2018 Massachusetts Department of Public Health LOCAL HEALTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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1 2018 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 35 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, food safety, substance abuse, 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 and Laboratory Services, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, and the Division of Global Populations. 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: (Hours are flexible in most communities) Students must commit to a minimum of 160 hours during the summer (Estimated time frame: 5/23/18-8/15/18). At this time, 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. 1

2 Student Application Instructions: Applicants should submit a cover letter and copy of their resume via by the application deadline: Friday, March 16, 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 2018). 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 via no later than Friday, March 16, 2018, to: Hillary Johnson, MHS Massachusetts Department of Public Health State Laboratory Institute 305 South Street Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: (617) Fax: (617) hillary.johnson@state.ma.us submissions only Please feel free to contact Hillary Johnson 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 14, MDPH acknowledges Boston University s School of Public Health long-standing commitment and support to the MDPH Local Health Internship Program. This internship program is open to all graduate public health students that meet the eligibility criteria, and is not limited to students at Boston University. 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 when applying. For a more detailed map of Massachusetts cities and towns please visit: Tips for Applying: You must state in a list each internship for which you wish to be considered. Be sure to google the location of every internship for which you are applying to ensure you can travel to the site. If you have access to a vehicle and/or can travel to sites beyond public transportation, please explicitly state this in your cover letter. Note that metro Boston area internships are the most competitive. 3

4 2018 Local Health Internship Project Index 1. Ashland Board of Health (Middlesex County) Bedford Board of Health (Middlesex County) Belmont Health Department (Middlesex County) Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Infectious Disease, Division of Epidemiology and Immunization Foodborne Disease Internship (Suffolk County) Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Performance Management and Quality Improvement Quality Improvement Intern (Suffolk County) Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Performance Management and Quality Improvement Public Health Accreditation Intern (Suffolk County) Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health (Suffolk County) Brookline Public Health and Human Services (Norfolk County) Burlington Board of Health (Middlesex County) Charlton Board of Health (Worcester County) Chelmsford Board of Health (Middlesex County) Dedham Board of Health (Norfolk County) Fairhaven Board of Health (Bristol County) Gloucester Health Department (Essex County) Harwich Board of Health (Barnstable County) Hopkinton Board of Health (Middlesex County) Lexington Board of Health (Middlesex County) Longmeadow Board of Health (Hampden County) Ludlow Board of Health (Hampden County) Marion Health Department (Plymouth County) Mattapoisett Board of Health (Plymouth County) Millis Board of Health (Norfolk County) Milton Board of Health (Norfolk County) Monson Board of Health (Hampden County) Natick Board of Health (Middlesex County) Needham Public Health Department (Norfolk County) Newton Board of Health (Middlesex County) Plymouth Board of Health (Middlesex County)

5 29. Springfield - Hampden County Health Coalition (Hampden County) Tewksbury Board of Health (Middlesex County) Uxbridge Board of Health (Worcester County) Wareham Board of Health (Plymouth County) Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown Regional Collaborative (Barnstable County) West Springfield Health Department - CARE Coalition (Hampden County) Winthrop Board of Health (Suffolk County)

6 SUMMARY OF 2018 LOCAL HEALTH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: 1. Ashland Board of Health (Middlesex County) Environmental Health / Substance Abuse The Ashland Board of Health is looking for a motivated intern to assist with several possible project areas, and welcomes a student pursuing a project in their specific area of interest. Environmental Health: The intern will have an opportunity to work on several environmental health projects including the town s Superfund site, landfills, water treatment, and groundwater protection. The intern will assist in working on a 21e site known as Cadilac Paint (a brownfield) and subsequent tearing down of buildings and planning potential uses that may include a neighborhood park. This is a great opportunity for a student interested in environmental health and law/policy. Substance Abuse: Ashland participates in three different community and regional initiatives addressing substance abuse, including Opioid Abuse. Students will have the opportunity to work with our public health nurse on a comprehensive tobacco program and a regional program for NARCAN distribution. The student will have access to and the opportunity to shadow public health staff including the health agent, public health nurse, food inspector and tobacco agent on inspections and for routine public health activities. The student should have experience working in a professional environment and demonstrate creativity and a strong work ethic. Estimated hours per week: Ashland is accessible by public transportation via the commuter rail and is about a minute walk from the station. 2. Bedford Board of Health (Middlesex County) Community Health / Environmental Health / Health Education / Substance Abuse The Bedford Board of Health is looking for a motivated intern to assist with several possible project areas including the following: Tick and Mosquito Bite Prevention and Education: Lyme disease carried by deer ticks is endemic in Bedford and surrounding communities. West Nile Virus carried by mosquitos also creates a threat to the community. People spend more time outdoors and are at risk to these tick/ mosquito diseases. Public education will bring awareness and efforts on prevention. The intern 6

