“Massachusetts Environmental Police Boat on scene assisting IFAW and Marblehead Harbormaster with a deceased 42′ Humpback Whale off Prescott Beach Marblehead.
The whale will be brought ashore for the IFAW team to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.”-Massachusetts Environmental Police.
Massachusetts Environmental Police photo.
“On Thursday, Hazmat Technicians from the New Bedford Fire Department took part in an Ammonia Emergency Response Training & Live-Release Drill in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
The training program consisted of classroom instruction and practical evolutions where the Hazmat Technicians practiced leak mitigation techniques with actual anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is used extensively within the City of New Bedford by the seafood industry for cold storage of seafood.
The NBFD extends its thanks to Transcaer, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the North Kingstown Fire Department for this excellent training opportunity.
The NBFD currently employs over twenty firefighters who are trained and certified to the Hazardous Materials Technician level.”-New Bedford Fire Department.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
New Bedford Fire Department photo.
Massachusetts has its first reported and confirmed case of the potentially deadly Powassan virus in Sharon. State officials are warning warns residents to take precautions against the tick-borne disease.
Mass.gov explains the virus,”Powassan virus causes a rare, but often serious disease, and is spread by the bite of tiny, infected black-legged (deer) ticks. There are two types of Powassan virus in the United States. One type is found in ticks that normally feed on woodchucks (groundhogs); the second type is carried by black-legged ticks, the same ticks that can also carry the germs that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis.”
Powassan virus is spread by the bite of an infected tick and can spread from the tick into a person after only a short time of attachment, so it’s crucial to check yourself frequently when walking, on hikes, gardening, etc. You may not notice symptoms since they take minimum of a week to manifest and in some cases, up to a month.
Symptoms/signs include confusion, fever, headache, loss of coordination, seizures, speech difficulties, vomiting, and weakness. In severe cases, one may experience encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. 10% of those who contract the severe form of the disease will die and survivors may have long-term health problems.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment once infected and one can only drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and get plenty of rest.
The CDC tracks cases and provides data and maps. You can visit their page and see current data here.
“โ ๏ธ ๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ ๏ธ
Do you have any expired or unused medications you want to get rid of? Look no further! This Saturday, April 27, the New Bedford Police Department will have a manned collection site set up in the parking lot of our headquarters (871 Rockdale Avenue) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Drug Enforcement Administration – DEA has coordinated the 26th nationwide one-day collaborative prescription drug-take-back initiative event. ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ. ๐๐จ ๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ซ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐.
Since 2010, this initiative has resulted in over 1.7 million pounds of pharmaceutical waste collected over twenty-five drug-take-back events in New England.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.
City of New Bedford Police Department photo.
โChief of Innovation and Policy Developmentโ Will Drive Technology and Policy Improvements for Better Municipal Services.
The City of New Bedford is creating a new position that will drive innovation and reforms across City government. The Chief of Innovation and Policy Development will be a senior-level position in City government that will identify and implement new technology and policies to improve the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of municipal services.
โOur residents deserve a City government that solves problems and delivers results,โ Mayor Jon Mitchell said. โWe can do more for them with the right tools, including proven technologies and up-to-date policies. The world is changing quickly, and the City of New Bedford wonโt be left trailing behind.โ
The Chief of Innovation and Policy Development will perform three core functions:
Drive improvement in the delivery of municipal services
โข Identify, develop, and implement high-impact innovations and new policies.
โข Manage projects that focus on service and business model innovation.
โข Explore best practices in other cities, facilitate their importation to New Bedford, and pursue and manage grants that support the process.
Build and grow innovation capabilities
โข Identify training needs for employees to ensure the effective utilization of new technologies and policies.
โข Redesign procedures and practices to deliver essential services in a timely and effective manner.
โข Facilitate the use of artificial intelligence applications to expand operational efficiency and problem-solving capabilities.
โข Track and report on innovation metrics and business impact on a regular basis.
Champion innovation
โข Promote a municipal innovation agenda to City employees and stakeholders, and invite their ideas and feedback.
