEH)

Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5757
TTY: 617-624-5286
www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-environmental-health

The Bureau of Environmental Health has a broad mission of protecting the public health from a variety of environmental exposures by confronting a complex set of health problems. It is also responsible for studying environmental carcinogens and their relationship to the incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases. It seeks to address diseases associated with individual behavior and lifestyle, e.g. lung cancer and heart disease, and diseases associated with exposure to environmental hazards, such as radiation and pesticides. The bureau responds to environmental health concerns and provides communities with epidemiologic and toxicological health assessments. The Bureau oversees the following programs: Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention; Community Assessment; Community Sanitation; Emergency Response/Indoor Air Quality; Environmental Epidemiology; Environmental Health Education; Environmental Toxicology; Food Protection and the Radiation Control Program.

▲ Top of page

Community Assesment Program

Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5757
TTY: 617-624-5286
www.mass.gov/dph/environmental_health

The Community Assessment Program was established in 1987 to provide a coordinated government response for citizens with regard to environmental health issues. The program's goals are to educate the public on the relationship of human health effects and the environment, keep an open line of communication between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and concerned citizens, and to perform efficient and appropriate preliminary analyses of reports of suspected elevations in disease occurrence and the potential relationship to the environment. The Community Assessment Program serves a trade function for the decision making process in the Center for Environmental Health.

Community Sanitation Program

Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5757
TTY: 617-624-5286
www.mass.gov/community-sanitation

The Community Sanitation Program is responsible for the prevention of avoidable death and morbidity through the enforcement of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 400.000-450.000 (Chapters I-VII), which include standards for housing, swimming pools, recreational camps for children, family-type campgrounds, bathing beaches, farm labor camps, and correctional settings. While local boards of health are responsible for conducting inspections of all residential housing, public and semi-public swimming pools, recreational camps for children, privately-owned family-type campgrounds, and public and semi-public bathing beaches in the state, the division conducts statutorily mandated inspections and certification of all public campgrounds, farm labor camps, and correctional facilities. It operates rodent control programs, nuisance abatement, and provides technical assistance to municipalities in their code enforcement efforts, as well as providing educational, consultation, and other enforcement services.

Regional Office

180 Beaman Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: 508-792-7880
TTY: 508-835-9796

Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition

Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-6060
TTY: 617-624-5992
www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/orgs/bureau-of-family-health-and-nutrition

The Bureau oversees the following divisions and programs: Pregnancy, Infancy, Early Childhood and Special Needs; Maternal and Child Health Block Grant; Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Nutrition and the Office of Data Translation.

Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs

Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-6060
Special Needs Community Support Line: 1-800-882-1435
www.mass.gov/health-transition-for-youth-young-adults-with-special-health-needs

The goal of the division is to reduce rates of infant mortality and low birthweight, to prevent health and developmental problems in infants and children, and to improve the long-term health outcomes in families by targeting services in the reproductive, childhood, and adolescent years. The division strives to reduce barriers to prenatal services, pediatric care and family planning services; and to provide primary care, and family support services to women of reproductive age, women who are pregnant, children and youth in a manner sensitive to individual needs and cultures. Its programs include: Early Intervention ; Safe Motherhood and Universal Newborn Hearing Screening. The division also plans, implements and evaluates public health programs for children with special health needs and their families. This role goes back to Title V of the Social Security Act, which established a system for states to provide care for children with special health care needs starting in 1935. Programs include case management of children with special health care needs, such as Pediactric Palliative Care Network, and the Special Medical Fund; which helps when it has been determined that public and private services are not available to the child. The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund is another financial assistance program for children with medical conditions not covered by private insurance, federal or state healthcare, or any other source. MassStart (Mass. Technology Assistance Resource Team) and MassCare (Mass. Community AIDS Resource Enhancement Program) are also family-oriented health programs,-while the Office on Health and Disability (OHD) seeks to improve the health and well-being of persons of all ages with disabilities in Massachusetts.

Nutrition Division

Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-6100
WIC Toll Free: 1-800-942-1007 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/orgs/nutrition-division-of-the-bureau-of-family-health-and-nutrition
www.mass.gov/women-infants-children-wic-nutrition-program

Within this division, the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, more commonly known by its acronym, WIC was designed to improve the nutritional content of the participants' diet, both while they are enrolled in the program and when they no longer receive WIC services. It provides access to nutritious foods via vouchers; nutrition education and counseling; and health care referrals to women, infants, and children less than five years of age who are at medical or nutritional risk. The Growth and Nutrition Program funds several clinics across the state to evaluate and treat children with Failure-to-Thrive. The program was established by the legislature to evaluate and treat children with severe under-nutrition, or failure-to-thrive, which results in both growth and social development delays. Services include home visitation, collaborative community-based outreach projects, provider training, research and advocacy.

