Upcoming Events

Pride Month is celebrated every June to recognize the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. It honors the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which became an important turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. What started as marches in 1970 to remember the event has grown into a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and progress.

Join Newton in celebrating Pride month!

The Newton Human Rights Commission is pleased to partner this year with the Celebration of Queer Culture (CQC) Planning Committee to host a shared Pride Month event in Newton. Newton Celebrates Pride Month will take place on Wednesday, June 3 from 5-7:30pm at Newton City Hall (1000 Commonwealth Ave.). Join the celebration for the Pride flag raising ceremony, art, and resource fair. All are welcome at this free, family-friendly event!

Event Details

Newton’s Juneteenth Celebration!

Join the exciting celebration of culture, community, and freedom at the 6th Annual Newton Juneteenth Celebration. The event will take place on Friday, June 19th, from 3:00–9:00 p.m. at the Hyde Community Center in Newton Highlands. This free event will be full of energy, fun, and activities for everyone to enjoy.

National Gun Violence Awareness Month

National Gun Violence Awareness Month is a time to recognize the impact gun violence has on individuals, families, and communities, while also promoting safety and prevention. Whether you own a firearm or not, everyone can help support safer communities by encouraging responsible gun safety practices.

Here are a few important gun safety tips:

• Always keep firearms unloaded and locked away, with ammunition stored separately.

• Use a gun safe or lockbox and make sure only authorized adults have access.

• Teach children and teens that guns are not toys. If they find a firearm, they should leave it alone and tell an adult right away.

• Gun owners should take a certified firearm safety course and stay up to date on local gun laws.

To honor survivors and raise awareness, wear orange June 5–7 in support of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. #WearOrange #EndGunViolence

Firearm Safety Tips

Employee Spotlight: Director of Public Health Services

Meet Lisa Heyer!

I am the Public Health Services Director, where I oversee the Public Health Division, including environmental health inspectors, the public health nurse, and health programming coordinators.

I am a registered nurse by training, and has served as the City's Public Health Nurse before being appointed Director in 2024. I hold bachelor's degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Nursing. I am a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at Boston University.

My work focuses on protecting community health through disease prevention, environmental health initiatives, health education, emergency preparedness, and public health programming.

At-Home Cervical

Cancer Screenings

At-home cervical cancer screenings are helping make preventive care more accessible and convenient. These self-screening tests can detect HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer, from the privacy of home. Regular screenings are important because they can find changes early—before cancer develops—when treatment is most effective. Early detection saves lives, so talk to your healthcare provider to see if at-home screening is an option for you.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Awareness Month

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), reduce stigma, and support people affected by trauma. PTSD can happen after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as violence, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or military combat. Symptoms may include flashbacks, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and feeling emotionally disconnected.

The Newton Human Services Division offers resources for mental health and wellness, crisis support and suicide prevention, and can provide referrals to therapy and counseling services. Visit the Human Services Mental Health Resources page to learn more.