July 6, 2026
Public health work often happens behind the scenes. It is the blood pressure screening at a senior center, the food inspection that prevents illness, the vaccination clinic that protects families, the training that prepares staff for emergencies, and the partnerships that connect residents with critical resources. While these efforts may not always make headlines, they have a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our communities every day.
As we reflect on Fiscal Year 2026, the Middlesex-Essex Public Health Collaborative (MEPHC) is proud to share the progress we have made through regional collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to public health excellence.
MEPHC was established in 2023 through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) initiative and brings together the health departments of Andover, North Andover, Reading, North Reading, Lynnfield, and Haverhill. By sharing resources, expertise, and staffing, we strengthen local public health services while building a more resilient and equitable public health system across our region.
One of MEPHC’s primary goals is to increase the capacity of local health departments through shared services and workforce development. This year, our shared services team continued to expand support across all six communities through nursing services, environmental health services, training opportunities, and strategic planning initiatives.
Our regional approach allowed us to develop standardized tools and resources that improve consistency and efficiency across communities, including a Public Health Nurse Onboarding Toolkit, a tuberculosis case response guide, and updated standard operating procedures for environmental health staff.
Investing in workforce development remained a priority throughout FY26. MEPHC coordinated and supported numerous training opportunities for local public health professionals, including Youth Mental Health First Aid, Stop the Bleed certification, choking rescue training, food safety education, septic system training, and professional conferences. These efforts help ensure that our local public health workforce remains prepared to respond to both routine and emerging public health challenges.
Throughout FY26, MEPHC’s Shared Services Public Health Nurse provided clinical support, health education, disease surveillance assistance, and community outreach activities across the region.
This work included:
MEPHC also secured a regional CLIA waiver for cholesterol screenings, helping expand preventive health services available to community members.
By working collaboratively across municipal boundaries, we are able to provide more consistent and accessible public health services while maximizing local resources.
Environmental health remains a cornerstone of public health protection. During FY26, MEPHC’s shared environmental health staff provided inspectional services and technical support across participating communities.
Food safety inspections represented the majority of inspectional activity, while additional efforts included housing inspections, pool inspections, septic reviews, and plan reviews for food establishments. Shared inspectors also worked directly with operators to improve compliance and strengthen public health protections.
In addition to conducting inspections, MEPHC staff collaborated on policy development, onboarding procedures, and efforts to advance the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards. These initiatives help build stronger, more consistent environmental health programs throughout the region.
Public health is most effective when communities are informed, engaged, and connected to resources.
During FY26, MEPHC expanded its regional outreach efforts through health education events, social media campaigns, public service announcements, newsletters, and community partnerships. Educational programming focused on topics including maternal and child health, injury prevention, substance use prevention, medication management, nutrition, and healthy aging.
One of the year’s highlights was the inaugural Bump, Baby, & Beyond regional resource fair. This event connected more than 50 local families with 47 organizations and service providers, including healthcare organizations, community agencies, libraries, and early childhood support services. By offering free admission, educational resources, wellness items, and family-friendly activities, the event created meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and support.
The accomplishments highlighted in our FY26 Annual Report reflect the power of regional collaboration and the dedication of our local health departments, shared services staff, community partners, and residents.
As we look ahead to FY27, MEPHC remains committed to strengthening workforce capacity, improving disease surveillance, expanding community outreach, and advancing equitable public health services throughout our region.
Public health is a shared responsibility, and together, we are building healthier, safer, and more resilient communities for everyone.
We invite you to explore our full FY26 Annual Report to learn more about the programs, partnerships, and people driving public health forward across the Middlesex-Essex region.
To read the full FY26 Annual Report click the link below!