2015 Massachusetts Department of Public Health LOCAL HEALTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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1 2015 Massachusetts Department of Public Health LOCAL HEALTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The Massachusetts Department of Public Health s (MDPH) Division of Epidemiology and Immunization is seeking up to 40 graduate students to intern in local health departments during the summer of Cities and towns currently seeking interns are listed in this posting. The positions to be filled are Local Public Health Interns. The selected students will work on various projects within local health departments that may include environmental health, communicable disease case investigation, needs assessment, bioterrorism and emergency preparedness, health education, data entry/analysis, health policy, and other duties as determined by the local health department in collaboration with the student. Accepted students will also be offered the opportunity to spend time shadowing epidemiologists and health educators at the MDPH Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention, Response, and Services or Bureau of Environmental Health. The applicant must have completed at least one semester of graduate level public health course work preferably including, but not limited to, one course each in epidemiology, environmental health, and biostatistics. Students should be able to work independently and have basic computer skills. Clinical experience and/or prior work experience is a plus, but is not required. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English. Most students will need access to a vehicle; however, some cities/towns have public transportation. The student will be required to attend both an orientation program and the closing session held in Boston. On the closing day, each student will be required to provide an oral or poster presentation for fellow interns, local public health agents and MDPH representatives summarizing his or her experience. Upon completion of this internship each student will have an excellent understanding of the various roles of local health departments in Massachusetts and will have obtained hands-on experience in the practice of public health. Estimated number of hours required per week: 8-15 (hours are flexible in most communities) Students must commit to a minimum of 120 hours during the summer (estimated time frame: 5/27/15-8/20/15) Listed opportunities are unpaid internships. While many of the following health departments are accessible by public transportation, commutes may be lengthy: please factor in anticipated commute times before you apply.

2 Your Cover Letter Must Include: 1. A list of cities/towns/programs (from the choices attached) at which you would be interested in interning. Please include AT LEAST THREE options, in order of preference. The more towns / programs selected, the better your chances of placement. 2. A brief description of your interests and any specific project area that you would like to focus on. Consider the projects that the cities/towns have proposed, but remember that many health departments are willing to adapt their projects to the student s interests. 3. A list of graduate-level course work you have completed (or will have completed by June 2015). The above information helps us to make the best possible matches between interns and local health departments. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interested students should submit a cover letter and resume no later than Friday, March 20, 2015, to: Matthew Osborne, MPH Phone: (617) Massachusetts Department of Public Health Fax: (617) State Laboratory Institute matthew.a.osborne@state.ma.us 305 South Street submissions are preferred Jamaica Plain, MA Please feel free to contact Matthew Osborne via with any questions you may have regarding the application process or the internship program. All students will be notified as to the status of their applications no later than April 8, MDPH acknowledges Boston University s School of Public Health long-standing commitment and support to the MDPH Local Health Internship Program MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 2

3 The following is a list of cities/towns and Massachusetts state programs that are interested in hosting an intern, including a submitted description of their suggested projects. Please read the descriptions carefully and consider the project areas as well as the geographic location. For a more detailed map of Massachusetts cities and towns please visit:

4 Abington Board of Health Health Education / Food Safety The Abington Board of Health envisions the selected intern continuing work on two projects initiated by an intern in The first project involves the implementation, education, and assistance in arranging self-sufficient recycling stations in lunchrooms within the town s five schools. The second project includes documenting and tracking problematic food establishments with ongoing and repeated violations. This project would have a health education component focused on a written protocol and delivered directly to facility owners and staff. The purpose of health education in this context is to allow offenders a means to resolve violations. The intern would assist in the development of a system to allow for spot checks; this protocol would ascertain compliance with violations and education requirements. Finally, the intern would develop a compliance test for establishments. The intern would work alongside the Health Agent and assist with inspections of food establishments, housing, body art/piercing establishments, tanning facilities, pool, and septic system, etc. This may require researching Massachusetts laws and regulations, issuing permits, writing grants, composing notices to correct orders, updating the town website, fielding calls, and dealing with emergency situations. Prior to starting the internship applicants should have a general knowledge of food safety. Estimated days/hours: The Board of Health office is open weekdays from 8:30-4:30. Some work may require visiting other departments and completing field work during normal business hours. The Board of Health would like an intern to have availability for 8-10 hours weekly; however more time can be arranged. The Town of Abington is serviced by the Kingston/Plymouth Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail. The Abington Board of Health agent is willing to help coordinate transportation. Ashland Board of Health Emergency Preparedness / Needs Assessment / Health Education The Ashland Board of Health is looking for a motivated intern to assist with three ongoing projects. Emergency Preparedness The selected intern would take the lead in recruiting participants for the town s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) to ensure full recruitment for emergency situations. Training on the town s MRC would be provided MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 4

