Town of Truro Health & Conservation Department

09/02/2026

All set - enjoy! 🌞

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awarenss Month.

We appreciate Sharing Kindness and all that they do! ❤️

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. 💜

At Sharing Kindness, we know that su***de prevention begins long before a moment of crisis.

It begins when someone feels seen.
When grief has a place to go.
When young people know they are not alone.
When families and communities have the tools to talk openly about loss, mental health, and hope.

Throughout September, we’ll be sharing resources, stories, education, and ways we can all help build communities where people feel supported and connected.

Because awareness matters. Conversation matters. Connection matters.

And while Su***de Prevention Awareness Month begins today, our commitment to this work continues every single day of the year.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

09/01/2026

Twas the night before school throughout all of Truro,
Parents packed lunches like true breakfast heroes.

The backpacks were ready, the sneakers tied tight,
While Puma Kids shouted, “We’re not tired tonight!”

When a school bus stops with red lights shining bright,
Drivers in BOTH directions must stop and sit tight.

An officer will be out front to show you the way,
Directing the traffic at the start of the day.

The school zone speed limit is 25,
So slow down and help keep our Puma Kids safe as they arrive!

Drive carefully, Truro, and please do it right
Happy back to school eve, and to all a good night!

08/31/2026

Massachusetts DPH has designated kratom as a Schedule I Controlled Substance, now unlawful to possess, sell or distribute. Kratom use has been associated with a range of health effects, including seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Kratom also carries a risk of overdose, particularly when highly potent products are used. If someone who has used kratom has slowed or stopped breathing, Narcan should be administered immediately.

For more information about these state orders effective August 28, 2026, go to https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/2565/Substance-Use-Disorder-Resources

08/21/2026

WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE | 8/20/26

Additional West Nile virus (WNV)-positive mosquito samples have been detected in Falmouth, along with positive samples in Chatham.

Earlier this season, WNV-positive mosquito samples were also detected in Barnstable, Falmouth, and Eastham.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health now lists the WNV risk level as moderate in:

→ Barnstable
→ Chatham
→ Eastham
→ Falmouth
→ Mashpee
→ Orleans
→ Sandwich

Residents and visitors across Cape Cod are encouraged to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites — regardless of whether a positive sample has been detected in their community.

→ Use EPA-registered insect repellent
→ Wear long sleeves and pants when practical
→ Take extra precautions from dusk through dawn
→ Empty standing water around your home
→ Check window and door screens

Mosquito surveillance will continue throughout the season, and risk levels may change as new information becomes available.

Learn more and view current mosquito-borne disease information:
capecod.gov

08/19/2026

As a reminder, we test the following beach locations:

Bayside: Ryder, Fisher, Corn Hill, Great Hollow and Cold Storage, Noons Landing, Beach Point Landing

Oceanside: Longnook, Ballston, Coast Guard and Head of the Meadow

Happy swimming!

08/13/2026

🦟 West Nile Virus Update for Cape Cod

Additional West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples have been detected on Cape Cod, including new detections in Falmouth and Eastham. Earlier this season, positive samples were also detected in Barnstable and Falmouth.

The continued detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes across multiple Cape Cod communities is an important reminder that everyone—not only those living in towns where positive samples have been found—should continue taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

✔️ Use an EPA-registered insect repellent
✔️ Cover exposed skin when practical
✔️ Take extra precautions from dusk through dawn
✔️ Eliminate standing water around your home
✔️ Check window and door screens for holes

Mosquito surveillance will continue throughout the season, and residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and keep mosquito-bite prevention part of their summer routine.

Read the full Barnstable County public health update:
https://loom.ly/rboPowQ

08/13/2026

In a neighboring Town!

Public Health Advisory - West Nile Detected in Eastham

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that West Nile Virus was detected in a sample of mosquitoes collected in Eastham between Hemenway Road and the Fort Hill area on August 6, 2026. This represents the first time that West Nile Virus has been identified in Eastham this season. The positive mosquitoes are Culex Salinarius which are human and bird-biting mosquitoes that generally bite after dark.

The detection of West Nile Virus in Eastham indicates the need for residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes. These precautions include the following: remove or drain standing water in gutters, drains, tires and containers; make sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition; if possible, avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active (generally, from dusk to dawn); if outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks and use a mosquito repellent with an EPA registration number on the label. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using repellents and use bug netting on baby carriages and play pens.

Cape Cod Mosquito Control is actively working in the area to reduce mosquito populations. Samples are taken on Tuesdays with results available on Thursdays.

More information on West Nile can be found at https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update -and-wnv-risk-level-by-city/town-

Any questions please call 508-240-5900

08/07/2026

Exciting news: ALL OF OUR BEACHES ARE OPEN TO PETS! :)

Yes, you read that right! It's only August 6th and our plover babies have fledged. Hooray!

Please keep in mind the following:
(1) The regular Beach Department 9am-6pm pet restriction is still in place.
(2) The birds are still using our beaches as a staging area for their migration. Please continue to respect them and not let your pets run into the flocks and chase them away.
(3) We will be removing signage in the next few days.

We thank those who helped us have a successful shorebird nesting season. When we follow the rules, we can get back to our beaches sooner!

08/06/2026

Where lawn is desired, make it a Cape Cod lawn--for the sake of clean water and healthy yards for people, pets and wildlife.