New Bedford Health Department

08/31/2026

Take the Massachusetts Community Health Equity Survey at https://www.mass.gov/community-health-equity-survey

The New Bedford Health Department is encouraging residents to take the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Community Health Equity Survey. More details on our website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/new-bedford-health-department-encourages-residents-to-take-massachusetts-community-health-equity-survey/

08/28/2026

As we wrap up World Breast Feeding Month, we celebrate every feeding journey and the families behind them. All families deserve to feel supported in nourishing, connecting with and caring for their babies, this month, and year round.
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Logo for SEMA Public Health. Logo for the New Bedford Health Department. World Breast Feeding Month. Support caregivers, support babies. Person sitting comfortably on a chair holding a small baby closely in their arms. Published August, 2026.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Another week, another round of beach water testing by the New Bedford Health Department Laboratory -- All of the City's beaches remain OPEN for swimming!
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Beach Status August 25 - August 31
East Beach: Taber Park OPEN, Tower 1 OPEN, Tower 4 OPEN, O'Toole OPEN, Davy's Locker OPEN.
West Beach: Kids Beach OPEN, North 400 OPEN, South 400 OPEN, J Beach OPEN, Squid Beach OPEN. Last testing date: August 24, 2026.

Map of New Bedford's Clark's Point peninsula with markers showing where each testing site is located along East and West Beach. Logo for the New Bedford Health Department.

08/24/2026

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has alerted the public about a voluntary recall of select Outshine Fruit Bars because they may contain glass. The recalled products were distributed to retailers nationwide and may have been sold in Massachusetts.

Consumers should check their freezers for recalled Outshine Fruit Bars. The recall includes specific batches of the following products:

• Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
UPC: 041548610047

• Outshine Grape Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
UPC: 041548244044

• Outshine Watermelon Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
UPC: 041548413624

• Outshine Black Cherry Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
UPC: 041548000121

• Outshine Tangerine Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
UPC: 041548612041

• Outshine Variety Pack Fruit Bars, 24-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
UPC: 041548816678

The UPC, batch code, and best-before date are printed on the bottom of the package. Consumers should compare all three pieces of information with the list above. A matching flavor or package size alone does not necessarily mean that the product is recalled.

No other Outshine products or varieties are included in the recall. Recalled products should not be eaten, sold, served, or distributed.

Action steps for consumers:

• Check your freezer for recalled Outshine Fruit Bars

• Review the UPC, batch code, and best-before date printed on the bottom of the package

• Do not eat products included in the recall

• Throw away recalled products (listed above) or return them to where they were purchased

• Contact a health care provider immediately if you are concerned about a possible injury

• Check the FDA recall announcement for the most current product information, batch codes, best-before dates, and product photographs

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Customer Service at 800-392-4885, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/news/dph-issues-public-health-advisory-on-recalled-outshine-fruit-bars

08/18/2026

All of New Bedford's beaches remain OPEN for swimming following this week's water testing by the New Bedford Health Department Laboratory. Weekly water testing will continue until Labor Day.
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Beach Status August 18 - August 24
East Beach: Taber Park OPEN, Tower 1 OPEN, Tower 4 OPEN, O'Toole OPEN, Davy's Locker OPEN.
West Beach: Kids Beach OPEN, North 400 OPEN, South 400 OPEN, J Beach OPEN, Squid Beach OPEN. Last testing date: August 17, 2026.
Map of New Bedford's Clark's Point peninsula with markers showing where each testing site is located along East and West Beach. Logo for the New Bedford Health Department.

08/17/2026

The Massachusetts Community Health Equity Survey is open, and we encourage all community members to take it. Your survey responses will help shape decisions about community priorities, needs, and solutions.

Take the anonymous survey today at mass.gov/HealthSurvey
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION] Let's create the future you want. Take the survey today! mass.gov/healthsurvey. Six photos of individuals of different ages, ethnicities, and abilities in front of solid colorful backgrounds