5 Health Education / Outbreak Investigation Opioid abuse continues to be an ongoing threat to the health and safety of Ashland residents, the intern would attend meetings with the Ashland school substance abuse committee and wok on assigned projects. Needs Assessment The Ashland health department is currently in the planning stage of an extensive review process in preparation of Public Health Accreditation. The intern would take an active role in this process with the guidance of the health agent. The intern would also have the opportunity to shadow public health staff including the health agent, public health nurse, food inspector and tobacco agent. Ashland is accessible by public transportation. Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Environmental Health / Needs Assessment The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is a multi-faceted department overseeing traditional community health and sanitation as well as environmental monitoring. The Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force was developed in 2010 to respond to an increasing number of hoarding cases that were coming to the attention of health departments, municipal agencies and service providers across the general Cape Cod area. The Task Force is made up of concerned volunteers from these many different disciplines such as: fire, police, health departments, mental health professionals, and other service providers. The intern would be working with the Task Force to assist in the following areas for approximately hours a week: Re-assess and update the current Task Force s resource list of clinicians, support groups, municipal agencies, cleaning and organizing companies Compile a list of hoarding cases from each agency involved in the Task Force Develop a rank or scale system to describe the severity of hoarding Develop a protocol to indicate the types of services needed by those afflicted Research the issue of hoarding; when does it begin? What are the triggers? How can it be prevented or controlled? Prepare meeting minutes, event planning, on-site event assistance Attendance at Task Force Meetings in June and August Possibly attend professional trainings and community events The selected intern may also have the opportunity to shadow various Health Agents in Barnstable County and participate in other programs including landfill monitoring, tobacco control, and public health nursing, infectious disease outbreak response MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 5

6 Barnstable is not accessible by public transportation, however much of the work may be completed off-site. Applicants should arrange travel with this internship structure in mind. Barnstable Health Department Coastal Health Environmental Health The Barnstable Health Division is looking for an intern to assist with the summer monitoring of cyanobacteria in the fresh water ponds. Cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae) are on the rise in the U.S. and worldwide, becoming a serious threat to freshwater resources and public health. Many produce toxins that are poisonous to people and animals, causing illness and death to those who breathe, drink, or come into physical contact with the toxins. Despite multiple blooms, Barnstable has not officially documented any negative health impacts to humans or animals. However the community has seen more ponds experiencing toxic blooms over the last four years than in recent memory. The health department is looking for an intern to assist with the following tasks and initiatives: Regular pond assessments using a new pond-triage approach Implementation of a checklist and sampling protocol to be used at regular intervals to track potential cyanobacteria blooms Aid in the development of new outreach/education strategies to improve current information delivery (sign posting, phone calls and internet.) Aid in the development of a better warning system to help dog owners understand the risks to their pets Barnstable s 16 public and semi-public beaches will be the priority for the summer intern. Two of these public beaches have had multiple closures due to reduced visibility and toxic blooms. Training in water quality measurement and cyanobacteria ID will be provided to the intern. The intern should be comfortable around water and working outdoors. Ideally, the intern would work onsite 8-10 hours a week and have access to a car. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of Epidemiology and Immunization: Project 1 Hepatitis Enhanced Surveillance Due to an increase in the number of reported hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among women of childbearing age in Massachusetts, many infants are now being exposed to HCV at birth. Although only a small percentage of infants will go on to develop HCV infection (roughly 6-12%), there is very little information available to clinicians in regards to testing and future follow-up of the infants. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health seeks an intern to work closely with the hepatitis team at the State 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 6

