The city’s response to the opioid epidemic was a central topic, with the Director of Public Health and colleagues presenting the strategies for using opioid abatement funds. These funds stem from settlements with opioid pharmacies, with Revere slated to receive a designated portion. The city’s plan involves spending these funds effectively, fulfilling community needs, and maintaining a long-term financial strategy. The establishment of an opioid abatement working group was announced, comprising community members, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience, who will meet monthly to make decisions on fund allocation.

Further delving into the opioid issue, the board discussed the implementation of Naloxone boxes throughout the city. These boxes, intended for both indoor and outdoor locations, will contain Naloxone — a medication critical for reversing opioid overdoses. Plans for the boxes included public education on usage, security measures, and restocking protocols. The board considered an overdose heat map to determine strategic placement for the Naloxone boxes.

In addition to opioid-related initiatives, the board addressed the enforcement of public health regulations. Emphasis was placed on achieving compliance through various enforcement measures, including inspections, non-criminal dispositions, and the issuance of civil tickets. The board holds the authority to suspend or revoke permits. The preference is to resolve issues without resorting to the judicial system, which is costly and often a less effective means of achieving compliance.

The Board of Health also discussed the authority to address nuisances and noisome trades. Challenges in defining nuisances were highlighted, with the importance of considering health risks and community impact underlined. The board must issue cease and desist orders for nuisances and make regulations for their abatement. Regarding noise trades, the necessity of holding hearings and consulting with the zoning board was brought up, with the objective of regulating businesses to reduce noise-related problems.

Legal authority and the interpretation of public health laws were recurrent themes throughout the meeting. The board referenced cases and examples to shed light on the implications of regulations and decisions. One case from Chelsea involving the classification of flavored tobacco products was discussed, which resulted in a fine for a product determined to have a menthol taste. The board was surprised that the decision was not appealed.

The scope of laws and regulations under the board’s jurisdiction was acknowledged, with an emphasis on the need to update the manual that guides these regulations, last edited eight years ago. Staff involvement in carrying out various types of inspections was recognized, highlighting the team’s role in maintaining public health standards.

The meeting concluded with the board’s approval of three licenses related to urban farming initiatives, such as chicken keeping and beekeeping.