SEMA Public Health

07/21/2026

Know someone expecting a baby, or with a little one up to 1 year old? Our next Safe Start Baby Safety Class is coming up on Tuesday, July 28th at the New Bedford Family Resource Center. To sign up, visit https://forms.office.com/g/b0tXx6gMSz or call us at 508-991-6199.
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Safe Start Baby Safety Class. Free class for caregivers who are expecting or have a baby up to 1 year old. Learn about sleep safety, infant CPR, infant choking, car seat safety. Tuesday July 28, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. United Way FRC 128 Union Street, New Bedford. To sign up, call 508-991-6199. Logos for SEMA Public Health, Family Resource Centers, New Bedford Health Department, and the United Way of Greater New Bedford.

07/16/2026

07/15/2026

Due to a last minute scheduling conflict our Hurricane & Storm Preparedness Event at Community Boating Center will need to be rescheduled. Follow us here for more information how you can continue to prepare for an emergency.

07/10/2026

Sunny days are here and many more are on the way! Using sunscreen blocks harmful UV rays that can cause inflammation, painful sunburns, and skin cancer.

SEMA Public Health is proud to offer no-cost SPF 30 sunscreen at recreational areas across New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION] Photograph of a yellow dispenser and white board mounted to a concrete wall. The board reads Free Sunscreen SPF 30 with the SEMA Public Health logo.

07/08/2026

Tick bites can make you very sick. Follow these tips to protect yourself from tick bites!

07/07/2026

Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Consider donating blood tomorrow at the New Bedford Free Public Library during our Community Blood Drive in Downtown New Bedford.

Walk-ins will be accepted but appointments are preferred. To schedule your blood donation appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=SEMA
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION] American Red Cross Community Blood Drive. New Bedford Free Public Library Downtown. Wednesday, July 8 from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. 613 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor Meeting Room. New Bedford, MA 02740. To schedule your blood donation, scan QR or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code SEMA. Photograph of the New Bedford Free Public Library Main Branch. Logos for the American Red Cross, SEMA Public Health, the New Bedford Health Department, and the New Bedford Free Public Library.

07/01/2026

FAIRHAVEN EMERGENCY ALERT: HEAT WARNING
Dangerous Heat Expected Wednesday Through Saturday

The National Weather Service is forecasting a prolonged period of dangerous heat and humidity across southern New England through Saturday, July 4, with the hottest conditions expected on Thursday and Friday. Although temperatures along the South Coast may be slightly lower than in inland communities, high humidity and warm overnight temperatures will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Residents should prepare for:

Heat index values that may exceed 100°F
Little overnight cooling, with nighttime temperatures remaining in the 70s
Increased risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for older adults, infants, young children, those with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone without air conditioning
Cooling Center

To help residents stay safe during this extreme heat event, the Fairhaven Senior Center, located at 229 Huttleston Avenue, will be open as a Cooling Center on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Residents needing relief from the heat are encouraged to utilize this facility.

Heat Safety Tips:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
As many residents and visitors celebrate the July 4th holiday, please use extra caution if attending outdoor events. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly.

If you or someone else experiences signs of heat stroke—including confusion, loss of consciousness, hot dry skin, or difficulty breathing—call 911 immediately.

The Town of Fairhaven will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary. Please follow official Town communications and National Weather Service forecasts for the latest information.

07/01/2026

With the heat this week becoming dangerous, The Town of Acushnet has several options to help you stay cool!