7 Laboratory Institute to help better characterize infants and their mothers reported with HCV exposure and/or infection. The intern will utilize the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network (MAVEN) and the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) in order to link infants reported with HCV to their mothers. The linked dataset will then be analyzed in order to create a summary report of available demographic, clinical, laboratory, and exposure information for mothers and their infants affected by HCV. The intern may also be asked to report their findings to the Viral Hepatitis Advisory Committee. Introductory SAS skills are preferred, although not required. This internship opportunity is located at the Hinton State Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain which is easily accessible via the Orange Line. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of Epidemiology and Immunization: Project 2 Rabies Enhanced Surveillance The Zoonotic Project Area within the MDPH Bureau of Infectious Disease is seeking a student to review medical records of patients for whom human rabies testing has been requested. MDPH receives approximately 3-10 human rabies test requests per year and with only two exceptions, none of these investigations have identified human rabies cases. Human rabies testing is time-consuming and expensive, understanding the factors which are unlikely to be associated with human rabies might help reduce the number of unnecessary human rabies tests performed and assist in facilitating pursuit of appropriate diagnostics on patients. Prior to the arrival of the selected intern MDPH will pre-identify suspect patients for the years and request complete medical records for the identified patients. The intern will be responsible for medical record review and will create summaries of presenting complaints, co-morbidities, laboratory test results, imaging studies, clinical findings, diagnoses, and outcomes. Some familiarity with medical terminology would be beneficial as would an understanding of confidentiality issues related to patient data. This internship opportunity is located at the Hinton State Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain which is easily accessible via the Orange Line. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of Epidemiology and Immunization: Project 3 Tick-borne Disease Health Education For 2015 MDPH s Zoonotic Disease Program has created a traveling tick and mosquitoborne disease health education initiative targeted at students in grades 3-5. This new resource has multiple components including a presentation board with print and graphic materials, video, and preserved specimens. This resource steps away from traditional risk 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 7

8 messaging by attempting to utilize student s natural interest in science to convey risk messaging. Eight initial demonstration units will be located at regional centers throughout MA and will be available for reservation by interested Boards of Health. MDPH would like an intern to assist in the role-out phase of this project. The selected student will travel with the units and assist in set-up and demonstration. The intern will also design and administer surveys to establish the efficacy of the materials on health education. The intern may be involved with the creation of supplemental materials including targeted presentations for this education initiative. The preferred candidate will have an interest in zoonotic disease and health education. This internship opportunity is located at the Hinton State Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain which is easily accessible via the Orange Line. The intern will need to travel offsite for this project; access to a vehicle is preferred. Brookline Health Department Outbreak Investigation / Needs Assessment The Brookline Board of Health is offering a unique opportunity for an intern interested in gaining hands-on knowledge of outbreak investigations, needs assessments, data analysis, entry and management. As part of these activities, the intern would be exposed to case investigation, control measures, and surveillance efforts. The intern will also work directly with the Health Director on a wide variety of topical public health issues and tasks. These would include completing work on an ongoing community health assessment tool and preparing policy memos on topics of public health importance in Brookline. Additional opportunities for the intern may include working with the Environmental Health Division on an ongoing Smokefree Housing Project or to work with the Community Health Division to plan events for Food Day, held annually in October. The Brookline Board of Health business hours are Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Fridays 8:00am-12:30pm and expect this intern position to include up to 15 hours per week with the possibility of increased hours. Brookline is accessible by public transportation. Carlisle Health Department Environmental Health / Health Education Project 1: Tick-borne Disease and Deer Management The Carlisle Board of Health (BOH) and the Carlisle Lyme Disease Subcommittee are exploring ways to manage local deer populations as a possible method of reducing the incidence of tick-borne disease (TBD). A recent study showed that Carlisle had one of the highest incidences of ticks infected with the pathogens that cause Lyme Disease, 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 8

9 Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis compared to surrounding communities. This is further evidenced by the number of human cases of TBD reported to the Board of Health and MDPH. The deer population in Carlisle is well beyond manageable numbers and could be a contributing factor. The intern would: Help develop a policy for deer hunting on public land that the town could adopt. Research and address the issues that this policy might raise. Compare and summarize similar programs and results in other towns. Compile current TBD information for the BOH website along with other outreach educational materials that would be shared with the Middlesex Tick Task Force, a group of local community health departments. The intern will work directly with a Lyme Disease Subcommittee member and the Health Agent. Project 2: Health Effects of Community Noise and Options / Priorities for Intervention Carlisle is a small rural community that has experiencing rapid population growth over the past several years. As the town undergoes change, complaints to the BOH regarding noise have become more frequent and serious. The challenges include: Construction noise: Housing developments are underway throughout the community. Developers removing material using hoe rams which generate impulse noise. This equipment is used for extensive period of time in residential neighborhoods. Commercial landscapers use multiple industrial-size mowers for residential clients. Roosters kept in sites where houses are close to each other. Increases in barking dog complaints. The BOH would like to assess the sources of noise which may have an adverse effect the public health of residents, workers and visitors to the town. The intern would report to the Health Agent and be mentored by the Agent and BOH members. Tasks might include: Research and report to the BOH on health effects of the noise. Perform an assessment of the different sources of noise in Carlisle, and assist with ranking them in terms of health impact and priority for intervention. Explore options for interventions, including noise elimination and abatement, this would include a review of interventions utilized by other towns and municipalities to address noise. Provide assistance as needed to the Noise Working Group established by the Carlisle selectmen. Conduct noise measurements around the town MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 9

