Provincetown Health Department

08/19/2026

All of these health and well-being tips fit right into the Provincetown scene!

08/19/2026

Emergency preparedness PSA from the County. If you haven't signed up for local Civic Alerts, there's a link to do so right at the top of this splash page, https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/117/Health

Is your family ready for a hurricane?

Cape Cod is entering the time of year when hurricanes and tropical storms are historically most active in Massachusetts. There is no immediate tropical threat to our region, which makes now a good time to prepare — before a storm is in the forecast.

Take a few minutes this week to:

• Check your emergency kit and replace expired supplies
• Make sure you have medications and essentials on hand
• Plan for possible power outages
• Know your hurricane evacuation zone and evacuation route
• Include pets in your emergency plan
• Sign up for your town's emergency alerts
• Talk with your family about where you would go and how you would stay in contact if separated

A hurricane doesn't have to make a direct hit on Cape Cod to bring damaging winds, coastal flooding, heavy rain, dangerous surf and power outages.

The best time to prepare is before you need to.

Hurricane preparedness & evacuation resources from the Emergency Management Department:
capecod.gov/prepare

Coastal flooding, erosion & property preparedness from the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension:
capecod.gov/coastalprocesses

08/17/2026

For free DIY mental health and wellness self-assessments with connection to resources, check out CredibleMind at this link: lowercape.crediblemind.com
Peruse peer-reviewed and expert-rated articles, blogs and other features, updated regularly.
Using this platform is completely confidential, and allows you to track your progress over time. Take care of yourself!

08/15/2026

For more rip current safety information, go to https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/ocean/rip-currents/rip-current-safety

08/15/2026

In support of August Overdose Awareness Month, the Provincetown health department sponsors our Navigator contractor, Outer Cape Health Services, with this outreach table every Friday in front of Town Hall. For more information go to https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/2565/Substance-Use-Disorder-Resources

08/13/2026

This just in: a mosquito sample from Eastham tested positive for West Nile Virus this week. Be careful out there - use repellents, avoid bites! For more information go to https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/1271/Arbovirus-Information

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) contacted Barnstable County recently to inform us that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a sample of mosquitoes collected up-Cape.

Specifically, mosquito samples trapped in Falmouth and Cotuit collected on 7/21/26 tested positive for West Nile Virus.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

- Avoid Mosquito Bites: Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

- Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long pants and long-sleeves will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

- Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.

DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

- Mosquito-Proof Your Home: Drain Standing Water. Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths frequently.

- Install or Repair Screens. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Cape Cod Mosquito Control crews monitor sampling locations across Barnstable and treat catch basins in areas around the positive samples, as well as conduct routine preemptive treatments in communities.

For more information and links to risk maps, go to https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/1271/Arbovirus-Information

08/13/2026

This Just In! Massachusetts Department of Public Health signed on order today, restricting the sale of kratom, effective August 28th, as a Schedule I Controlled Substance, making possession, distribution or sale in MA illegal. For more information, go to the press release, https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-takes-action-to-protect-young-people-and-residents-from-dangerous-kratom-products

Medical and regulatory experts generally agree that kratom is unsafe. Because the FDA does not regulate kratom products, there are no approved medical uses, safety standards, or consistent dosing instructions.

Key Safety Concerns
- Opioid-like effects: Kratom interacts with the same brain receptors as opioids, making it highly addictive and capable of causing substance use disorder.
- Severe side effects: It has been linked to seizures, high blood pressure, liver damage, and coma.
- Hidden contaminants: Unregulated products have been found to contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and toxic heavy metals.
- Concentrated risks: Products labeled "extracts" or "7-OH" (7-hydroxymitragynine) are often significantly more potent and carry a much higher risk of overdose.

For more information, go to https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171

08/13/2026

T-7, Carnival countdown - Are you ready, Provincetown? Parade is one week away! May all the celebrations be safe, in high spirits and good health!

08/11/2026

Time to get sober-curious? There are many paths ... For the DIY type interested in privately accessing self-evaluations, check out the free CredibleMind platform, https://lowercape.crediblemind.com/
Prefer finding a recovery group? Here's a local listing, https://www.ptownrecovery.com/

☀️

08/10/2026

It's been too hot?! True, but not so long ago, we wanted summer warmth! Reminder - Essential Heat Safety:

Stay Hydrated - Drink water all day long, even before you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

Dress right - Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothes along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Find cool air or other heat relief - Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, or go for a refreshing swim!