Selected health indicators for Brookline and Norfolk County show bright spots like mothers receiving early prenatal care and low rates of drug-related deaths, as well as areas of potential concern, such as the availability of drug treatment.

Health data is often only available at the county level, and one key indicator is early initiation of prenatal care in pregnancy, as this can help contribute to a woman’s well-being and a good start in life for their infant. In 2021, 91% of Norfolk County births were to women who began prenatal care early, up from 89% and higher than the state, nation, Essex and Middlesex counties. However, the data reveal racial/ethnic disparities, with a lower rate among African American mothers at 82% compared to Latino mothers (87%), and Asian and white mothers (both 92%).

Another leading health issue is substance use disorder. Although many places have seen skyrocketing rates of fatal overdoses, Brookline’s rate has actually declined from 10 deaths per 10,000 residents in 2017 to 2 in 2021. That is far below the statewide rate of 33 and lower than comparable localities.

However, there has also been a decline in admissions to drug and alcohol treatment in Norfolk County. In 2021, there were 62 admissions to treatment per 10,000 residents, down 37% from 2008. Heroin and opioids were the most common primary drug of use for admissions among Norfolk residents in 2021, making up 42% of all admissions. Alcohol was the next most common primary drug making up about 37% of admissions. This is similar to comparison counties and the state where heroin and opioids represent nearly half of admissions and alcohol about a third.

At the end of the life cycle, living alone can be a risk factor for poor health outcomes. In 2017-21, 47% of people in Brookline ages 65 and older lived alone, about 3,500 people. That is a higher level than the state, nation and several comparison localities.