10 Provide a summary report and outreach materials (e.g. poster, brochures) about community noise that would be posted on the Carlisle BOH website and shared with regional public health groups. Carlisle is not accessible by public transportation, applicants should plan accordingly. The BOH operates weekdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm and would expect the intern to provide 4-6 hours of on-site work per week with the possibility of increased hours. Dartmouth Board of Health Opioid Abuse The Dartmouth Board of Health is seeking an intern to work on gathering and presenting data on opioid abuse statistics in Dartmouth and neighboring communities. The BOH would specifically like to examine, numbers of drug overdoses occurring in Dartmouth over the past five years. The selected intern would categorize overdoses by drug type and map out the locations in town where overdose victims were identified. The intern would also conduct a feasibility study, examining cost and time for training first responders (police, fire, etc.) to administer Narcan for the treatment of a drug overdose. The BOH also recognizes that synthetic drugs available at area retailers may play a role in this crisis and could be subject to local regulations. The intern would visit several preidentified tobacco and convenience stores in the area, record and report if synthetic drugs were available for consumers. The intern would summarize the findings in a report and assist with draft regulations that could be put in place to address this issue. Training and guidance will be provided by the health agent. Ideally, the intern would work 8-10 hours a week and have access to a vehicle as Dartmouth is not accessible by public transportation Dedham - Norfolk County 7 Public Health Coalition Environmental Health / Health Education Tick-borne Disease Health Education and Promotion The Norfolk County 7 (NC-7) Public Health Coalition is a partnership between 7 communities in the Norfolk County region: Canton, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Wellesley and Westwood. As a member of the NC-7 Public Health Coalition, the Dedham Health Department is seeking an intern to work on a Tick-Borne Illness Prevention project. This is a unique opportunity for the selected candidate to work among and have an impact on seven communities. The intern would be responsible for an appraisal of current literature on tick-borne illness, updating pre-existing educational materials accordingly, and disseminating material throughout the communities involved. This would also include assisting in the development of new web-based material (i.e. videos, fact sheets, and updates from local 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 10

11 news media) that can be shared on local health department websites and social media accounts during the tick and mosquito-borne disease season. The intern will conduct community-specific presentations targeted to high risk groups and interested parties which may include parents, outdoor workers, and residents who engage in outdoor activities for recreational purposes (i.e. local landscapers, public works). Develop frequently asked questions (FAQ) and response sheets based on community concerns regarding tick-borne illness and make recommendations for further riskreduction and preventative measures in the communities. There is potential for expansion of this project to include development and distribution of general education on mosquito-borne illness and current prevention strategies within the communities. The selected candidate must have access to a personal vehicle for commuting between communities given the nature of the position. Duxbury Board of Health Environmental Health / Health Education The Duxbury Board of Health is seeking the assistance of a summer intern to raise awareness of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases such as Babesiosis, Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis, Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and the serious health implications associated with these diseases among the residents of their community. The selected intern will have the ability to produce reports, surveys, educational materials, public speaking / presentations may also be requested, including those on Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Health Tasks would include: Assist in the development of educational materials. Conduct educational presentations throughout the community and increase residents awareness of the health risks associated with ticks. Research available grants or other programs which could assist Duxbury with tick prevention and testing. Work with local medical providers regarding the reporting requirements of tickborne diseases. Conduct a survey among town residents to gauge awareness and knowledge of tick-borne diseases. Summarize the findings in a report with an action plan for the health department to address identified issues MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 11