โข Promote the City as a recognized innovation leader among municipalities nationally to build brand and better attract and retain talent.
โข Identify external relationships that may accelerate innovation and its practical implementation through public-private partnerships.
The Chief of Innovation and Policy Development will be a data-driven decision maker with experience in municipal finance and managing staff. Anyone interested in applying can visit https://mss.newbedford-ma.gov/mss/employmentopportunities/default.aspx.
“FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD, and WAREHAM, Mass. โ On April 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognized Southcoast Health for its public commitments to decarbonizing its operations and improving resilience in the face of climate change.
As part of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), HHS shared that Southcoast Health was one of more than 130 organizations that joined the White House-HHS Health Sector climate pledge, committing to align with the Biden administrationโs goal of reducing emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
โWe are so proud to be a part of this initiative, and being one of the initial organizations to sign the pledge two years ago was a natural step,โ said Phil Oliveira, Vice President Supply Chain Strategy & Logistics and Executive-level Sustainability Lead at Southcoast Health. โFor years, many of our efforts have been focused on reducing our environmental impact. Now that 2030 is only six years away, we are excited for the challenge to achieve our 50 percent carbon emission reduction pledge.โ
Since making this commitment, Southcoast Health is focusing on leading this conversation across the industry. By assessing the health systemโs emissions data, collaborating with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), and other healthcare systems, strategic sourcing partners and the community, their goal is to enable bigger thinking and inspire action towards a lower carbon footprint.
South Coast Health photo.</center?
A September 2021 consensus statement from more than 200 medical journals named climate change the number one threat to global public health. It exposes millions of people in the United States to harm every yearโwith disproportionate impacts on communities that are often already the victims of longstanding discriminationโthrough increases in extreme heat waves, wildfires, flooding, vector-borne diseases and other factors that worsen chronic health conditions. The healthcare sector also contributes to climate change itself, accounting for approximately 8.5 percent of U.S. domestic emissions.
In 2023, Southcoast Health quantified their emissions at 19,304 tons CO2e, a 15 percent reduction from their 2011 peak emissions of 22,761 tons CO2e.
Earlier this spring, Southcoast Health was recognized by OCCHE for their leadership in this area and Nicole Rosa, Director of Sustainability, Supply Chain Logistics and Program Management at Southcoast Health was asked to present as a mentor at the at the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity Catalytic Programโs break out session on March 14, 2024. Presenting at the event, she shared her experience evaluating projects against the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and expressed how the HHS pledge closely aligns with Southcoast Healthโs mission and values.
โSigning the climate pledge made so much sense for us,โ she said. โWe were already environmentally conscious, and felt it was a natural extension of our existing efforts. Our vision is to expand our partnerships with other organizations to limit the harm of climate change in our neighborhoods as well as the broader healthcare industry.โ
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, developed the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge to help focus industry response to climate challenges.
To date, 139 prominent health companies in the U.S. have signed the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge, including organizations representing 943 hospitals as well as leading health centers, suppliers, insurance companies, group purchasing organizations, pharmaceutical companies and more. Combined, this means that more than 1,180 federal and private sector hospitals have made such commitments, together representing more than 15 percent of U.S. hospitals.
To learn more about Southcoast Healthโs journey to a sustainable future visit www.southcoast.org/southcoast-health-sustainable-future/."-South Coast Health.
“Southcoast Health is pleased to announce the Heart and Vascular program at Charlton Memorial Hospital is the first practice in New England to perform an innovative procedure treating atrial fibrillation (AFib) with the PulseSelect Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) system.
โThis accomplishment is a credit to Southcoast Health, our providers and our patients,โ said Nitesh Sood, MD, Director of the Atrial Fibrillation Wellness Program at Southcoast Health Heart and Vascular. โGoing from participating in the study for this device three years ago, to performing the first case in New England is a big achievement. This technology offers us the ability to ablate cardiac tissue in areas where, in the past, we were limited with regard to the amount of energy we could deliver. This may help us in treating certain cases.โ
Southcoast Health was the first in New England, 12th in the United States and 16th in the world to complete this procedure, which was led by Dr. Sood.