7 will Development of Tick and Mosquito bite prevention messaging in print and video. The intern will also and engage in various projects to raise awareness and educate the public as well as assess community need and desired outcomes relative to tick and mosquito populations and tickand mosquito-borne diseases. Hazardous Materials Registration Program to Protect Groundwater Supply: Bedford businesses that store, use and generate waste from hazardous materials are required to file a Contingency Plan with the Board of Health detailing how chemicals will be stored, spill prevention measures and spill response equipment. This is important as the town uses groundwater from public wells to supplement the MWRA drinking water supply. We believe there are many businesses in town that are not reporting. Using permitting data from other town departments and the registrations received at the Board of Health, the intern would generate list of currently unregulated businesses and conduct outreach to assist them in registering with the Board of Health. Expand Vaccination Programs: Work with the Community Health Nurse to expand vaccinations offered through the school department to include access to more Bedford students for flu vaccinations and research vaccination rates and develop and implement an HPV vaccination program through the schools. Mental Health First Aid and Opioid Use Prevention: Intern would assess local need, develop messaging and set up programs to address one or both of these topics. Interview local partners, research and review work done to date, and develop a local campaign to impact these issues at the local level. General Board of Health Inspections and Programs: The Town of Bedford has many summer inspectional programs that the intern could be involved with. The intern will be able to conduct inspections of camps, swimming pools and the town bathing beach with BOH staff. The experience will provide the intern a broad understanding of public health issues and how a local health department is run. Nursing students are encouraged to apply. Estimated hours per week: 16. Bedford has limited accessibility via public transportation. There is an MBTA bus from Alewife with a limited schedule. A car is recommended for Bedford applicants. 3. Belmont Health Department (Middlesex County) Environmental Health / Food Safety / Substance Abuse / Needs Assessment The Belmont Health Department offers an array of services to a community of around 24,000 people, including inspectional services for all food services, swimming pools, day camps, tobacco sales, body art, sanitary housing, hen and honeybee keeping, communicable disease follow up, opioid and substance use prevention, emergency preparedness, and many more. The student will have the opportunity to work in a well-rounded department consisting of a Health 7

8 Director, Assistant Health Director, Animal Control Officer, Public Health Program Assistant, Veteran s Service Officer, Youth and Family Services Coordinator, and Public Health Nurse. The student will also have the opportunity to shadow several areas of interest as time permits. Additionally, the internship will provide the student with the opportunity to take the lead on an individual project. Project topics are flexible, with possibilities ranging from developing a public awareness campaign about health department initiatives, developing a local health regulation, or analyzing data to effectively track rodent complaints. Estimated hours per week: The Belmont Health Department is open Monday Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and Fridays 8:00am to 1:00pm and is accessible by public transportation via bus or commuter rail. Please have access to a laptop. Work will be performed in an office setting with possibility for remote work. 4. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Infectious Disease, Division of Epidemiology and Immunization Foodborne Disease Internship (Suffolk County) Disease Case Follow-up / Food Safety / Outbreak Investigation The Foodborne Illness Project Area within the MDPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences is seeking two students to take part in the MDPH Foodborne Response Student Interview Team. The team s primary duty is to assist local boards of health and epidemiologists at MDPH in conducting case-patient interviews for diseases requiring immediate follow up, including listeriosis, cylosporaiasis, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and cluster-associated cases of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. Additional duties may include: assisting with surge capacity during a response to a specific outbreak or event, data entry and analysis, and other special projects. The selected interns would be required to undergo training on foodborne illness, disease transmission, outbreak investigations and general program policies and procedures. The training may consist of both in-person and online trainings, shadowing an epidemiologist, attending program meetings and conference calls. Familiarity with medical terminology would be beneficial as would an understanding of confidentiality issues related to patient data. Estimated hours per week: 15. This internship opportunity is located at the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain which is easily accessible via the Orange Line. The selected interns must be available after normal business hours and on weekends to conduct case interviews, as needed, from home. 8

