The Reading Public Health Department is alerting residents that the FDA and CDC are investigating a national outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to increasing awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Each year, communities, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations work to educate the public and encourage regular screenings, an essential step in saving lives.

Each October, communities around the world come together to honor Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month - a time to remember the lives lost too soon and support families who have experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.

October marks Menopause Awareness Month, a time dedicated to empowering women through education, support, and open dialogue about this important stage of life. The observance aims to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of the physical and emotional changes that accompany menopause.

Each year, more cities and states are shifting away from celebrating Columbus Day and instead recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day - a change that acknowledges the harm caused by colonialization and celebrates the resilience, culture, and contributions of Native peoples. Rather than honor a figure with a divisive legacy, this day centers the voices and histories of those who have long shaped, and continue to shape, the land we share.

September is Prostate Awareness Month, a time to educate and raise awareness about one of the most common cancers affecting men.

Each September, communities across the country recognize Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most serious cancers affecting women. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy of the almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and certain hormones. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States.

The Town of Reading has received reports about an uptick of coyote attacks on other animals and would like to remind Reading residents about steps you can take to safely coexist with coyotes and other wildlife in our community.

On Wednesday, September 17, community members gathered on the Town Hall lawn for “A Time to Gather” - an evening of remembrance, healing, and prevention. The vigil honored the lives lost to substance misuse and suicide across Reading and the Mystic Valley over the past 15 years, while offering hope and support to those in recovery and the families who walk alongside them.

Each September, communities across the country come together to recognize National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This observance is dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a rare but serious chronic condition that affects approximately 100,000 Americans.

The Town of Reading Health Department is encouraging residents to celebrate National Fruits and Veggies Month this September by shopping local and supporting nearby farmers’ markets. Fresh, seasonal produce not only tastes better, but it also helps families add more nutritious foods to their daily meals while supporting local agriculture.

The Town of Reading Health Department is recognizing National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month this September, highlighting the importance of supporting healthy kids and families in our community.

Each August, communities across the country recognize National Breastfeeding Awareness Month - an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and parents, as well as to share resources and support for families.

The Town of Reading Health Department has been notified that two mosquito samples collected in Reading on August 14, 2025, have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). As a result, Reading’s risk level has been upgraded from LOW to MODERATE. No human cases have been reported at this time.

With rising summer temperatures, the Town of Reading has issued an important public advisory on how to stay safe during heatwaves and how to recognize and respond to heatstroke symptoms.

The Town of Reading is joining a nationwide effort this August to highlight the importance of vision care during Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month.

The Town of Reading is reminding residents that getting vaccines on time is one of the best ways to protect against serious diseases. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations in maintaining community health.

The Town of Reading hosted a Lunch & Learn presentation on Thursday, July 17, focused on the crucial but often overlooked issue: the risks associated with driving while taking medications.

https://www.readingma.gov/335/Town-Forest-Committee

Every July, communities across the country recognize Sarcoma Awareness Month - a time to bring attention to a rare and often misunderstood group of cancers that form in the bones or soft tissue of the body.