The Ringwood Health Department is an integral part of Borough Hall. At the present time, the Health Department consists of one Health Officer, one Sanitarian, one Administrative Secretary, one Public Health Nurse Supervisor, and one part-time Environmental Health Specialist. Together they form a valuable partnership.
As one might imagine, the scope of activities within the Health Department varies widely. The Health Officer, licensed by the State, is the administrative officer and supervisor of both Ringwood and Wanaque Health Departments. He coordinates all of the activities of both Health Departments. Some of these activities include: responding to air, odor and noise pollution complaints, solid waste complaints, hazardous materials investigations, safe drinking water inspections, pesticide and mosquito controls, underground storage tank inspections, industrial hygiene investigations, licensing of all cats and dogs, investigation of all animal-related injuries, and lastly assisting businesses in complying with NJ Right-to-Know obligations. He is the LINCS Coordinator and the person responsible for generating warnings to the community about public health events and emergencies.
On a day-to-day basis, the Sanitarian works with the Health Officer in enforcing sanitary and public health laws for both towns. He might be found going from one food establishment to another, inspecting each establishment to assure the safety of the products served. All food establishments must meet State codes in order to remain open to the public. Any sanitary complaints received are inspected immediately. It is the Sanitarian who educates the storeowners by scheduling training classes for proper food handling by employees. He inspects the vending machines and trains the owners in State Laws pertaining to cigarette and alcohol sales. He is also the person who inspects the lakes, beaches, pools and youth camps each summer before the summer programs begin.
Another team member is the Environmental Health Specialist. She goes from site to site, inspecting septic system repairs and new construction. She reviews all engineering plans and ensures that all systems are up to code and completed according to the approved plans. Again, this is done for the protection of our residents.
The Administrative Secretary is also our Registrar of Vital Statistics. In addition to the large volume of paperwork associated with the above activities, she issues and maintains all records of birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and civil union licenses. She oversees the records of all dog and cat licenses. She is the “face” of the Health Department as she is the first contact a resident usually makes when in need of services from the Health Department.
The Public Health Nurse Supervisor is licensed by the State. She identifies and sets up all public health clinics and screenings. Programs are planned around community needs and all programs are geared toward “maintaining wellness”. Programs vary and include all ages from birth to senior citizens. Some of the programs offered include: infant/children physicals and immunizations (NJISS), adolescent and adult immunizations, various Cancer Screenings (female, male, skin, are but a few), TB & STD control, Communicable Disease Surveillance, Investigation, recording (CDRSS) and follow-up, auditing of all preschool and kindergarten immunization records, lead screenings, investigations and follow-up, Vision, Hearing, Dental screenings, WIC re-certifications, Home Visits/Assessments, and participation in public programs such as Safety Town. She does ongoing research and referrals, as needed. Working closely with the contracted Health Educator from Chilton Hospital, many educational programs are planned for and provided throughout the year. These include: Blood Borne Pathogen Training, Smoking Cessation, Nutrition, Physical Fitness & Exercise, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Aids/HIV Awareness, Healthy Hearts, and Healthy Teeth.
It’s easy to see the importance of the coordination of this partnership. It is essential for the ongoing efforts in public health and environmental health issues. Since 9/11, reviewing and maintaining public health emergency management plans is an essential and combined effort by all of the Health Department team members. Response to bioterrorism-related information affects us all. Your Health Department is part of your community’s first line of defense should an event occur. Therefore, we continually plan and practice our public responses to an emergency event in order to be prepared for the “unexpected.”