9 5. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Performance Management and Quality Improvement Quality Improvement Intern (Suffolk County) Community Health / Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Needs Assessment / Performance Management & Quality Improvement The MDPH Office of Performance Management and Quality Improvement (PMQI) is looking for an intern to assist in several Quality Improvement projects and activities: Assist with review and implementation of the departments Quality Improvement (QI) Plan Assist with development, implementation and evaluation of Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs) Participate and assist with documenting current QI projects Assist with documenting utilization of QI tools Assist with developing and implementing just in time training modules on QI tools Refine existing PowerPoint slides to create interactive online training utilizing Adobe Presenter or similar software Develop, share and incorporate feedback on the use of QI tools and resources for MDPH Staff. For example; create story boards to showcase successful quality improvement projects Develop, implement and/or evaluate tools and interventions to address identified needs; Create inventory of recent quality improvement activities, tools and resources through each bureau of the department, along with any tools/gems that we can add to our treasure chest of Performance Management and Quality Improvement tools; Research best practices and develop recommendation report on a tracking system for QI projects. Estimated hours per week: 24+. This internship opportunity is located at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health building in downtown Boston at 250 Washington Street between Downtown Crossing and State Street. The office is easily accessible via Orange, Red, or Green MBTA Lines. 6. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Performance Management and Quality Improvement Public Health Accreditation Intern (Suffolk County) Community Health / Health Policy / Needs Assessment / Public Health Accreditation As part of the activities of the Performance Management and Quality Improvement (PMQI) unit of the Commissioner s office, the intern will be reviewing, summarizing and distributing the 9

10 results of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Site Visit Team (SVT) Report to appropriate DPH staff. The results of this review will inform the following activities 1.) Quality Improvement initiatives to begin in early 2018 to address areas of improvement reported in the PHAB SVT Report; 2.) Narrative content of the PHAB annual report due in late fall 2018/early winter2019; and 3.) Evaluation results to share with PHAB on the PHAB process and their standards & measures and annual reports moving forward. The intern should expect to support the above activities such as coordinating meetings, assisting with meeting agenda development, note taking, summarizing analysis of quantitative and qualitative information, writing articles and draft narrative for PMQI newsletter and reports. Estimated hours per week: 24+. This internship opportunity is located at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health building in downtown Boston at 250 Washington Street between Downtown Crossing and State Street. The office is easily accessible via Orange, Red, or Green MBTA Lines. 7. Boston - Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health (Suffolk County) Community Health / Environmental Health / GIS/Mapping / Health Education / Graphic Design The Community Assessment Program (CAP) triages calls and requests for assistance for the Bureau of Environmental Health (BEH). CAP educates the public on the relationship between the environment and public health, specifically between exposure to environmental contaminants and potential health risks; keeps an open line of communication between the Bureau of Environmental Health and concerned residents; performs preliminary analyses of environmental health concerns, including reports of suspected elevations in disease occurrence and potential relationships to the environment. The intern will have three deliverables for their summer project: 1. Update the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the SIR Calculator. CAP uses an internally developed ArcMap add-in called the SIR Calculator to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for custom geographies and demographic groups in response to reports of perceived unusual patterns of cancer from the public. This calculator has recently been updated to work with ArcMap version An SOP exists for a previous version of the SIR Calculator but updates are needed for accuracy with the new version. This SOP is a critical document for CAP and is followed by all employees to ensure consistency and accuracy in methodology and results when investigating cancer concerns. The intern will create a new, streamlined, and easy to follow Standard Operating Procedure for CAP employees to use in conjunction with the updated SIR Calculator and ArcMap Update and improve cancer Risk Factor Summaries. CAP publishes educational information about risk factors for certain cancers on the Environmental Public Health Tracking 10

