Northborough Health and Human Services Department

09/01/2026

We wish all school staff and students a great start to the new school year.

The transition back to school can be challening sometimes.

Northborough HHS is here to provide

-Mental health support
-programs
-application assistance for support services

We’d love to hear from YOU! What programs or support would be helpful for parents and caregivers this year? Drop your ideas below ⬇️

The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough Town of Northborough MA Northborough Free LibraryNorthborough Recreation Northborough Food Pantry

08/31/2026

Before the chaos of homework, sports and busy mornings start, pause to set an intention for the school year with your kids.

-Pick a word for the year
-Write the word where you will see it daily

Comment below which word you or your kids chose.
The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough Town of Northborough MA

08/31/2026

Are you overwhelmed and confused applying for Mass Health? Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) hosts Health Connector specialists the first Wednesday of each month from 9 am-2 pm to help you through the process and answer any questions. No appointment needed.

SMOC is located at 7 Bishop Street, Framingham.

08/28/2026

Is your phone helping or hurting your mental health?

Social media can keep us connected—but too much screen time, especially for teens, can trigger anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. Why? Your brain craves the quick dopamine rush from likes, comments, and endless scrolling… but that positive feeling can lead to the negative feelings.

Try these tips to improve the time spent with your phone:

-Check your screen time. It’s often more than you think! What apps are you using most? How do they make you feel? Can you delete any?

-Set boundaries. Try not using your phone for the first & last 30 minutes of your day.

-Practice self care and set intervals throughout your day to put down the phone, step away from your computer, take some deep breaths, or take a short walk.

-Manage notifications. The constant buzzing can cause constant stress.

-Declutter your home screen. See only the essentials when you open your phone.

There’s rarely anything so important on your phone that it can’t wait while you take a break to care for your mind. There are more benefits to less screen time too!

Town of Northborough MA

08/28/2026

If you are using a Novo Nordisk product like Ozempic or Wegovy, are you aware that you can request a disposal container through them? You can either mail the container back to them or drop it to our department through our Sharps Disposal program. More info:
www.novocare.com/diabetes/resources/safe-disposal.html

View www.northboroughma.gov/health-and-human-services/pages/sharps-disposal-program or more info on our Sharps Disposal Program.

Learn how to safely dispose of used Novo Nordisk products, including needles and vials. Find information about the Novo Nordisk Drug Disposal Program.

08/28/2026

This is a great initiative by the Northborough Free Library!

Email from Northborough Free Library See what's new at the library this week     Period Product Drive   This September, the local initiative Closing The Gap is organizing a community-wide period produ

08/28/2026

No big storms in sight, but we are reminded that we should be prepared!

Even though we haven't seen many tropical storms this year, we are now in peak hurricane season, which lasts from mid-August to mid-October. This is when warm ocean waters are most likely to support tropical storms forming. 🌀

While forecasters predict there will be fewer hurricanes this year, it only takes one storm to bring dangerous conditions and cause extensive damage. 🌊

So take a few minutes to make sure you are prepared in case disaster strikes! ✔️

Learn more: Mass.gov/HurricaneSafety

08/27/2026

August is National Wellness Month, and as the month rolls on, let’s talk about how to promote wellness as we head back to school. Here are four quick tips:

-Establish a routine: start getting back into the schol routine ahead of time (waking up, breakfast, bedtime, less screen time).

-Healthy eating habits: have your kids help to choose healthy lunch and snack options to keep their energy and focus levels high throughout the day.

-Sleep: Strive for kids to get enough sleep. Did you know that school aged children need 9-11 hours of sleep and teens need 8-10?

-Social connection: encourge reconnecting with friends they haven’t seen all summer, joining new clubs or sports to foster a sense of belonging.

Starting these small changes a week or two before school begins, helps for a smoother start.

Town of Northborough MA The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough

08/26/2026

Our newsletter and social media always have the latest information on upcoming events and workshops, but here's another way to stay updated: https://www.northboroughma.gov/health-and-human-services/pages/events-workshops. Please share!

Upcoming EventsMonday, August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Please drop-in at the Northborough Free Library conference room between 11 am - 1 pm for free Narcan Training.

08/26/2026

Webinar Wednesday: Digital Wellness Lab and Verizon are bringing free 1-hour webinars for caregivers and families. These webinars will provide evidence-based tips and guidance on devices and screens, social media, gaming, and digital wellbeing.