12 Ideally, the intern would work 8-10 hours of week and have access to transportation as the Duxbury Board of Health is not accessible by public transportation. Framingham Health Department Environmental Health / Public Health Accreditation The Framingham Health Department is in the process of obtaining Public Health Accreditation and is looking for an intern to help with this unique endeavor. This project would include research and data collection related to accreditation, analysis of performance management, quality improvement, quality control and assurance data as well as development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The selected candidate will also participate in the implementation of the town s Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Strategic Planning. There is potential for growth with opportunities for webinars, conferences and shadowing. Framingham is accessible by public transit including commuter rail. The ideal candidate will have access to a laptop and the ability to work calmly and collaboratively in a fast paced environment. Most work will be performed in an office setting with some possibility for remote work. Greenfield Health Department Community Nursing Needs Assessment The Greenfield Board of Health is offering an opportunity to an intern with a particular interest in public health nursing. The intern would be tasked with conducting a needs assessment for the City of Greenfield specifically related to Public Health Community Nursing. The Greenfield Health Department is looking to expand nursing services currently offered via the health department such as: vaccination clinics, blood pressure clinics, dental health screenings for children and many health education initiatives. The intern would be responsible for generating a report detailing the public health nursing needs of the community which would include an outline for the planning and implementation. The intern s tasks would include but are not limited to: Research current health department nursing programs in other cities/towns; Conduct interviews with key city officials including but not limited to the Mayor, the Health Director, the Council on Aging Director, the School Superintendent, and various other community partners. Create and conduct a community wide survey for residents; Propose a draft budget for the public health community nursing program; and other related activities. The student would work under the direct supervision of the health director and in conjunction with additional health department staff. The Greenfield Board of Health operates weekdays from 8:30am-5:00pm and would ideally expect the intern to provide 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 12

13 15-20 hours of work per week. There is limited public transportation available within the greater Greenfield area, applicants should plan accordingly. Holland Health Department The Board of Health is offering several internship projects for 2015 The Holland Board located in Hampden County of Health (BOH) is looking to standardize and expand local public health regulations. The BOH is seeking up to two interns to work on one or more of the proposed projects. Emergency Preparedness Holland lacks a well-defined Emergency Preparedness plan and has just begun to work with the Regional Emergency Preparedness coordinator. The intern would take the lead on developing and emergency and disaster plan by working with the Board of Health and the Region 2 Emergency Preparedness coordinator. Hoarding Initiative The BOH does not have an existing protocol to deal with hoarders and has identified at least one known hoarder in the community. Hoarding is a complex condition with environmental, public health, safety, and mental health components. The intern would develop a hoarding protocol by working with other communities who have existing plans, the selected intern may conduct site visits. Medical Marijuana Regulations The new medical marijuana regulations have caused some confusion within the community. The BOH has identified at least one resident with a permit to cultivate marijuana. The intern would review the existing medical marijuana regulations and assist the town in developing protocols and local regulations to guide the BOH in taking appropriate action with respect to permitting, public health concerns, and fire safety issues. The intern may participate in a public hearing related to this project. Title V and Well Regulations Holland has no local well or septic regulations. An intern who is interested in health policy would be tasked with the review of MA regulations and the creation of local regulations. The intern would take this process from start to finish by attending public hearings to enact the new regulations. Tobacco Regulations Holland has several businesses in town that sell tobacco, yet the community is unsure if all businesses adhere to the updated tobacco regulations. The intern would identify businesses which need to be in compliance with existing tobacco laws, create an application form, process, and policies that are consistent with existing law, this would include the assessment of penalties for non-compliance, and provisions for tobacco inspections. The BOH will contract with an outside licensed agent to conduct inspections MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 13

14 Food Inspections The community of Holland has a diverse group of food establishments, these include but are not limited to caterers, seasonal food stands, restaurants, clubs with onsite kitchens, and even a goat farmer who has a pasteurization license. Having such a diverse group of food establishments has made the existing food / health code overwhelming. The intern would assist the town by creating a standardized intake form and database to allow the town to ensure that food establishments are identified, violations are recorded, and to ensure that re-inspections occur. The selected intern may accompany the inspector for food inspections. Budget Process The community of Holland does not have an appropriate system for the annual BOH budget. The intern would work with existing data to design a simple database to assist the town in the budget process. Additional projects for BOH finances may be available. Needs Assessment As the community of Holland does not employ a health agent, the Board of Health is interested in identifying any unmet health needs for Holland residents. The intern would review existing health and population data for this project. The ideal candidate for this position would be a student who works well independently with appropriate project guidance. While the BOH has many suitable projects for a motivated graduate student, the community is open to projects proposed by the student. The Holland Board of Health is not accessible by public transportation, applicants should plan accordingly. Hudson Health Department The Hudson Board of Health (BOH) is seeking up to four students for the following projects. Smokefree Housing Database As part of the work within the MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership s Smokefree Housing initiative, the intern will work with BOH staff to develop a database for housing complexes on their policies regarding smoking. Work will cover the communities of Hudson, Marlborough, and Northborough. Specific project activities include: Development of a protocol to approach property owners Conducting environmental scan on status of smoking policy in housing complexes Development of a searchable/updatable database to catalog the findings of the environmental scan The intern with work and meet with members of the MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 14

