Somerville Board of Health warned of health risks from immigration enforcement fears

Board of Health · Meeting of January 8, 2026

Somerville's Board of Health heard warnings that immigration enforcement fears are driving residents away from vaccines, food pantries, and health care. Maria Teresa Nagle, Director of the city's Office of Immigrant Affairs, told the board her office has conducted more than 184 Know Your Rights trainings since November 2024 and is now adapting them to address fast-changing federal policies, warning that "there is no such thing as being safe." Director of Health and Human Services Karin Carroll reported the city's flu vaccination rate is about 41 percent, above the state average of roughly 31 percent, while the city's warming center is operating at near-capacity with 35 cots plus overflow. The city's new public health vending machines have distributed nearly 1,000 items since opening, funded by opiate settlement money.

Carroll also told the board that Mayor Wilson's proposed cabinet restructuring could bring ISD health inspectors and the Office of Immigrant Affairs under a single Health and Human Services umbrella of close to 100 employees.

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Source: the Board of Health meeting of January 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.