▲ Top of page

Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program

Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 4th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Phone: 617-624-5900
www.mass.gov/dph/mtcp

The Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program is a statewide program composed of state, regional and local initiatives. MTCP emphasizes the prevention/cessation of tobacco use through programs and materials that address the reduction and prevention of youth smoking, workplace smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Organ Transplant Fund (OTF)

Division of Prevention and Wellness
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 4th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Phone: 617-994-9843
www.mass.gov/service-details/organ-transplant-fund

Formerly the Office of Organ Transplant Services (OTS) the Organ Transplant Fund, (OTF) was established to assist Massachusetts residents with the uninsured cost of their medically approved transplants and related expenses. OTF may be used for any medical, rehabilitation or other costs deemed necessary to maintaining the transplant recipient health and allograft function. The funds may be used for reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs or partial costs of: transplant related drugs, health insurance premiums, medical co-pays, and transportation to medical and post-operative appointments. OTF consists of donations made by taxpayers on their state income tax, or directly to the fund. Residents of the state are eligible for assistance with expenses not covered by insurance if they have received a functioning organ and have an Adjusted Gross Income of 300% of the federal poverty level or below. OTF shall not pay for items covered by government programs such as ESRD Program or Medicare, or by your public or private insurance.

Food Protection Program

Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6712
www.mass.gov/dph/fpp

The Massachusetts Food Protection Program, within Bureau of Environmental Health in the Department of Public Health, strives to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program accomplishes this objective by developing regulations, policies and interpretations; conducting routine inspections; conducting foodborne illness complaint investigations and responding to other food emergency incidents; participating in cooperative food safety inspection programs with other state, federal and local agencies; offering educational programs; and undertaking regulatory enforcement actions such as embargoes, administrative sanctions, and civil or criminal penalties.

Drug Control Program (DCP)

Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
Department of Public Health
239 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-973-0800
E-mail: dcp.dph@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/drug-control-program

The Drug Control Program promotes access to safe and effective pharmaceutical care services in Massachusetts and protects consumers against fraud, deception and unsafe practices in the distribution, handling and use of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The Program has statutory responsibility to set standards for the control of prescribing, dispensing and administration of pharmaceuticals by health care providers as well as distribution of pharmaceuticals by health care facilities (e.g. hospitals, clinics, long-term care) and other entities (e.g. manufacturers, distributors, community-based programs). The DCP undertakes initiatives to promote effective security and accountability measures and to prevent theft, tampering, misuse and abuse of drugs.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02211
V/TTY: 617-204-3600
Toll Free V/TTY: 1-800-245-6543 (within Massachusetts only)
Ombudsperson: 617-204-3603
E-mail: commissioner@mrc.state.ma.us www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission

The commission provides the following services for physically or mentally disabled persons with the goal of preventing institutionalization: vocational rehabilitation in the way of job placement, counseling, work evaluation, specialized training, adaptive technology, and other supplies for the disabled; employment services which provide training and support; independent living services with skills training, advocacy, community education, residential and technical assistance; homemaker/chore assistance; head injury rehabilitation services, housing, and day assistance; disability determination for SSI; medical evaluation; psychological and aptitude testing; physical restoration; and prosthetic devices. Call or visit their website for information on eligibility or to contact one of several regional offices.

INDEX

Massachusetts Network of Information Providers
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center
55 Lake Avenue North S3-301
Worcester, MA 01655
Toll Free: 1-800-642-0249 (within Massachusetts only)
Toll Free TTY: 1-800-764-0200 (within Massachusetts only)
www.disabilityinfo.org

The Massachusetts Network of Information Providers operates a free computerized resource service for people with disabilities, known as INDEX (Information on Disabilities Exchange). The project coordinates a network of several non-profit organizations that serve the disabled community to provide up-to-date information services and referrals. The network is linked to information centers across the state and provides immediate information on adult day care, skills training, summer camps, job and housing placement services, health-provider referrals and legal advice. Callers discuss their needs with an information specialist who will search the network for an appropriate service and get back to the caller as soon as possible.

Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1305
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-7440
Toll Free V/TTY: 1-800-322-2020 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/mod
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5

The Massachusetts Office on Disability was created in 1981 under M.G.L. Chapter 6 Section 185. The primary mission of the office is to ensure the full and equal participation of all people with disabilities in all aspects of life by working to advance legal rights, maximum opportunities, supportive services, accommodations and accessibility in a manner that fosters dignity and self-determination. It is the state advocacy agency that serves people with disabilities of all ages.

▲ Top of page

Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB)

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1310
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-0660
Fax: 617-727-0665
www.mass.gov/orgs/architectural-access-board

The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board is a regulatory agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Its legislative mandate states that it shall develop and enforce regulations designed to make public buildings accessible, functional, and safe for use by persons with disabilities. The regulations it enforces are designed to provide full and free use of buildings and facilities so that persons with disabilities may have the education, employment, living and recreational opportunities necessary to be as self-sufficient as possible and to assume full responsibilities as citizens. The authority of the AAB is triggered by any construction, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of a public building or facility, or a change in use of building from private to public. Both public and private buildings used by and open to the general public are regulated.

Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)

300 Granite Street, Suite 404
Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 617-727-6465
Toll Free V/TTY: 1-888-822-0350
www.mass.gov/orgs/disabled-persons-protection-commission

This independent commission is responsible for the protection of disabled adults in state care and in private settings, and for the investigation of abuse by caretakers in those settings. Its functions include receipt of mandated and voluntary reports of suspected abuse; investigation and/or monitoring of investigations of reports, including monitoring of criminal investigations which result from commission reports; insuring that disabled persons are protected and receive protective services with their consent, if needed; conducting investigations of problems relating to abuse in the state human services system; and enforcing the provisions of MGL Ch. 19C regarding the criminal penalties for failure to report and retaliation against reporters.

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
100 Hancock Street, Suite 201
Quincy, MA 02171
Phone: 617-770-7676
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-developmental-disabilities-council

This council, a federally-funded agency, is mandated to undertake systems-level planning and advocacy for better state government support and services to citizens with developmental disabilities. It identifies unmet needs, promotes better coordination of programs, serves as a permanent planning body, and plays a strong advocacy role to develop home, family, and community support programs.

MassRelay TTY and ASCII

Phone: 711
Toll Free English Toll Free: 1-800-720-3480
Toll Free Spanish: 1-866-930-9252
www.mass.gov/massrelay
Hours: 24/7

MassRelay is a free and confidential communication service for those who may be deaf, hard-of-hearing, late deafened, or speech disabled. Depending on the type of disability the relay services can be adjusted to suite most situations including relay using TTY, relay using voice carry over, using hearing carry over, and relay speech to speech. MassRelay services are provided in English and Spanish.

Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP)

Massachusetts State 911 Department
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
151 Campanelli Drive, Suite A
Middleboro, MA 02346
Voice/TTY Toll Free: 1-800-300-5658
www.mass.gov/Massachusetts-equipment-distribution-program-massedp
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00

The Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program offers a wide array of adaptive telephones to address the needs of those with a disability. Depending upon your income level, these telephones may come free or at a reduced cost.

Office of Statistics and Evaluation (OSE)

Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5418
www.mass.gov/dph/ose

The Office of Statistics and Evaluation (OSE) is a information center that provides statistics in the following areas: health needs assessment and surveillance projects; DPH data collection and program evaluation and health statistics interpretation. These services provide the Center for Community Health with the best available data on which to base programmatic and policy decisions for the health of Massachusetts residents. Data is also disseminated to the public, state and federal officials and the public health community. OSE maintains its commitment to providing superior services by continuously advancing our technical expertise and professional collaborations.

Department of Public Health Library System

www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/admin/library.html

The Department of Public Health Library System serves the educational and research needs of public health professionals, healthcare providers and citizens of the Commonwealth. The libraries' collection includes books and journals on public health, environmental health, medicine, laboratory sciences and archival material of the DPH. Borrowing terms vary according to material type and location; call for specific information or visit their website.