11 (EPHT) website. The intern will have the opportunity to research and update Risk Factor Summaries for several different types of cancer in our recently revised format. The improved and updated risk factor summaries will reflect the Department s commitment to plain language and clear writing principles, and will be a valuable health education resource for the general public. 3. Create branding and a descriptive poster or flyer for the Community Assessment Program. This is an opportunity for the student to put their design skills and creativity to usecreate a poster or flyer summarizing the activities performed in CAP and the services offered to MA residents. In addition to the above projects, the intern will have the opportunity to shadow epidemiologists, environmental analysts, and research analysts in the Bureau of Environmental Health as well as other opportunities if the student indicates interest. Estimated hours per week: (flexible). This internship opportunity is located at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health building in downtown Boston at 250 Washington Street between Downtown Crossing and State Street. The office is easily accessible via Orange, Red, or Green MBTA Lines. 8. Brookline Public Health and Human Services (Norfolk County) Community Health / Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Health Policy / Needs Assessment / Outbreak Investigation The town of Brookline is looking for a strong student to assist in public health data collection and analysis for their annual report, as well as assistance with a community health assessment. Students with skills in statistics or epidemiology are desired. Report writing skills and experience with the accreditation process are a bonus. Brookline has a robust public health program and there are many opportunities for the intern to shadow additional public health staff and to participate in the many town programs. The student would also participate in outbreak investigations as they occur. Estimated hours per week: Brookline Public Health is accessible via MBTA. 9. Burlington Board of Health (Middlesex County) Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Health Policy / Program Evaluation The Burlington Board of Health is seeking an intern to examine existing data, assess, and present that data in a meaningful way to show the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of public health 11

12 programs. Existing programs for evaluation include vaccine administration, TB testing, Health Fair, Hazardous Waste Collection, and environmental health inspections. The intern will: - Establish a system of continuous data collection and analysis; - Organize current data sets into a manageable format; - Create evaluation plans for public health programs; - Create and manage data sets; and, - Make informed suggestions for data collection and interpretation to better evaluate programs. Student should be knowledgeable in the processes of collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data for the purpose of designing, implementing, and evaluating public health prevention programs. Students should know how to utilize Excel software. Estimated hours per week: There is an MBTA station approximately 0.5 miles from the BOH office, however access to a vehicle may be helpful. 10. Charlton Board of Health (Worcester County) Community Health / Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Environmental Health / Food Safety / GIS Mapping The Charlton Board of Health is seeking an intern with a positive attitude and willingness to conduct numerous health and environmental inspections with the Health Director. This is a great opportunity to see public health at work and to experience multiple aspects of field activities. Activities for this internship would focus on camp inspections, housing inspections, and restaurant inspections. Of particular importance, this will also be an opportunity for an intern to participate in Title V documentation review and inspection of water contamination based on the release of MTBE from Exxon/Mobile and Casella Landfill located in Southbridge, MA. The Town of Charlton has received a $30 million dollar settlement with Exxon/Mobile and $10 million from Casella and the Commonwealth of MA with assistance from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the intern will assist in subsequent follow-up activities. Charlton has experienced contamination to the wells throughout the community and works closely with DEP to enforce compliance. Recent settlements with Exxon/Mobile and Casella Waste have given Charlton the opportunity to install waterlines and decommission wells in the contaminated areas. Estimated hours per week: The Charlton Board of Health is accessible via the WTA. Applicants should have a positive attitude and willingness to spend days outdoors in inspections. The town has four large children's camps and the team will spend days conducting the camp inspections. 12

13 11. Chelmsford Board of Health (Middlesex County) Community Health / Disease Case Follow-up / Food Safety / Health Education The city of Chelmsford is offering a well-rounded internship experience in which the candidate will have the opportunity to work with all of the staff within the Board of Health office. The intern will primarily work with the Public Health Nurse on communicable disease investigations, planning and organizing immunization clinics, camp regulations and inspections, and participating in the local emergency preparedness coalition. The intern would also work alongside the health educator and collaborate on an educational program for community members related to tick-borne illnesses and sun safety for respective summer topics. Lastly, the intern will be able to shadow the health inspector and public health nurse for inspecting restaurants, pools, and lake testing in the summer months. Estimated hours per week: There is a commuter rail that passes through Lowell which neighbors Chelmsford as well as several bus options that can be found at this website: Dedham Board of Health (Norfolk County) Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Needs Assessment / Health Education / Immunization The Dedham Board of Health is seeking an intern to assist in updating their Childhood Immunization Program. The ideal candidate would be a nursing student or someone with clinical knowledge around vaccination programs. The intern will help the Board of Health implement Model Standing Orders, protocols & SOPs based on a child s age & vaccination status. The intern will help the BOH develop a data collection program pertaining to local immunization assessments and needs. The intern will assist in identifying and documenting local access and barriers to childhood immunizations, and will review surrounding town services and procedures. The intern will present their findings and a recommended model to provide childhood immunizations through the Dedham BOH. Estimated hours per week: The Dedham BOH is accessible via public transportation. 13. Fairhaven Board of Health (Bristol County) Food Safety / Hoarding / Needs Assessment The town of Fairhaven is seeking an intern with a focus on two possible comprehensive needs assessments and follow-up activities: 13

