Posted onOctober 24, 2025|Comments Off on Medfield’s Dr. Anthony Letai appointed as Director of the National Cancer Institute
From Hilli Passas –
Monday, September 29, 2025
Secretary Kennedy Swears in Dr. Anthony Letai as Director of the National Cancer Institute
Anthony Letai, MD, Ph.D., was sworn in today as director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Dr. Letai takes the helm of the world’s most prestigious cancer research agency after serving as professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He possesses decades of experience studying cell death in cancer, developing treatments, and identifying predictive biomarkers.
“Cancer, like other chronic diseases, was long neglected in federal research attention,” said Secretary Kennedy. “President Trump reversed that neglect, and Dr. Letai’s leadership of NCI will drive American innovation by focusing squarely on the best science to find causes and cures.”
“Dr. Letai has been immersed in the relevant science for decades and has been on the cutting edge of how we think about cancer treatment,” said NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. “His drive, integrity, and expertise make him the right leader to harness the resources and talent at NCI to reverse America’s cancer crisis.”
“It is a great honor to join Secretary Kennedy and Director Bhattacharya at this watershed moment for our nation’s public health,” said Dr. Letai. “We will work around the clock to identify cancer’s root causes, predictive biomarkers, and most effective treatments. Advances in understanding cell death and replication are essential to realizing President Trump’s vision for a healthy America.”
Dr. Letai’s research has been central to bringing venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, from the laboratory to the clinic. His laboratory work has led to advancements in knowledge of both liquid and solid tumors, as well as a wide range of treatments, including cellular immunotherapies. Dr. Letai is a recipient of the European Cell Death Organization Career Award, the Smith Family Prize for Outstanding Scientific Contributions, and the National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award.
After graduating from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in physics, Dr. Letai received his Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Chicago. He completed his Ph.D. on the molecular basis of heritable blistering diseases before residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a clinical fellowship in hematology and oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Letai began his studies of programmed cell death in cancer in a post-doctoral fellowship before establishing his laboratory at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to study how apoptosis can be evaded by cancer cells.
Dr. Letai and his wife, Jean, have three children. Their daughter Julie represented Team USA in speedskating at the 2022 Winter Olympics and is a member of U.S. Speedskating’s Short Track World Tour Team as it prepares for the 2026 Games in Milan.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
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Posted onAugust 26, 2025|Comments Off on Anti-Idling Campaign’s 10th Anniversary
From Fritz Fleischmann of the Green Sanctuary Committee at First Parish –
Dear Members of the Select Board,
This is Fritz Fleischmann, a resident of Medfield. I am writing to ask for the Select Board’s continuing support of an initiative the Board endorsed unanimously in 2015.
Ten years ago, the Green Sanctuary Committee at First Parish started a campaign to educate Medfield residents about the State’s anti-idling statute and to encourage them to stop unnecessary idling of their cars. This campaign was co-sponsored by the Medfield Police Department, the School Committee, the Board of Health, as well as civic organizations, and it was endorsed by the (then) Board of Selectmen, who authorized the installation of anti-idling signs in front of public buildings – you will have seen some of these around town.
Today, while the Commonwealth experiences an increase in childhood asthma and the climate crisis has worsened, there is ample evidence that most citizens are still unaware of the statute and the many reasons for it. However, environmental consciousness has also increased: the network of Sustainable Medfield currently includes over two dozen affiliated organizations and groups. And it is with the support of Sustainable Medfield that we are now resurrecting our original campaign, further supported by the Police Department and the Board of Health. Our shared goal is not to penalize but to educate the public.
Importantly, this time around we are working in partnership with the schools. Experience in other towns shows that young people can have significant influence over their parents – persuading them to stop idling, for instance, while waiting in line to pick them up. Our initiative can also provide learning opportunities for students, generate project ideas, and strengthen community. With the beginning of the new school year, Superintendent Dr. Marsden and the principals will inform parents about the Massachusetts statute and ask them not to idle their engines outside a school building. Sustainable Medfield has chosen this anti-idling initiative as the “Action of the Quarter” for the fall.
In 2015, we created a flyer for distribution around town (see attached), and we are currently updating it for today’s use. As part of this effort, we are asking everyone who endorsed us ten years ago to affirm their endorsement for this renewed initiative. With this letter we ask you, the members of the Select Board, to give us your formal endorsement again.