15 Substance Abuse Services for Adolescents and Young Adults With opioid addiction skyrocketing in recent years the community of Hudson is actively addressing this issue. Part of this effort involves the linking of available service providers to families and patients in need. The intern will work with our staff to conduct an environmental scan of services available for adolescents and young adults in the MetroWest communities of Hudson, Framingham, Marlborough, Northborough, and Southborough. Specific activities will include: The identification of differing types of substance abuse services supporting adolescents and young adults Identification of relevant service providers in MetroWest communities Conduct environmental scan Presentation of results of the environmental scan to the BOH and committee members Production of effective infographic on highlights of the environmental scan results Expected time commitment: 8 to 12 hours per week Type of intern needed: Graduate student in a public health-related major Number of intern needed: 1 Development of a Response Protocol for Cyanobacteria Blooms Hudson was one of several communities in recent years affected by blooms of cyanobacteria within our water bodies. The intern will work with our sanitarian and state officials to develop a standard protocol to respond to cyanobacteria blooms. Specific activities may include: Survey of water bodies with known occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms in recent years Development of a monitoring protocol, active and passive, for cyanobacteria activity Development of sampling and testing protocol for cyanobacteria and microcystins Development of public communication protocol Development of protocol to issue public health advisories for cyanobacteria blooms Business Plan Development for a Sustainable "Veggie Truck" Several neighborhoods with lower income residents in Hudson, Marlborough and some adjacent communities lack affordable outlets of fresh fruits and vegetables. The intern will work with health department staff to develop a sustainable plan to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to residents of these neighborhoods by a mobile truck. Specific activities may include: Assessment of needs in specified lower income neighborhoods by analyzing available data. Additional data collection may be needed. Environmental scan of the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the identified neighborhoods. Meet with area farms and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables. Identify and meet potential funders to cover initial startup costs associated with the Veggie Truck. This project may require the intern to assist in a grant application. Develop a sustainable business plan for the operation of such mobile truck. Expansion of MetroWest Moves Healthy Dining Program 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 15

16 MetroWest Moves is a regional Mass in Motion program that covers Framingham, Hudson, Marlborough, and Northborough. One of the initiatives of MetroWest Moves is the Healthy Dining Program. The intern will work with our staff to expand the Healthy Dining Program to restaurants that are not currently enrolled. Specific activities may include: Introduction to the Healthy Dining Program Development of a work plan to approach additional restaurants Work with chefs to revise recipes to meet healthy dining program guidelines Attend related meetings The Hudson Board of Health is not accessible by public transportation, applicants should plan accordingly. Lexington Board of Health Tick and Mosquito-borne Disease This summer, the Town of Lexington Office of Community Development, Health Division will provide free educational presentations for the general public on vectorborne diseases endemic in Massachusetts this summer. The Lexington Health Division is seeking a graduate student passionate in zoonotic disease, control, and education to act as a Public Health Educator for the Office of Community Development, Health Division. The student would assist the Board of Health in educating the community about tick and mosquito-borne disease. The intern would also and provide education on methods to reduce and prevent vector-borne disease to residents. The Public Health Educator would be expected to present the information to the public utilizing a pre-approved Power Point presentation that is has been developed. It is expected that the Public Health Educator will complete a minimum of eight, one hour seminars with the general public from May 15 through early September 15 or earlier. The office staff will assist in coordinating dates and locations for the seminars to take place. Seminars may take place during normal business hours and early evening. Some Saturdays may be considered but are not required or recommended. Presentations would take place at the new Community Center / Senior Center or public library. Minimum Training / Skills: The Public Health Educator must be confident and comfortable speaking with audiences of 5 to 15 residents who may have little knowledge of the subject matter. The Public Health Educator must be able to work independently with some supervision. Coursework in general biology, environmental health, health communication is preferred. An orientation to functions of the Local Board of Health will be provided as part of the practicum experience The selected student would also have the opportunity to develop additional health education presentations on both infectious and chronic diseases including but not limited to measles, mumps, Hepatitis A, diabetes rabies and Shingles. Training and supplemental 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 16