14 Hoarding: The town of Fairhaven is seeking an intern to assist in assessing residents at risk for hoarding. This student would meet with organizations within town and the surrounding community to interview Town Departments that may have knowledge of hoarding situations. The student would interview Police, Fire, Building Department, and Elder Services to compile a report of potential populations at risk. Upon completion of the needs report the student would assist in developing an assessment tool to track intervention progress. The student would also help to develop information packets and resources to be distributed to the persons of potential risk. This program would help to track if intervention could reduce the crisis situation which subsequently puts first responders in tremendous harm. Food Safety: The intern could also assist in an analysis of critical violations and trends in routine food service inspections. The intern would assess if the critical violations have an impact on Food Borne Illness complaints/ investigations and public health risks/activities. In addition to these activities, the intern will have the opportunity to experience/shadow the various responsibilities regulated by the Local Health Dept. including activities in Opioid abuse, Medical and recreational Marijuana regulations and inspections, Food Inspections, Housing Inspections, Vector, Beach Water Testing, Title V regulations, Food Born Illness investigations, Nuisance, Recycling, Animal Inspections, Tobacco Control, Nursing Clinics, odor and air quality concerns as well as any other public health situation which may arise. Estimated hours per week: 14+ (flexible). Fairhaven is a lovely seaside community on the shore of Buzzards Bay, directly across the harbor from the famed whaling port of New Bedford. To reach Fairhaven by car, take Exit 18 off Route I-195, halfway between Providence, RI, and Cape Cod. Access to a vehicle is recommended for this internship. 14. Gloucester Health Department (Essex County) Community Health / Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Health Education / Maternal- Child Health / Nutrition The Gloucester Health Department is actively seeking an intern to assist with two projects this summer. The first project is a maternal home visiting pilot program, North Shore Mother Visiting Partnership (NS MVP) launched in January NS MVP consists of Public Health Nurses from five communities offering a supportive one-time free home visit to mothers/caregivers and their babies up to one year of age. The goal of NS MVP is to connect mothers/caregivers with community resources and offer social and emotional support. The Gloucester Health Department is looking for an intern with basic knowledge in data and trend analysis and interest in outcome and evaluation. The candidate must be comfortable with using Excel and Google Docs to run reports and put together meaningful presentations for Health Directors and other key stakeholders. The second project is health promotion at Gloucester beaches. In collaboration with other members of the Health Department team, Community Development, and non-profit organizations, the intern will provide education on-site at Gloucester beaches to promote healthy 14

15 eating options while at the beach, skin cancer prevention, and developing beach walking maps. Last year, the Health Department collaborated with Impact Melanoma to provide sunscreen dispensers at local beaches and is looking for the intern to further this relationship by implementing an educational outreach program with beauty and hair professionals. Estimated hours per week: The Gloucester Health Department is accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail and local bus transit company (CATA). 15. Harwich Board of Health (Barnstable County) Community Health / Health Education / Nutrition Harwich consists of a year-round population of approximately 13,000 people, which blooms to over 30,000 in the summer. The Board of Health has expressed an interest in providing community outreach and education regarding access to healthy food and promotion of overall wellness among our population. Childhood obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are common conditions that we wish to reduce. With the full-time commitment to mandated regulatory duties, our current staff is unable to properly fulfill this challenging task. The intern will assist in community health outreach activities such as finding ways to provide healthy food at reasonable cost, showing residents how to make better food choices, and making sure everyone has access to recreational opportunities to promote exercise. The intern will collaborate with our Youth Counselor, Recreation Director, Town Nurse as well as our Counsel on Aging Director to develop an education campaign to promote proper nutrition and exercise. This campaign would entail website updates and links, in-person outreach at the Community Center and written material for dispersion to residents. Estimated hours per week: 14. The student should have excellent written and oral communications skills and above average computer skills. The intern would need access to a vehicle. 16. Hopkinton Board of Health (Middlesex County) Community Health / Environmental Health / GIS/Mapping The Hopkinton Board of Health is seeking an intern to participate in three major projects: GIS Mapping and Analysis of Zoonotic Disease Incidence: The Health Director in the Town of Hopkinton recently completed a baseline assessment of the public and environmental health opportunities facing the community. During the assessment, tick borne illnesses were identified as one of the leading drivers of reportable illness within the community, with approximately 45 cases of newly diagnosed cases of Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease each year. Using 15