Library Locations

Canton Massachusetts Hospital School
3 Randolph Street
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: 781-828-2440

Jamaica Plain Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
170 Morton Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-971-3225

Jamaica Plain State Laboratory Institute
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6290

Tewksbury Tewksbury Hospital
365 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01878
Phone: 978-851-7321, ext. 2255

Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA)

501 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-701-8100
Toll Free: 1-800-888-2250
TTY: 617-988-3175
www.chiamass.gov/

The Center for Health Information and Analysis is an independent agency created by Chapter 224 of the Acts of 2012, “An Act Improving the Quality of Health Care and Reducing Costs through Increased Transparency, Efficiency and Innovation,” for the purposes of providing reliable information and meaningful analysis for those seeking to improve health care quality, affordability, access, and outcomes. CHIA’s duties include collecting, analyzing, and disseminating health care information to assist in the formulation of health care policy and in the provision and purchase of health care services; providing an analysis of health care spending trends as compared to the health care cost growth benchmark established by the Health Policy Commission; partnering with the General Court and other state agencies like the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health, the Health Policy Commission, the Office of Medicaid (MassHealth), and the Division of Insurance to collect and disseminate data concerning the cost, price, and functioning of the health care system in the Commonwealth and the health status of individuals; and reporting to consumers comparative health care cost and quality information through the consumer health information website.

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

Department of Public Health
150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125-3105
Phone: 617-740-2600
www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics

This registry is responsible for keeping the records of all births, deaths, and marriages that occur in Massachusetts. Certified copies of these records from 1926 to the present are available via mail or in person. Records from 1841-1925 are now on file with the Archives Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office. Also, local city and town clerks have records of events occurring in their communities prior to 1841, as well as since 1841. The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics also maintains an alphabetical index of divorces since 1952 in order to direct individuals to the proper probate court where the divorce was granted, for obtaining certified copies. The registry also notifies the Social Security Administration of all deaths and births so that Social Security checks can be terminated upon an individual's death and a Social Security card can be issued voluntarily to all newborns. All vital statistics are provided to the National Center for Health Statistics, which in turn utilizes the data to publish a national profile of population trends for the country. Public research hours are Monday, 2:00 pm to 430 pm, Tuesday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Thursday, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm and Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Access is restricted on records of people born out of wedlock after 1921. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are the only accepted forms of payment when ordering copies of records by phone.

Option: Birth, marriage, and death certificates are also available from the city or town Clerks' office where the event occurred (or applied from for marriage licenses).

▲ Top of page

Massachusetts Cancer Registry

Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5642
www.mass.gov/dph/mcr

The Cancer Registry has two primary purposes: to provide public information and statistical analyses of cancer incidence in Massachusetts communities and to serve as a resource for epidemiological investigations of cancer. It is responsible for the collection of all newly-diagnosed cases in the Commonwealth. This data base provides information for monitoring the impact of environmental and occupational hazards, as well as for the design and evaluation of cancer prevention and control programs. Each year, a report on cancer incidence and mortality is issued.  Special topical reports, such as "Cancer in Women," "Cancer in Men" and "Cancer in Children", are also done.  It also maintains an occupational lung disease registry.

Bureau of Hospitals

Department of Public Health
Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children
3 Randolph Street
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: 781-828-2440
www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-hospitals

This Bureau coordinates health services provided by the four Department of Public Health hospitals and the State Office of Pharmacy Services. The purpose of the hospitals is to serve patients whose problems, either because of financial constraints or special medical needs, are not adequately met by private hospitals. Services vary according to hospitals and include in-patient and out-patient care for adults and children, shelter for the homeless, rehabilitation of alcoholics, chronic disease rehabilitation, respite care, and programs for physically handicapped children. The State Office of Pharmacy Services provides comprehensive pharmacy services to public sector healthcare organizations in a cost effective manner

Regional Offices

Jamaica Plain Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
170 Morton Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-522-8110

Tewksbury State Office of Pharmacy Services
365 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876-1998
Phone: 978-858-2114

Tewksbury Tewksbury Hospital
365 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876-1998
Phone: 978-851-7321, ext. 2241

Westfield Western Massachusetts Hospital
91 East Mountain Road
Westfield , MA 01085
Phone: 413-562-4131
Fax: 413-562-7338

Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification

Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-753-8000
Nurses Aide Registry: 617-753-8144
www.mass.gov/dph/dhcq

This division will accept complaints made against any licensed hospital, school infirmary, hospital blood bank, laboratory, clinic, or birthing center, which is not meeting established standards. In addition, the division investigates complaints against health care facilities such as: Adult Day Care Programs, Ambulance Services, Ambulatory Surgical Clinics, Home Health Agencies, Hospice Care Hospitals, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Licensure and Medicare/Medicaid Certification, Long-Term Care Facilities, Mammography Facilities, and Outpatient Physical Therapy/Speech Pathology Services. The division also maintains a Nurse Aide Registry, which oversees training and competency evaluation programs, under federal statutes.

