Health
Description of Department:
The Maplewood Health Dept. provides nursing service at special programs and non public schools, Animal Control Officer service, and health inspection service to enforce codes and sanitary conditions, and special health education programs. It is staffed by the Health Officer, Public Health Nurse Supervisor, Public Health Nurses and the Animal Control Officer. For further information contact Health Officer at 973-762-8120 x4400 or healthofficer@twp.maplewood.nj.us for email.
Mission Statement:
The current day public health department pursues programs and enforcement of laws that are directed at protecting the health of the public. These programs can be divided into those that provide personal health services and those that help effect a healthy environment for all persons. Most of the activities of a local health dept. are mandated by law and regulation.
In a broad sense, many township departments contribute to the goal of public health. These could be, for example: when the Police Dept. stops drunken or speeding drivers; when the Building Dept. and Fire Dept. enforce building construction and safety codes; when the Recreation Dept. runs programs for youth and adults that encourage exercise; or when the Public Works Dept. cleans roads and sewers. Thus, “public health” is not just the job of the Health Dept.
When people are healthy, it is human nature to take your health for granted and to perhaps disregard the activities that help keep us healthy. However, we live in an all too mortal body that can fall prey to infection, injury and disease. When we are sick, we long to be well again. While aging and death are the common denominators of all humankind, we can at least work in our time to help ourselves, family, friends, neighbors and community to have a healthier, happier, more productive, satisfying life.
Thus, it is the mission of the Maplewood Health Department to pursue activities that improve the health and well being of the residents of Maplewood. This involves helping to protect residents from illness caused by microscopic virus and bacteria to larger animal agents such as raccoons. It involves programs to reduce the incidence of chronic disease caused by long term hazards to the body. It involves protecting our homes, work sites, food, water and air from environmental pollutants. It involves educating residents on how they can protect themselves. It involves staying alert for new potential causes of illness that may endanger our community.
“Dilution is not the solution to pollution.” And the corollary, “All pollution problems become a solid waste problem.”
Professor of Environmental Science Raymond Manganelli
Rutgers University Cook College.
“These Baths are a whited sepulcher-and a poisoned one at that. Dangerous to health in the highest degree…” from An Enemy of the People- Henrik Ibsen
2010 Program Goals
A. Environmental:
1. Inspection and related code enforcement at all food businesses. About ninety businesses.
2. Respond to, investigate and resolve, using code enforcement if needed, all complaints concerning health matters from residents. Expect about 300 such complaints.
3. Pursue lead paint house painting ordinance and lead safety education. In 2009, for the second year in a row, no new cases of childhood lead poisoning (blood PB 20 or more) were reported in the Township. New NJ State standards now require that home inspections be performed when the blood lead is 10 or more.
4. Perform other routine inspections such as childcare centers, swimming pools and massage businesses. Conduct Code enforcement actions as needed.
B. Nursing and Communicable Disease Services:
1. Continue contract with Board of Education for nursing service at non public schools. The current 2009-2010 school year contract is for $26,943.
2. Continue nursing service at Adult clinics. Resume monthly Saturday clinics at Library.
3. Investigate all cases of NJ State reportable disease and complete legally required investigation reports.
4. Perform immunization audits at child care centers and schools.
5. Plan and conduct health screening and education programs with Overlook Hospital and other providers as available.
6. Provide seasonal Influenza vaccination.
(Income 2009- $10,754; Expense 2009- $8,000 includes vaccine, and staff.)
7. Complete H1N1 vaccination program. This is expected to be completed by the end of February or early March. This program grant is for $76,066. In 2009 $29,092 of this grant money was received. Thus, in 2010 $46,974 will be received. Of this amount, approximately $25,000 will be used to offset the salary of the Health Officer for time spent on the program.
C. Animal Control:
1. Continue to provide ACO services and work with South Orange on this shared service.
2. Improve working relationship with Jersey Animal Coalition.
D. Administrative Services:
1. Manage Municipal Alliance grant. This is $27,700 with a 25% ($6,925) Township cash match. Note that in 2009, about $6,000 of this grant was directed to offset Recreation Dept. staff expenses for the HUB Middle School recreation program. Also, $4,155 of the grant was used to offset the salary of the Health Officer for time spent administering the grant.
2. Continue to work with other county Health Officers on shared service projects. This includes the Essex County Public Health Partnership and the Essex Regional Health Commission.
3. Continue work with Environmental Advisory Committee.
3. Maintain office business such as receipts, billing, supplies, and reports, legally required reports to State of NJ, and NJ State legally required training and licenses. `
Services Provided:
Animal Control
Animal Licenses
Animals, Missing
Baby Wellness Clinic
Cat Licenses
Child Care Licenses
Dead Deer
Dog Licenses
Food Handler's Certification
Food Inspections
Immunization Clinic
Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Pet, Missing
Restaurant Licenses
Sanitary Inspections
Department Contacts:
Call 973-762-8120 for the Health and Welfare Departments. The following extensions will help you direct your call to the staff who can best address your specific question:
x 4200 for the Animal Control Officer
x 4400 for the Health Officer
x 2200 for the Welfare Director
Or via email you may reach the Health Officer and Welfare Director as follows:
Robert Roe, Health Officer
healthofficer@twp.maplewood.nj.us
Drewsilla Thorne, Welfare Director
welfare@twp.maplewood.nj.us
Location:
Maplewood Municipal Building
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040