16 the MAVEN (state surveillance) data published for 2014 to the present, the Department would like to examine the cases and spatially plot them on a GIS map so that the Department might better be able to target any sub-populations and activities identified. The intern would assist the Director and Board in securing a contract with the University of Massachusetts Laboratory of Medical Zoology for a reduction in tick testing fees and communication of the service and rate to the community once the contract has been executed. Tracking, GIS Mapping and Analysis of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) complaints: The Town of Hopkinton is also home to Hopkinton LNG, one of the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the northeast. The facility liquefies natural gas for storage from the Tennessee Gas pipeline that transects the northwest corner of the Town. During the winter months, when natural gas demand is high, the LNG is vaporized and pressurized back into the system to maintain supply. Permit renewals for both operations are underway. Both permits require the operators to immediately address any nuisance conditions generated by facility operation. The Health Department is charged with the investigation and tracking of complaints within the Town. The intern will assist the Director in establishing a formal reporting and tracking system. A program promoting the reporting and tracking system will be communicated to the residents. The intern will assist in the collection and spatial plotting of any complaints received. Natural Gas Leak Investigation and Follow-up: Lastly, working with the Health Director and modeling recent published research from Boston University, the intern will work with the Director to survey the existing and recently repaired natural gas leaks that have been reported by the utility. The intern and Director will survey and document natural gas concentrations in the leak locations reported. Using a survey methodology utilized by Boston University researchers, the intern and Director will assess the tree health in the vicinity of the leaks. If tree stumps are identified in these locations, the intern and Director will consult with the DPW and document the circumstances behind the tree removal and the costs associated with the tree removal. The intern may also have the opportunity to shadow the Health Director or Health agent on water well installation or abandonment, water well replacement because of road salt salinization, soil evaluation, septic system installation and component replacement. Estimated hours per week: Hopkinton Board of Health is accessible via commuter rail. The Director will assist with further transportation. 17. Lexington Board of Health (Middlesex County) Community Health / Emergency Preparedness / Environmental Health / Food Safety / Health Education The Lexington Board of Health is seeking an intern to serve as a public health educator, speaking to various public groups around town. Talks will include PowerPoint presentations on various topics including but not limited to mosquito control and diseases from mosquitoes, tick awareness and how to perform a tick check to avoid a potential disease transmission from a tick bite, rat harborage prevention tips, general awareness about opioid abuse and other topics that the 16

17 student may be interested in speaking to the public about. Additional projects may include organizing Mental Health First Aid trainings, and communicating Emergency Preparedness information to support the "Are You Prepared?" Program. The intern may also review and assess data from the Old Reservoir bathing beach. Lexington public health has a robust staff and strongly encourages the ideal candidate to also suggest and pursue their own projects as desired. The ideal candidate will be strongly selfmotivated and eager to pursue projects that interest them. Estimated hours per week: 14+. The Lexington Board of health is accessible via the MBTA - Red Line to Alewife, followed by a bus to Lexington center. 18. Longmeadow Board of Health (Hampden County) Community Health / Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Health Policy / Needs Assessment The Town of Longmeadow and its Board of Health have just received a grant from the District Local Assistance Program through the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to explore the sharing of public health services with the Town of East Longmeadow. The intern would conduct preliminary community health assessments of both towns and develop respective public health profiles and needs assessments for assistance in allocating merged public health services. Initial data sources will include MDPH-published public health, demographic, and environmental risk data and town-collected data, and expand from there. Ideal candidates will have coursework on local health in general, community health assessments, and other local public health evaluative tools. Estimated hours per week: 15. Longmeadow is minimally accessible via public transportation. It is recommended students have access to a vehicle. 19. Ludlow Board of Health (Hampden County) Community Health / Health Education / Needs Assessment / Substance Abuse The Town of Ludlow seeks an intern to conduct several substance abuse-related activities such as the following: Design and implementation of a comprehensive NARCAN Program: The opioid crisis has affected the Town of Ludlow, and in response the Board of Health would like to expand our Health Department's programs. The successful candidate could work with Board members and our Director of Nurses toward a pilot Narcan training program for the public. This would involve working with the Police and Fire Departments and possibly State agencies to research the possibility of bulk purchasing or otherwise obtaining nasal Narcan units. It would also 17

