The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) urges those with special healthcare needs to enroll in the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry in advance of the upcoming winter storm. Enrolling in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, but it does allow local and state emergency...

PROVIDENCE – As influenza illness levels begin to subside across the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. "Although we saw an early spike in influenza cases this flu season, it is important...

PROVIDENCE - Where you live makes a big difference in how healthy you are likely to be. If you live in a place without safe sidewalks for walking, or without grocery stores that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, you may find it hard to eat right and exercise. If you do not eat right and exercise,...

PROVIDENCE - A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released today shows how each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. is faring in implementing proven strategies that reduce tobacco use, such as comprehensive smoke-free policies, media campaigns, higher prices on tobacco...

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has received a request to change location from the Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center, one of the three approved Compassion Center applicants in Rhode Island. As per HEALTH's Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Medical Marijuana...

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) today announced its recruitment of new members for the state Physician Assistants Board, which licenses and regulates the physician assistant profession. HEALTH is particularly interested in expanding the diversity of this Board, whose...

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is recommending pertussis vaccinations in Coventry after the HEALTH Laboratory confirmed a total of four pertussis (also known as "whooping cough") cases in that community. HEALTH recommends that individuals see their primary care...

Animal Still At Large After Biting One Person and Two Dogs Last Night PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has learned that a person is being treated for rabies exposure after having contact with a raccoon in an unprovoked attack in North Kingstown last night. The incident...

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) advises consumers that Woodstock, a Providence-based company, has issued a voluntary recall of certain Woodstock Brand Tamari Almonds because of undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of a serious or life-...

PROVIDENCE – As the flu remains widespread in Rhode Island and continues to send people to doctors' offices and hospitals throughout the state, unvaccinated Rhode Islanders are urged to get flu shots to protect not only themselves, but also those around them — particularly elderly people and babies

PROVIDENCE - With Rhode Island now in peak flu season and flu-related hospitalization rates climbing throughout the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. "Influenza usually hits Rhode Island...

Resolve today to make 2013 a year of better health. State Director of Health Michael Fine, MD encourages Rhode Islanders to make health and wellness a priority in 2013. "The new year is a great time to focus on improving your health and that of your loved ones," said Fine. "You don't need to...

In honor of the New Year, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is encouraging smokers to quit in 2013 with the launch of its new smoking cessation campaign, "Tobacco Made Me." The new campaign, which showcases personal stories from Rhode Islanders whose lives have been negatively impacted

PROVIDENCE – The Association of State and Health Territorial Officials (ASTHO) has designated three Rhode Island physicians as "Public Health Heroes." The three designees — Gary Bubly, Josiah D. Rich and Peter Simon — were nominated for this distinction by the Rhode Island Department of Health (...

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. The declaration of widespread flu incidence in Rhode Island, issued by the Director of Health on Dec. 5, 2012, remains in effect. "We continue to...

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) recently recognized 16 of the state's 25 public housing authorities for implementing smoking bans in their units — an important step in combating potential exposures to second-hand smoke that were highlighted in a new study by the Centers...

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) advises consumers that they should not eat certain products produced by Farmstead Inc. of 186 Wayland Ave. in Providence. Certain food items purchased from the Farmstead Inc. retail shop or through www.farmsteadinc.com are being...

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has received a request to change location from the Slater Compassion Center, one of the three approved Compassion Center applicants in Rhode Island. As per HEALTH's Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Medical Marijuana Program,...

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island is the 10th healthiest state in the nation, according to the recently-released America's Health Rankings®—2012 edition report. Rhode Island's status jumped three spots in the new rankings, up from 13th place last year. According to the report, the state's strengths...

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has announced the teen winners and finalists of its inaugural "Say Yes to the Test" video ad contest. Zoe Prescott and Bomina Belden, who co-produced their 30-second video for a class project at Westerly High School, won First Place...