Services Provided
- Community Health
- Environmental Health
- Emergency Preparedness
- Medical Resiliency Program
- Non-Public School Health Services
Community Health
Health Screenings & Health Education
Health Screenings, including blood pressure and diabetes, are held throughout the year. These screenings are generally held several times in both West Hartford and Bloomfield. Sites usually include senior centers, town halls, and libraries. The screenings are advertised in local newspapers and senior newsletters and on our website.
The Health District offers a variety of health education and promotion classes. Our classes cover a variety of health topics. New classes will continue to be offered according to the diverse needs of our residents. Please click here for current and up and coming classes or call our office at 860-561-7900.
Senior Wellness
Through a grant provided by the Department of Social Services, the West Hartford Bloomfield Health District is able to provide a variety of health screenings and educational programs for our senior population. Please visit our Senior Services webpage for more information regarding the various programs that we are providing in an effort to keep our seniors informed about their own health and safety.
Immunizations
Low cost, routine immunizations are available to residents who attend school in West Hartford or Bloomfield, age five and up, and to those who work in West Hartford or Bloomfield . Please be aware, we are not able to provide immunization for immigration purposes. Please see our Immunizations page for vaccines and services available.
Communicable Disease & Outbreak Monitoring
In an effort to minimize the spread of communicable diseases, the Health District provides disease surveillance and follow-up for all reportable diseases. Statistics are maintained on the incidence of communicable diseases to determine trends and target future programs. The public health nursing staff uses case management to assure that patients with communicable diseases receive appropriate medical care.
In the event of a communicable disease outbreak, the Health District consults with local and state agencies to assure appropriate control measures are in place.
Childhood Lead Reporting & Management
The Health District provides consultation and education to families who have children with elevated blood levels. In the case of lead poisoning, the Health District works closely with families to develop a lead management or abatement plan.
Environmental Health
Food Services ProgramsThe Health District inspects all licensed food establishments to assure compliance with the requirements of the Public Health Code. We seek to reduce the public risk of foodborne illness by providing reasonable protection from contaminated food and by improving the sanitary condition of food establishments. The Health District investigates reports of illnesses caused by food. By identifying the cause of the illness, we can prevent future occurrences. All plans for new and renovating food establishments are reviewed and approved by the Health District to help ensure that they are built or renovated according to current food safety standards. Housing and Property Maintenance Code EnforcementLocal ordinances establish minimum standards for the maintenance of all premises. It is the responsibility of the Health District to enforce these codes. Buildings are inspected to assure that lighting, ventilation, electricity, heating and plumbing are installed correctly and properly maintained. Salon OrdinanceWest Hartford's local ordinance establishes minimum standards for maintaining proper sanitary conditions at salons which offer barbering, hairdressing and cosmetology, nail technician, tanning, tattoo and/or body piercing and protects and promotes public health, safety, and welfare by preventing the spread of disease, including, but not limited to, viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Vector Control-Mosquito and Tick ReductionLyme Disease and West Nile Virus are just two examples of vector-borne diseases. The Health District has a variety of educational materials available to the public. These materials are an excellent resource for information regarding protection of people, pets, and property. In order to assess West Nile Virus activity, a bird surveillance program is in place from May until late fall. Swimming Pool InspectionsPools and spas operated at apartments, condominiums, parks, schools, and clubs are regulated by the State Health Code and regularly inspected by the Health District. Requirements include chemically balanced, safe water, proper signage, rest rooms with warm showers, and fencing with proper gates. Individual pool owners can receive answers about pool safety and water quality. Water Testing and On-Site Sewage DisposalOn-site sewage disposal systems (septic systems) are inspected for compliance with the CT Public Health Code. This includes site investigation, design approval, permit issuance, and other necessary inspections. Individual wells are evaluated to assure that an adequate supply of safe drinking water is available to residents. Rabies Alert and Follow-upRabies is a fatal, viral disease that can be spread by the saliva of infected animals, including bats, to people. It can be prevented by vaccinating pets and people who work with animals. Anyone who suspects that they may have had an exposure should contact their physician and the Health District. All positive tests for rabies are immediately reported to the Director of Health. The Health District staff then ensure that exposed victims receive appropriate medical attention. |
Emergency Preparedness
West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District works to prepare its staff and the community to be ready for any emergency impacting the public health. The staff continues to plan for infectious disease outbreaks, weapons of mass destruction, natural and man-made emergencies and a host of other scenarios. They are trained to work with other town departments as well as local, regional and state partners within the framework of the National Incident Management System.
All residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to plan to be self sufficient during bad weather events and any type of emergency. Everyone should have emergency contact information in their possession and a collection of drinking water, food and medication necessary for survival. Many people also need auxiliary power for medical equipment, extra oxygen and emergency caregivers. When planning for the family, everyone must also plan to feed, water and shelter their animals during an emergency whether it is a hamster, a horse or something in between.
Information to help you prepare is found on many websites including:
Many sources for emergency food and equipment can be found by doing a search on the internet for "emergency supplies".
Medical Resiliency Program
We aim to provide superior service and support to all Town residents, including those with any access and functional needs by educating on and modeling personal preparedness, sharing resources on managing emergencies, and information on where and when to shelter in place or evacuate as indicated. The program maintains a strong emphasis on personal preparedness throughout all aspects of the disaster lifecycle.
Please visit our webpage for further information on the Medical Resiliency Program.
Questions can be directed to Melissa Marquis, Medical Resiliency Coordinator at melissa.marquis@westhartfordct.gov or 860-561-7911.
Non-Public School Health Services
The non-public school health services provide comprehensive school health services to 9 non-public, non-profit schools in West Hartford, which contain 3,000 students. Emergency nursing care as well as general and preventive health care is the focus of school nursing services. In addition, the following areas of care are available to students:
- Communicable disease management
- Health and safety assessment
- Health counseling to children and families
- Health education programs for schools and their community
- Health screenings
- Referral services to appropriate community agencies and medical personnel
- Consultation with multi-disciplinary teams regarding the educational impact of health concerns and child advocacy maintenance