Department of Public Health – Boston, MA

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is the state agency dedicated to keeping people healthy and communities strong. Headquartered at 250 Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts, the DPH oversees a vast array of programs designed to prevent illness, injury, and premature death. The department works to ensure access to high-quality health care services and promotes wellness through education and policy. This location serves as the central administrative hub for the Commissioner and various bureaus, including Environmental Health and Community Health Prevention.

Core Services and Bureaus

The DPH manages numerous critical public health functions from this location:

• Infectious Disease Control: Monitoring and responding to outbreaks of diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, and other public health threats.
• Environmental Health: Assessing environmental hazards, monitoring food safety, and regulating radiation control.
• Health Care Safety: Licensing and inspecting hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes to ensure they meet state and federal standards.
• Determination of Need: Reviewing major capital expenditures and changes in service by health care facilities to control costs and ensure community need is met.

Important Visitor Information

Visitors to the DPH headquarters at 250 Washington Street should note that this is primarily an administrative office. Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates) are NOT issued at this address; the Registry of Vital Records is located separately in Dorchester. Access to the 250 Washington Street building requires passing through security screening and presenting a valid photo ID. The building is centrally located near Government Center and Downtown Crossing, making it highly accessible via public transit.