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businesses through a communications program. The second program focused on <br />reducing toxics usage by restaurants and other food establishments, local schools, <br />and the municipality. <br />Pesticide Reduction Program: Letters were sent to residents as part of a campaign <br />to discourage use of pesticides and herbicides for landscaping, which may harm <br />the watershed. <br />Surface water testing: Extensive testing has been carried out on the Old Reservoir, <br />Vine Brook and other areas to assess pollution levels and ensure the safety of <br />recreation areas. <br />Influenza Pandemic, Bioterrorism, and Natural Disaster Planning <br />. In 2000, the <br />Board of Health set emergency planning as a goal. Emergency planning continues in <br />order to prepare for natural disasters, bioterrorism events, and to address the probable <br />threat of an influenza pandemic. <br />Improved Food Safety <br />. Enforcement of changes to the State food safety code in 2001, <br />increased training offered to establishment by Health Department staff, and increased <br />inspection levels have improved the safety of food establishments in Lexington. Goals <br />for improved food safety were based on the high number of susceptible seniors and <br />young children in the town and the many visitors who patronize local restaurants. <br />Increased Collaboration with School System <br />. The Board of Health worked with the <br />school system to implement a Hepatitis B vaccination program for middle and high <br />school students, to address problems with lead in the water at certain school buildings, <br />and to identify indoor air quality problems. <br />Meeting the Health Assessment Priorities: Board of Health Focus for the Future <br />The Board of Health will continue to strengthen core programs in the future while <br />integrating the key issues generated by the health assessment into its planning process. As <br />a beginning, the Board voted to address obesity and related chronic diseases as a focus <br />for the upcoming year. However, the many other issues cited in the evaluation will also <br />be addressed in the future either through the efforts of the Board, or through collaboration <br />with or support of other Town agencies. <br />