18 involve arranging for our Nursing staff to be trained to train others in recognizing opiate overdose and use of the units. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources and Needs Assessment: The Ludlow Board of Health recognizes that suicide, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges are pressing public health concerns. We would like to provide more support to the community in the area of mental health and substance abuse. The intern could research what programs other local health departments have and identify training programs for our nursing staff in this area. Our goal is not to provide direct therapy but to serve as a confidential referral source for concerned members of the community. In conjunction with our Public Health nurses, the intern could prepare and give educational talks in the community on mental health and substance abuse topics. The intern would also work with Ludlow CARES Coalition and other community organizations. Ludlow CARES is a diverse group of volunteers which works in the schools and the community to educate about substance abuse and intimate partner violence, among other topics. Synthetic Marijuana Environmental Scan: The Board of Health is aware that synthetic marijuana marketed as incense is often sold in convenience stores. We are interested in creating regulations prohibiting the sale of these items in town. The intern could visit local retailers to find out the availability of these products. Additional Opportunities: In addition to the above projects, the intern would have the opportunity to participate in and learn about disease reporting/contact tracing with our nurse who does the state investigation and reporting for several Western Massachusetts communities, Emergency Preparedness work (Ludlow has an active Emergency Preparedness volunteer group), food service inspections, enforcement of tobacco regulations and education of tobacco retailers about those regulations, septic inspections, and more according to his or her interests. The ideal candidate would have some understanding of community health principles, good communication, and networking skills. Estimated hours per week: 15. The nearest bus stop is two miles away from the board of health. 20. Marion Health Department (Plymouth County) Community Health / Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Needs Assessment / Substance Abuse The Marion Board of Health is an active organization and is currently seeking internship assistance in a number of Community Health Initiatives. Substance Abuse Community Assessment: The approval and implementation of legislation legalizing adult use marijuana provides a unique opportunity to assess perceptions of use and actual use within a community. This project will involve conducting a community assessment using existing data (i.e. YRBS and CTC) and collecting additional relevant data from all age 18

19 groups (youth through elders). This study will be designed with the intent of being replicated in future years to determine if perceptions and use change over time. Public Health Model Evaluation: Marion Board of Health is transitioning its public health approach to a culture of health model. The intern will actively participate in assessment of existing structure, recognizing strengths and weaknesses of this model that will either facilitate or act as a barrier to this success of this transition. In addition, a long-term plan to develop a culture of health model within this community will be designed. Intergenerational Substance Use Assessment and Intervention Design: The Marion Health Department is collaborating with other municipalities on a regional approach to addressing the opioid epidemic. We have focused our efforts to date on prevention with youth and their parents. Intergenerational substance use has not been addressed, particularly as it relates to the elder population. This project would be to assess and utilize available population data to describe population and scope of problem; identify and seek out additional data that may be necessary; develop a plan of relevant interventions to address the problem (e.g. educational programming; social media); and implement and evaluate one strategy. Regional Medication Lock Box Program Design: The Marion-Rochester Health District, in collaboration with the Southcoast MOAPC (Massachusetts Opiate Abuse Prevention Coalition) will be distributing Medication Lock Boxes in support of the MOAPC strategy to decrease availability of opiates in the community. This project will involve regional collaboration and district-specific planning, implementing and evaluating this intervention. Social Media Public Health Programming: 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, 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 the usage and maintenance of these tools for health communication purposes. Medical Reserve Corps Planning: The Marion-Rochester Unit of the Middleborough Area Medical Reserve Corps is in the process of assessing its volunteer base for adequacy in the face of a variety of potential threats to public health. This project is to assess current volunteer base for strengths and weaknesses and develop and implement a plan to recruit new volunteers to address areas of weakness. The plan should anticipate likely threats to public health (i.e. flu outbreak) as well as potential threats to public health. Evaluation strategies will be designed to assure a sustainable and productive recruitment plan. Estimated hours per week: Hours. Marion is not easily accessible by public transportation; is easily accessible form routes 6 and