17 materials would be provided. The Lexington BOH is accessible by public transportation, however access to a vehicle would be beneficial for seminar dates. Lynn Board of Health Health Education and Research With the establishment of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund (PWTF) in July 2012, the Massachusetts Legislature set forth a challenge to communities across the Commonwealth: reduce health care costs by preventing chronic conditions. The Trust supports community-based partnerships including municipalities, healthcare systems, businesses, regional planning organizations, and schools. These groups work together to provide research-based interventions that will: reduce rates of the most prevalent and preventable health conditions; increase healthy behaviors; increase the adoption of workplace-based wellness or health management programs; and address health disparities. In January 2014, nine communities were awarded grants through the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund (PWTF); the City of Lynn was one of them. The City of Lynn is in its second year of the PWTF grant. As part of this grant, there are several community and clinical partners involved in providing evidence-based interventions for chronic disease patients. The preferred intern would have a broad public health background. Ideally, they would have experience or training in social marketing principles, social media, writing press releases, and surveying and research techniques to assist the board of health in promoting their prevention interventions. Potentially, there are two areas in which a motivated intern could work on the PWTF grant. Health Education Assist in the development of promotional tools for various interventions to assist the clinical team in making referrals. For example, if seniors are found to be at risk of falling at a clinical visit, it would be useful to have a brochure to give them with details about the balance classes available to them. There may also be opportunities for developing social media, earned media and paid media to promote the grants multiple interventions. Tobacco Control As part of the PWTF grant, all Lynn public housing will be smoke-free this year. The intern will assist the board of health in evaluating what the effects of such an intervention on key health outcomes such as second-hand smoke exposure, quit rates and other health factors MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 17

18 There is the possibility of two intern positions at the Lynn Board of Health. Optimally, the selected intern would work hours a week. The Lynn Board of Health is accessible by the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Line and bus; it is a short walk from the train station. Lynnfield Board of Health Environmental Health The town of Lynnfield lacks any municipal sewer infrastructure, and as such, properties are served by on-site waste water systems (septic systems) which are regulated under Title V. 310 CMR Lynnfield has two water districts with one using ground water wells for public supply and the other which includes a ground water protection district. Some residents have both well and septic system onsite. Lynnfield also has extensive wetlands and other sensitive areas including tributaries that lead to public drinking water supplies. A comprehensive compilation of data revealing of the type of systems, age of systems, number of bedrooms/design flow and proximity to environmentally sensitive areas would be undertaken through a review of existing data, maps and/or available GIS data, with possible site visits. This comprehensive compilation will help aid the intern in preparing and presenting a final assessment to identify non-conforming systems, aging systems and systems located with environmentally sensitive areas such as wetland, tributaries, public and private wells. Both public and environmental health would be better served by with a comprehensive assessment to identify those systems and locations that are not consistent with current Title V standards. In addition the BOH experiences frequent requests for this data. This project will be guided and supervised by the health director. The community of Lynnfield is not accessible by public transportation, however some aspects of this project may be completed offsite applicants should plan accordingly. Marion Regional Health District Marion -Rochester The Marion Rochester Health District (MRHD) has several potential projects for 2015 Tick-borne Disease Prevention and Control The communities of Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham continue to be confronted with increasing incidence and severity of cases of tick-borne illnesses among residents. The illnesses include Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Lyme disease. The communities in this health district are contiguous, sharing not only common boundaries, but also similar topography. The proposed project would be to assist the communities in identifying a unified strategic plan that the communities could jointly pursue to decrease the incidence of tick-borne diseases. The intern would examine community and regional data sets of tick-borne diseases to develop an initial assessment of the problem; conduct 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 18