▲ Top of page

Advocacy Office / Complaint Unit

Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification
Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
24/7 Phone: 617-753-8150
24/7 Toll Free: 1-800-462-5540
www.mass.gov/dph/dhcq

Discrimination based on diagnostically-related group (DRG) classification of Medicare beneficiaries or any other criteria by acute care hospitals is prohibited by MGL Ch. 111: 51D. Discriminatory restrictions include those relating to admission, availability of services, treatment, transfer, or discharge of any patient because that person is a Medicare beneficiary. Medicare patients, if dissatisfied with their acute hospital discharge plans, may request the Advocacy Office to review the discharge plan; patients may not be discharged or incur liability for their continued hospital stay until the patient agrees with the plan or until the office has given its approval. It investigates complaints against health care facilities and provides the mechanism by which criminal action may be taken by the Attorney General. The division, in conjunction with the Attorney General's Office, also investigates all complaints of patient abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities.

Determination of Need Program

Division of Health Care Facility Liensure and Certification
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5690
www.mass.gov/determination-of-need-don

Massachusetts law requires that any person or governmental agency planning to make a substantial capital expenditure for construction of a health care facility, or for a substantial change in the services of any facility, must obtain a Certificate of Need from the Public Health Council. The staff of the Determination of Need Program evaluates proposals for certificates of need and makes recommendations to the Public Health Council. Input is received from taxpayer groups, health system agencies, and other governmental agencies before approval and issuance of the Request for Proposal.

Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences

Department of Public Health
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3515
Phone: 617-983-6200
www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-infectious-disease-and-laboratory-sciences

The Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences provides testing services of high quality, facilitate training of laboratory personnel in new testing technologies, promptly investigate and identify emerging disease outbreaks, and provide expertise to public and private organizations to improve health status. Its testing labs include: newborn screening diagnostic labs, infectious disease labs, drug laboratory, environmental labs. A nationwide system of state-based laboratories complements the clinical laboratory services included in clinical practice and supports prompt diagnosis of diseases, whether of epidemic proportion or rare disease events. These laboratories screen newborns for metabolic diseases; carry out toxicology assessments of blood lead levels and other environmental toxins in children and adults; diagnose sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia) and tuberculosis, for which partner notification is essential to ensure disease control; test for cholera, salmonella, shigella, E.coli and other infectious or food-borne diseases; monitor threats to the safety of water and food supplies; and are critical to identifying new and emerging problems.

William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute

Bureau of Laboratory Sciences
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6200
www.mass.gov/dph/bls

The William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute houses two bureaus whose mission is disease prevention and surveillance in Massachusetts. The Bureau of Laboratory Sciences provides diagnostic testing and vaccine production and the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control is responsible for infectious disease surveillance and control and vaccine distribution. The State Laboratory Institute tests for the following: Biologic Laboratories, Diagnostic Microbiology, Newborn Screening, Virology and Microbacteriology, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention, Drug Analysis, and Environmental Laboratories. The biologic laboratories manufacture and distribute vaccines and immune globulin products to physicians in the Commonwealth, free of charge; the diagnostic microbiology laboratory provides testing services for the examination of clinical specimens for infectious diseases; the newborn screening division tests all newborns for treatable metabolic diseases and disorders; the Virology/Microbacteriology Labs provide testing for HIV, TB, measles, Lyme Disease, etc.; and the environmental labs test for toxins, pesticides, etc. Of the many tests performed, a significant volume are to identify newborn diseases, TB, AIDS, rabies, encephalitis, Lyme Disease, influenza, foodborne illness, botulism, and lead poisoning. In addition to these public health functions, the State Lab also performs drug analysis for law enforcement agencies.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)

Bureau of Environmental Health Quality
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5757
Toll Free: 1-800-532-9571 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/orgs/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention-program

This office, whose goal is to eliminate lead poisoning among children under six years of age, formulates lead paint regulations and oversees their enforcement. The program screens children and ensures that children identified as having elevated lead levels receive prompt and effective medical intervention and decontamination of their residential environments. It seeks to educate the public on the pervasiveness and sources of poisoning, the need for safety hazard removal, and the importance and availability of screening and effective medical management. It also conducts epidemiological analyses of the population at risk in order to allocate resources. Testing for lead paint in housing is done by private inspection companies licensed by this office; however, some testing may be done in special circumstances by local boards of health and by this office. Certain low-risk removal of lead paint may be performed by homeowners. Call for more information.