20 21. Mattapoisett Board of Health (Plymouth County) Health Communication / Health Education / Substance Abuse / Zoonotic Disease Prevention In collaboration with the Old Rochester Regional School District, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library and the neighboring communities of Marion and Rochester, the student will have the opportunity to work on-site and remotely to develop informational outreach to community residents via social media/town website/cable TV and printed materials to increase awareness, knowledge and available resources regarding the recreational use of marijuana (and use of other drugs); prevention of tick-borne diseases; gender bias, and domestic violence and sexual assault. Estimated hours per week: Hours. Not accessible via public transportation. 22. Millis Board of Health (Norfolk County) Data Entry, Analysis, and Management / Environmental Health / Health Education / Water Systems The Millis Board of Health is currently seeking internship assistance in a number of public health related health education and data tracking programs. Lyme Disease Analysis and Programming: Both numerically and geographically, Massachusetts ranks among the most highly endemic Lyme states, with incidence rates that placed it second in the nation in The intern would create a public health education questionnaire according to the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey model, and utilize that information for the design and implementation of PSAs: (Recognition, education and prevention of Lyme disease). Design and administer local surveys KAP; collect and analyze datasets (Epi-info, excel, SPSS, SAS). Develop public health messages to support Lyme disease population health goals. Analyze and advise on the appropriate use of various social media platforms with strategies to maximize reach and engagement. Use the Massachusetts Lyme Disease Massachusetts Report of 2013 to determine health education goals, recommendations and preventative measures. Evaluate current health promotion and disease prevention efforts. Well Water Database Mapping: The Intern will utilize mapping software to identify well water locations and assess the number of wells in the geographic area. The intern will then create public health education messages with fact sheets for users. Septic Systems Data Base Mapping: The Intern will utilize mapping software to identify septic system locations and assess the number of wells in the geographic area through a database of 20

21 pumping records and Title V failed systems. The intern will then create public health education messages with fact sheets for users. Estimated hours per week: The Lyme Disease activities above will serve as the main project, with additional activities as the intern s time allows. Prior to starting the internship applicants should have a general knowledge of local public health practices and professional level writing and communication skills. The Board of Health Office is open weekdays from 8:30-4:30 pm. 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 hours weekly, however more time can be arranged. 23. Milton Board of Health (Norfolk County) Environmental Health / GIS Mapping / Health Policy / Needs Assessment / Water Systems The Milton Health Department is seeking an intern to assist in developing private well regulations and to make improvements to our wastewater tracking system. Private Wells Policy Development: Assist the Health Director and the Health Agent in developing Private Well regulations for the Town of Milton. Conduct review of Mass DEP s Private Well Guidelines and Model Regulations. Research of private well regulations in other communities similar to Milton. Articulate policy options to stakeholders including Milton town departments and DEP. Development of standardized forms for departmental use. Collaborate with GIS Engineer to compile a list of private wells in Milton and separate them by use (drinking, irrigation, etc.). Wastewater Tracking Project: Assist the Health Director and the Health Agent in assessing the current wastewater tracking system and develop improvements. Conduct a review of wastewater regulations in other communities in Massachusetts. Work with the Milton GIS Engineer with developing online forms and map tools for inspecting wastewater systems. Research address list of properties whose septic status is unknown in Milton. Create a flow chart or develop some sort of written protocol for applicants (including any involvement from other departments, including Conservation Commission, Engineering, DPW, and Building). Develop a checklist for what is needed from applicants. Training and guidance will be provided by the Health Director and Health Agent. Hours are flexible. The intern would also have the opportunity to shadow the Health Director and Health Agent in various other departmental activities, such as septic site inspections, camp inspections, housing inspections, tobacco control, food safety inspections, and pool inspections based on the intern s experience and interests. 21