Arlington’s Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is actively participating in Public Health Week, initiated on April 7. This nationwide awareness campaign, organized by the American Public Health Association, aims to highlight important health issues and promote community well-being.
The timing of this initiative is particularly noteworthy, as it comes just days after a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s proposed cuts to $11 billion in public health funding. The funding cuts had prompted a lawsuit from a coalition of states, including Massachusetts, against the Health and Human Services Department and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
This year’s campaign theme, ‘It Starts Here,’ focuses on encouraging communities to take active roles in fostering health and wellness. Residents are welcome to check the town’s website and social media pages for daily themes and events related to Public Health Week.
On March 26, the Healey-Driscoll administration issued a statement condemning the federal government’s proposed funding cuts, emphasizing its potential negative impacts on public health initiatives. The statement highlighted that the state was informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the termination of various federal public health infrastructure grants.
On April 3, U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy granted a temporary restraining order against these budget cuts. The lawsuit brought forth by Democratic attorneys general and governors from 23 states and Washington D.C. alleges that such cuts are unlawful and detrimental to public health.
The Arlington Health and Human Services Department remains committed to safeguarding public health and meeting residents’ essential needs, offering services through several divisions:
- Health Department
- Prevention Services
- Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC)
- Council on Aging
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Veterans Services
This news article was published based on information from the Town of Arlington on April 7, 2025.
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