Thank for your attention, and for all your hard work in service to the residents of Medfield.
Fritz Fleischmann
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Posted onApril 29, 2025|Comments Off on MCSP’s “Path for Hope” Walk 11:30 AM Sunday – Medfield Rail Trail
From Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke –
MCSP’s Path for Hope Walk this Sunday, May 4th 11:30 AM at the Medfield Rail Trail Hosted by the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention
This Mental Health Awareness Month of May, come walk with us as we build community, raise awareness, and honor those impacted by suicide. Path for Hope is more than just a walk; it’s a walk to foster community, connection and hope. It’s a show of support, a step toward healing, and a reminder that no one should walk alone in their struggles.
Sponsored by MCSP, a community-led coalition administered by Medfield Outreach, the Town of Medfield’s social service department. The mission of MCSP is to promote the mental health and emotional well-being of all community members. The vision of MCSP is to build a community where suicide, self-harm, and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care, and acceptance.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pulled about $11.4 billion in Covid-19 pandemic response grants allocated to state and community health centers on Wednesday. The Department of Health and Human Services said the agency will “no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago.” In a statement released Wednesday, Gov. Healey said the grants are expected to bring nearly $100 million to Massachusetts over the next year, but that “much” of the funding has already been obligated in the state — the Trump administration is moving to eliminate the unobligated parts of the grants. Healey condemned the federal decision, calling it “yet another example of President Trump and Elon Musk undermining the health and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts and people across this nation.”
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Dear Colleagues, I know that many of you have heard from colleagues or from media reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has notified state departments of public health — including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health — about the termination of multiple COVID-19 related federal awards. Obviously, this news is troubling. We rely on these funds to carry out important ongoing work at the Department and with our partners in the community. These resources fund our state lab, supplement our statewide vaccine infrastructure, and provide the support needed for community-based organizations across the state. These are more than just COVID-19 awards; they represent investments in the core functions of public health.
We are working quickly to analyze the fiscal and operational impacts of these abrupt terminations. We are also in close contact with our colleagues in the Healey-Driscoll Administration to consider what we might be able to do to mitigate the impacts, recognizing that we do not have the state resources to replace these federal funding sources.
We are still sorting through the implications of these sudden terminations and do not have all of the answers. Still, I think it is important for you to know where we are given the potential impacts on our work, our community partners, and our colleagues. We will share additional information about the short-term and longer-term impact of these announcements when we know more.
With gratitude, Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD (he/him) Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
On behalf of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), we’re sharing the following information about COVIDTESTS.gov:
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service has reopened COVIDtests.gov as of today, so that households across the country can order four additional over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Clear instructions are included on how to verify extended expiration dates.
These efforts complement ASPR’s ongoing distribution of free COVID-19 tests to long-term care facilities, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals, and underserved communities. Through this community organization distribution program and the home-ordering program, ASPR has provided a combined total of more than 1.9 billion COVID-19 over-the-counter tests.
As the fall and holiday seasons will create increased close proximity gatherings of people, the Administration remains committed to helping Americans access tests to help so that, if they develop a respiratory illness, they can learn whether it is due to COVID-19 and then make the best choices about seeking medical care and reducing risks to family, friends, and co-workers. To order four free, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, visit COVIDtests.gov.
Sincerely,
Office of External Affairs
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response
Posted onAugust 27, 2024|Comments Off on EEE found in town again
From the town this afternoon –
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Medfield
DATE: August 27, 2024 TOWN: Medfield CONTACT: Brenda Healy, Public Health Nurse TELEPHONE: 508-906-3044 The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Medfield Massachusetts. In 2023, 10,765 mosquito samples were tested for EEE and 28 samples were positive. The Town of Medfield had zero EEE positive mosquito samples identified in 2023. EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness. By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones: Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant. Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors. Medfield continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies to monitor the situation. Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today, July 30, 2024 that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from… Read on •
Representative Denise Garlick, the Board of Health, and Dale Street School Principal Stephen Grenham all honored the long time Dale School Nurse, Kathy Thompson, at the Select Board meeting this week, after her recent retirement. Rep. Garlick shared a proclamation from the Legislature, Carol Read delivered the comments below from the Board of Health, as did Dale Principal Steve Grenham. –
Board of Health’s Remarks on Kathy Thompson
November 28, 2023 Medfield Select Board
As members of the Medfield Board of Health we extend our sincere thanks to Denise Garlick for giving us this opportunity to honor and thank our friend and fellow board member Kathy Thompson.