This new technique features breakthrough ablation technology, pulsed field ablation (PFA) that directs pulsed electric fields to efficiently isolate the pulmonary veins for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Southcoast Health photo.
โIt is our goal to be at the forefront of technology and increase the repertoire of what we can offer our patients,โ said Ramin Davoudi, MD, Medical Director of Electrophysiology at Southcoast Health Heart and Vascular. โOur expert team at Charlton Memorial is dedicated to staying up to date with new techniques and technology to ensure we offer our patients a full spectrum of care.โ
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia. AFib occurs when the heartโs electrical system is not working correctly, potentially causing serious health problems, including stroke.
According to the CDC, a person experiencing AFib is five times more likely to experience a stroke than someone with a regular heart rhythm. It is believed that this condition causes one in seven strokes (CDC).
โWeโre really proud that we were the first in New England to offer this new technology, and this procedure exemplifies that we are a regional leader in all of cardiovascular care,โ said Peter Cohn, MD, Physician-in-Chief of Southcoast Health Heart and Vascular. โWe are committed to being on the forefront of cardiovascular services, bringing advanced treatment options you would normally only find in large cities to the people in our community.โ
To learn more about Southcoast Health Heart and Vascular click here.
Southcoast Health photo.
________________________________________________
About Southcoast Health
Founded in 1996, Southcoast Health serves communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region. The not-for-profit, charitable system includes three acute care hospitals โ Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Lukeโs in New Bedford (a Level II Trauma Center), and Tobey in Wareham, Massachusetts with a physician network of more than 675 providers.
The system has established more than 55 service locations across the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including six urgent care locations, a Visiting Nurse Association, the Southcoast Health Cancer Center, the regionโs only Level II Adult Trauma Center and numerous ancillary facilities.
Southcoast Health has been recognized consecutively for six years in a row as a Newsweekโs Worldโs Best Hospital from 2019-2024 and named a Maternity Care Access Hospital for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. The organization was recognized as the best place to work for the sixth consecutive year by Southcoast Media Groupโs community choice awards.
With upward of 7,500 employees, Southcoast Health is the largest employer in southeastern Massachusetts, and one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth, according to the Boston Business Journal. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org.“
“On April 28, 2024, at 1:00 PM there will be a Memorial Service of the 80th Anniversary of Exercise Tiger by the City of New Bedford. The Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Military Museum is a Co-Sponsor with the City. As President of the FT~FR Military Museum I am inviting everyone to attend.
The City of New Bedford Veteransโ Advisory Board will honor the 749 United States sailors and soldiers who lost their lives during the devastating April 28, 1944 attack on the United States military training operation, Exercise Tiger.
Exercise Tiger was a D-Day dry run that was ambushed by a German E-boat flotilla and resulted in Americaโs costliest incident of World War II, second only to Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack sank two American vessels and severely damaged a third. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Exercise Tiger.
The location is across the street from the FT~FR Military Museum, at 1000C Rodney French Blvd. New Bedford.
The Museum will be opening at 10:00 AM. After the service, the FT~FR Military Museum is inviting everyone to attend. The unveiling of the new Exercise Tiger exhibit and the 212th Field Artillery Mural at the FT~FR Military Museum.
Thank you,
Bill Niedzwiedz
President
Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Historical Assoc. Inc.”
Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Historical Assoc. Inc. photo.
“During the month of April, the 55th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory PVT Walter Goulart of New Bedford who was Killed in Action on October 17, 1918, during the opening of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, just one month before the end of the war.
Goulart was born in New Bedford to Azorean immigrants Antone and Frances (Perry) Goulart on February 1, 1895. He lived at 142 Fair Street and attended local New Bedford schools, later working in the New Bedford mills.