Department of Mental Health (DMH)

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
25 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-8000
Toll Free: 1-800-221-0053 (within Massachusetts only)
TTY: 617-727-9842
E-mail: dmhinfo@massmail.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

This department provides services to an average of 22,000 citizens, both adults and adolescents, with long-term or serious mental illness for early and on-going treatment and does research into its causes. In this ongoing process, the DMH has expanded community-based programs while meeting continuing care needs of individuals in public psychiatric facilities. The department supervises all facilities for the mentally ill, including state hospitals, comprehensive centers and clinics, and half-way houses; county and municipal programs; and private facilities and services. Services include: emergency services on a 24-hour basis, in-patient residential and out-patient care, partial hospitalization for day and night care, consultation and educational assistance to community agencies and professional personnel, and employment opportunities for patients The Department of Mental Health retains responsibility for all adult and child/adolescent continuing or long-term care, including inpatient and an array of community-based services that promote independence, rehabilitation and recovery and prevent unnecessary hospitalization. In concert with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance, DMH has developed a single model of care to improve the treatment of individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Implementation is scheduled to begin this year with completion expected within five years. There are several regional offices; call or visit their website for the location nearest you.

Forensic Mental Health Services

Department of Mental Health
25 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-8094
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

This division oversees court clinics. These mental health clinics in courts provide psychiatric services to the courts. Referrals are made by judges, chief probation officers, and probation offices. The division also provides clinical services to prisoners and their families as an extension of community mental health programs within the prison system.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
500 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-5608
TTY: 617-624-7783
After Hours Emergency: 508-384-3114
E-mail: DDS.Info@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services

Massachusetts has a comprehensive system of specialized services and supports to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunities to live the way they choose. The Department is the state agency that manages and oversees this service system providing these specialized services and supports to approximately 32,000 adults with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities. The types of specialized services and supports include day supports, employment supports, residential supports, family supports, respite, and transportation. DDS provides these services through facilities and community-based state operated programs and by contracting with 235 private provider agencies. There are several regional offices; call or visit their website for the nearest location.

Office of Patient Protection

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
50 Milk Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Toll Free: 1-800-436-7757
Fax: 617-624-5046
Email: HPC-OPP@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-patient-protection

Chapter 224 of the Acts of 2012 moved the office from the Department of Public Health to the Executive Office of Administration and Finance where residents covered by a state carrier, insurer or HMO can find information regarding their rights to understanding their health coverage’s internal grievance procedures, as well as establishing a process for obtaining an independent external review where coverage is denied based upon a medical necessity determination. An insured individual who receives an adverse determination of an internal grievance has the right to an external review of a covered benefit within 45 days, and may obtain the necessary forms by calling this office or by accessing the department’s website for a form. To file a complaint, contact the Division of Insurance’s Bureau of Managed Care.

Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction

501 Boylston Street, Suite 5100
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-701-8271
www.betsylehmancenterma.gov

Also known as the Betsy Lehman Center, whose mission is improving patient safety and reducing medical errors through coordinating state agency initiatives, promoting ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors, coordinating state and federal patient safety programs, and promoting patient safety through educating both health care providers and patients.

Radiation Control Program (RCP)

Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
529 Main Street, Suite1M2A
Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: 617-242-3035
24/7 NIAT Emergency: 617-242-3453
www.mass.gov/radiation-control-program
Email: RadiationControl@state.ma.us

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Environmental Health’s Radiation Control Program protects the health and safety of the residents of the Commonwealth from the harmful effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. RCP staff addresses a range of issues associated with radioactive materials including the regulation of specific radioactive sources, x-ray technology, nuclear medicine, mammography, professional training and licensure for radiologic technologists, laser registration, and more. The Nuclear Incident Advisory Team (NIAT) routinely participates in exercises to evaluate emergency plans to address nuclear power plant events. RCP staff also work with other Bureau of Environmental Health Programs to carry out environmental monitoring activities and with local boards of health to regulate conditions related to the use of UV light in tanning facilities.

Refugee and Immigrant Health Program

William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute
Department of Public Health
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-6550
www.mass.gov/refugee-health

The Refugee and Immigrant Health Program’s goal is to improve the health in refugee and immigrant persons across the Commonwealth by promoting equitable public health services provided by both the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and by community based organizations statewide.