Kathy joined our BOH during the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, while working tirelessly to support school youth and families through unpresented times she said yes and joined us!
At that time, Town public health nursing services were contracted through the Visiting Nurse Association so basically Kathy stepped in to guide us all through COVID prior to Brenda joining the town full time.
Time and time again we have heard residents share how grateful they were for Kathy’s calm, compassionate conversations – dispelling fears and offering evidence-based guidance during illness. She attended each of our weekly Zoom meetings- offeringall of us guidance and hope!
Over the 40 years or so Kathy has lived in Medfield so many of us have had the opportunity and blessing to be touched by her kindness and genuine concern for our well-being – or the well-being of our family members.
Some know Kathy as a neighbor, some know her as a fellow school parent – raising our children together, standing on the sidelines in all kinds of weather- some know her as a School Nurse and, as our Public Schools School Nurse leader for over 20 years…
Others know Kathy through her extensive volunteer work with many community organizations such as the Hannah Adams Women’s Club, as Chairperson of the Medfield Home Committee and an active member and leader of the prevention and wellness coalitions under Medfield Cares About Prevention.
Although as town residents we know her through a variety of different roles- and through her work with diverse town groups – what is clear and consistent to residents she has connected with no matter which role – are the qualities that set her apart as a person: empathy, genuineness and humility- and her consistent, quiet, unwavering commitment to go above and beyond to help and to heal…
Kathy, you have gone beyond the limits of school ages and grades and beyond the walls of our school buildings – into the community- extending yourself to philanthropic, charitable efforts, as an advocate for youth and adults to enhance mental health and to prevent substance use, to participating in the traditions of strong Medfield women to build community and champion our high school students and of course, serving faithfully on our Board of Health!
You are a hero – a true gift to our town!
Kathy, you live the definition of kindness and selfless service to others – all age residents in our community have benefited from your generosity of spirit and patience and of course your experience as a nurse practitioner. We thank you so very much!
Melissa Coughlin- Holly Rand – Carol Read- Steve Resch, Jeff Kane
Principal Stephen Grenham, Dale Street School’s Remarks on Kathy Thompson
Good evening! My name is Steve Grenham and I am the proud principal of the Dale Street School.
I had the privilege of working alongside Kathy Thompson from 2015 until her retirement this past June.
Throughout our time together, Kathy consistently showed unwavering commitment to the well-being of every student and staff member at our school and in our district.
This was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, Kathy’s extraordinary compassion and determination shined brightly.
Kathy not only visited people’s homes to ensure their health and safety, but she also made herself available at Dale Street during early mornings and late evenings for anyone who needed help.
In a remarkable effort, Kathy organized 16 COVID Vaccine Clinics for students and families. I want to give a special shout out to Kathy’s husband, Newton, who worked tirelessly at all of these clinics.
Kathy worked incredibly hard to compose numerous informative health memos for families, staff, and the administrative team to keep us all educated with the most updated information and safety protocols. I can personally attest that Kathy spent an exceptional amount of time, staying late into many evenings, to ensure we were all as prepared as possible.
As if that wasn’t enough, Kathy even opened up her home garage to assess and assist those in need, demonstrating an amazing display of selflessness.
Kathy Thompson’s tireless dedication to the health and welfare of the Medfield school community has left an unforgettable impact, making her an exemplary and forever cherished member of our team.
I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
For information on my other job as an attorney (personal injury, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, and real estate), please feel free to contact me at 617-969-1500 or Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.
![West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Medfield
DATE: July 30, 2024
TOWN: Medfield
CONTACT: Brenda Healy, Public Health Nurse
TELEPHONE: 508-906-3044
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Medfield, Massachusetts.
In 2023, 10,765 mosquito samples from Massachusetts were tested for WNV and 164 samples were
positive. The Town of Medfield had zero WNV positive mosquito samples identified in 2023.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that
carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While
WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved
ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide),
permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3,
8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be
used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on
older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping
gear and should not be applied to skin.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot,
wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from
your skin.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many
mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during
evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take
steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
• Drain Standing Water - Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of
places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold
water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change
water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having
tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
Medfield continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies to monitor the situation.
Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be
found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.](https://medfield02052.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mosquito-wnv-press-release_07.30.2024.jpg)
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