19 interviews with health agents, public health nurses, epidemiologists, and key individuals within the towns; identify evidence based approaches to the problem; present findings and recommendations to agents of the Boards of Health and facilitate a discussion to identify an optimal strategy for the reduction of tick-borne illness within the region. The intern will also assist with structuring a regional implementation plan for the adopted strategy. Opioid Abuse Prevention The Marion-Rochester Health District has been actively implementing processes to deter substance abuse throughout the Health District. The district has conducted a survey with key informants of its member communities to identify substance abuse concerns within the community. Additionally the MRHD is a collaborating member of Drug Free South Coast which has a focus of developing new policies, practices, systems and environmental changes to increase the scope of prevention of abuse of opioids in the South coast area. The MRHD is seeking an intern to collaborate with the public health nurses and the boards of health to assist in developing an integrated and comprehensive strategy to substance abuse prevention and intervention within the health district. Medical Reserve Corps The Marion-Rochester Health District has committed to re-organizing and re-structuring the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit serving the needs of the District. This process has involved significant recruitment efforts and formation of a volunteer Executive Committee. The intern will work with the Executive Committee to identify strengths and weaknesses of its current assets (personnel, equipment and policies) and assist the executive committee with development of a strategic plan to assure its success. Social Media Health Education Social media tools offer Boards of Health the ability to deliver public health messages directly and quickly to residents of the towns. The Marion-Rochester Health District recognizes the need to develop an effective communication avenue with its residents that is capable of transmitting and receiving messages in a timely way. The intern will assess existing communication structure, and work collaboratively with the Public Health Nurses, the Health Agent and other Health Department personnel to design and implement a sustainable communication system for the Marion-Rochester Health District. The intern will develop a written policy and procedure manual for utilization of these tools, and train health department personnel on usage and maintenance of these tools for health communication purposes. Regionalization Project A collaboration of health departments in the southeast region, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester are exploring the potential of regionalizing some public health services. The intern will develop a description of the local public health delivery models currently being utilized, as well as a description of services provided by each local public health department. Public health services contracted outside of the departments will be identified and described. Areas of potential synergy between local health departments will be identified, and benefits and risks will be described. Assets, detriments, facilitators and hindrances that might impact regionalization of some services 2015 MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 19

20 will be identified and described. A written report will be prepared and presented to local health directors in the region. The intern(s) would be provided space and guidance at the Marion Board of Health. The BOH is not accessible by public transportation, applicants should plan accordingly. Medway Health Department The Medway Board of Health has several projects to offer for 2015 and is open to project proposed by the selected intern. The intern would work on one or more projects from start to finish but would also be exposed to a broad swath of public health issues. Tobacco Control and Prevention This project has two components. For the first component the intern would ensure that town business selling tobacco products were in compliance with recent tobacco regulation changes including display of proper signage. Training on updated regulations would be provided. The second component focuses on addressing youth smoking in Medway schools. The intern will be tasked with designing and presenting a PPT presentation and associated materials targeted at youth offenders to reduce tobacco use in this demographic. Food Safety The selected intern would accompany the food inspector on inspections and follow the reporting / violation process. Emergency Preparedness The intern would be tasked with reviewing existing Medway shelters to ensure compliance with existing plans and Red Cross procedures. Housing Inspections and Licensure The selected intern would accompany the inspector on both routine and immediate housing inspections. Issues of animal welfare, zoning, and housing violations would be addressed. The Medway Health Department is not accessible by public transportation applicants should plan accordingly MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 20

21 Melrose - Wakefield Health Department Mass in Motion The Melrose - Wakefield Health Department is seeking an intern to assist with ongoing prevention grant programs, these include healthy eating, active living and the substance abuse prevention. Assist the Mass in Motion grant coordinator with Healthy Corner Store & Healthy Dining Programs, as well as Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee duties. -Represent the Health Department at community events. -Develop a comprehensive, innovative presentation of key informant and parent/community survey results for elected officials, school leaders, and key community stakeholders. Compare local data to Youth Risk Behavior Survey & other data. Assist Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Director in developing evaluation tools, input data, and developed evaluation reports. Assist with several substance abuse prevention implementation strategies, including supporting the Coalition's Youth Action Team. Research evidence-based public health implementation and evaluation strategies for coalition members, including Marijuana Action Team. Prepare findings for Coalition Director. The selected candidate would have space and guidance at the Melrose Board of Health, the BOH is accessible via public transportation Middleton Board of Health Community Health / Environmental Health / Health Education Middleton is seeking a highly motivated intern to assist with the following projects: Mass in Motion The Middleton Health Department has created a program called Middleton in Motion: Moving towards a better health in our community which was initiated in 2009 to increase physical activity and healthy eating within the community. Middleton in Motion is a hybrid of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health s Mass in Motion. The Middleton Health Department has also promoted and initiated the Middleton Farmers Market and Middleton Rails Trail Advisory Committee. The selected intern would be directly involved with our planning department: to assess and inventory our pedestrian ways, sidewalks, trails, corridors, etc. in order to develop active community planning to increase physical activity within the community. The intern would assist the Health Department in community research of existing pedestrian ways, and would recommend new improvements and planning to increase physical activity MDPH Local Health Internship Project Listing 21