Health

With the city averaging 365 new cases of COVID-19 per day over the past two weeks and the test positivity rate at 29.9 percent, booster shots remain critical, along with vaccines, masks, and social distancing. More than 55 percent of New Bedford residents are fully vaccinated, but only 19.5 percent …

Nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke every year in the United States, so what are the tell-tale signs we should look out for? We hear from Dr. Daniel Sacchetti, DO, Southcoast Health’s Stroke Director. Learn more about Dr. Sacchetti at www.southcoast.org/doctors/daniel-sacchetti-do/ and Southcoast Health’s stroke care at www.southcoast.org/services/brain-and-spine-treatment/stroke-care/. Here are …

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took two actions to expand the use of the antiviral drug Veklury (remdesivir) to certain non-hospitalized adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. This provides another treatment option to reduce the risk of hospitalization in high-risk patients. Previously, …

Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced an order was placed with iHealth to supply the state with 26 million rapid antigen tests over the next 3 months. The tests will be prioritized to support K-12 schools and childcare settings. The agreement allows for shipments of tests to arrive on a rolling …

Amid an aggressive surge in COVID-19 infections, Massachusetts is also grappling with the early months of what is shaping up to be an active season for the flu. Influenza-like illness activity reached the highest of four severity ratings in the week from Dec. 19 to Dec. 25, the most recent …

Take the First Step’ connects residents with specially trained quit coaches. The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the launch of Take the First Step, a campaign to help adults quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco or nicotine products. The campaign encourages residents considering quitting tobacco or nicotine …

Southcoast Health is pleased to announce the official opening of its new, state-of-the-art Patient Service Center, located on the Fairhaven campus. This advancement will gradually transition from numerous small, standalone call centers to one fully integrated Patient Service Center staffed by patient service advisors with specialized training and certification in …

There’s help for your mental health, and it’s way easier than you think. Whether you’re in a mental health crisis, just need someone to talk to or know someone who is struggling with mental health, there’s a team ready to help. Right here in New Bedford is the 24/7 Emergency …

Southcoast Health’s free online Osteoporosis and Bone Health Seminar is your opportunity to learn about osteoporosis testing, treatments, and the steps you can take now for better bone health. Join them on Wednesday, December 15th at 4:30pm, and learn more and have your questions answered with Southcoast Health’s Joan Wildenhain, …

Out of 20 cities and towns in Bristol County, New Bedford has the lowest rate of fully vaccinated people against Covid-19 with only 50% of the city’s population being fully vaccinated. The 50% rate is also one of the lowest (if not the lowest) vaccination rates of any city in …