Some sources say that Goulart was inducted into the Army while others say he enlisted on September 20, 1917 at the age of 22. Goulart was first stationed at Fort Devens, MA and went on to receive his infantry training at Fort Gordon, GA. He was initially assigned to Company D of the 302nd Infantry, 76th Division until November 12, 1917 and was then transferred to the Machine Gun Company of the 327th Infantry, 82nd Division.
Empire Ford photo.
On April 29, 1918, PVT Goulart was sent overseas to France. He served in a series of battles with the Allied Forces including the following engagements: St. Mihiel; Marbache Defensive Sector (Lorraine) Aug. 6 – Aug. 17; Lucey Defensive Sector (Lorraine) Aug. 28 to Sept. 11, Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
According to a story published in the SouthCoastToday.com, โA German sniper shot and killed Goulart on Oct. 7, 19l8 near Chaฬtel Cheฬheฬry. He died in an important battle in the opening phase of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of World War Iโs final campaigns. The 327th Infantry was trying to retake the initiative after having slowed down in the face of strong German resistance. It took over the entire sector two days after he died.โ Sadly, Goulart died only a month before the end of the war.
According to Archives.gov, โThe Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest operation of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I, with over a million American soldiers participating. It was also the deadliest campaign in American history, resulting in over 26,000 soldiers being killed in action (KIA) and over 120,000 total casualties.โ
Walter Goulart became the first New Bedford serviceman of Portuguese descent to be killed in action during World War I. The article stated that other soldiers of Azorean descent had died earlier than he did, but they had died of disease while still in training camps.
Following Goulartโs death, the Portuguese-American community in New Bedford built a memorial in his honor named Goulart Square, located at Rivet and Bolton Streets. The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day on May 30, 1923 and then re-dedicated on May 26, 1997.
PVT Goulart was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice to his country.
Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.”
“Chief Richard Nighelli is pleased to announce that the Marion Police Department launched its body-worn camera program last week.
As of Friday, April 12, approximately 75% of Marion Police officers have undergone the requisite training to be able to wear and operate the cameras. All officers who have undergone the training are now wearing the body-worn cameras while on duty. The Department has set a deadline of May 1 for all sworn officers to be trained and wearing the cameras.
As part of the program, all sworn officers will be outfitted with a V700 LTE Body Camera, which will be affixed to the officerโs uniform to prevent it from detaching.
Marion Police Department photo.
All full-time Marion Police officers will be assigned a body-worn camera. Additional body-worn cameras will be available to part-time officers at the start of each shift. Officers will activate their body-worn cameras during routine calls for service, investigatory stops, traffic stops, foot and vehicle pursuits, emergency driving situations, situations that would gather evidence to enhance in prosecution, and in situations that the officer โ through training and experience โ believes itโs necessary and/or beneficial.
The Marion Police Departmentโs body-worn camera policy establishes guidelines for the proper use, management, storage and retrieval of video and audio data recorded by a body-worn camera during the program.
The purpose of the program is to continue to foster trust and positive community relationships by providing greater transparency. Along with greater transparency, body cameras can promote de-escalation, resolve citizen complaints and provide a valuable training tool.
Marion Police received two grants to support the program. The department was awarded $42,530 from the Healey-Driscoll Administration as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) Grant Program. The state awarded $3.6 million in grant funds to 52 local police departments to implement or expand body-worn camera programs across Massachusetts.
Additionally, the Marion Police Department requested 22 cameras and received a $38,063.50 grant from the Small, Rural, and Tribal Body-Worn Camera Program, a body-worn camera program designed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and Justice & Security Strategies. The program has awarded $7.1 million in grant funding to 265 small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies to support body-worn camera programs in the U.S.
โWe want to notify the Marion community that we have launched this program and soon all of our officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras,โ Chief Nighelli said. โOur hope is to promote transparency and further strengthen our relationship with our community members.โ
President Barack Obamaโs Task Force on 21st Century Policing placed a priority on body camera research and camera programs. The Task Forceโs final report indicated that officers wearing body cameras had โ87.5 percent fewer incidents of use of force and 59 percent fewer complaints than the officers not wearing the cameras.โ-Marion Police Department.