Outstanding Health Services are provided to the residents of Mine Hill through an Interlocal Services Agreement with the neighboring Township of Randolph. This "shared services" arrangement enables Mine Hill to offer residents the benefits of a large, professional health organization.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Randolph Township Health Department to provide professional, competent and efficient public health and environmental services to the inhabitants of this community, as well as those in the communities we serve through contractual agreements.
Under the mandates of "Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health in New Jersey", and local ordinances and policies of the Randolph Township Health Department, we will promote and protect the public health by the use of disease control and prevention, health promotion and education, inspections and enforcement activities. We will respond effectively to the ever-changing priorities of the public health profession in order to meet the challenges and public health needs of our community.
Vision Statement
The Randolph Township Health Department will strive to be an organization that promotes healthy life style choices and behaviors and protects the health of the inhabitants of Roxbury Township, as well as those communities we serve through contractual agreements. Our services to and interaction with community partners will ensure continuing viability in the area of public health and environmental protection. Efficient use of financial resources will lead to effective public health programs and services. We will continue to foster positive relationships with community partners and the media. Through the use of proactive initiatives and solid community linkages, we will attempt to avoid crisis management and reactionary responses.
The Randolph Township Health Department will continue to represent all inhabitants of our community and all we serve to improve the health status and quality of life of our residents.
We will pursue a course of action that makes us an organization that promotes and provides the intellectual and skill enhancement of its employees in order to become a learning agency. Our department will effectively and efficiently use the individual talents of each employee to their highest individual and collective ability for their professional and personal growth for the betterment of our community. We will continue to strive to be an organization that is professional, innovative, determined, focused, infrastructurally sound, technologically advanced, and community competent to meet this Township's needs as we move through the 21th Century.
Staff
Mark Caputo - Health Officer / Director of Health
mcaputo@randolphnj.org
Environmental Staff – Assigned to Mine Hill
Matthew Zachok - Environmental Health Specialist
Serving since 1995
Hours of Operation
The Health Department is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday
West Nile Virus
The New Jersey State Department of Health tests crows for West Nile Virus, please report dead crows to the Health Department so we can inform the State and the Morris County Mosquito Commission of their locations, and determine if they are suitable for testing. If there is a stagnant pool of water near you that you feel may be breeding mosquitoes please contact the Morris County Mosquito Commission directly at 973 285-6450.
Adult crows are completely black birds weighing on average just under a pound. The feathers have a glossy and slightly iridescent look. The bill is also black with a slight hook on the end. Stiff bristles cover their nostrils. Young crows are about the same size as adults, but have blue eyes and pink inside the mouth. Both the eyes and mouth darken as the bird becomes an adult. In young birds, the ends of tail feathers are symmetrical and are more pointed than the wide, flat-ended feathers of adults. The wing and tail feathers of the young can become quite brown and ragged through the first winter and spring and only become darker and more glossy like adult feathers after the first molt.
Click on this link for more information on Went Nile Virus – http://www.morrismosquito.org/
For more information on the use of pesticides got to – www.npic.orst.edu
Lyme Disease
You can help prevent this debilitating disease by following a few simple rules.
· Keep your lawn cut short, ticks like long vegetation.
· Wear long pants and long sleeves and light colored clothes if you are out in a wooded area. Ticks are easier to see on light colors.
· Most importantly check yourself and your children after being outside, be thorough, ticks are often found in areas where clothes come in close contact with the skin, such as waistbands. Make sure to check your scalp! Make sure to check pets thoroughly when they return inside and consider applying a tick repellent to product your dog or cat.
Household Medical Waste Disposal
For information on how to dispose of unused medication please click on the link below.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/docs/Prescription_Med_Disposal.pdf
If you need to dispose of home use hypodermic needles do not throw them in the trash. It is illegal to dispose if them in this manner. You may have heard that the correct procedure is to put them in a plastic soda bottle and mark them "needles", THIS IS NOT CORRECT and the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority can no longer accept this trash. You must make arrangements with a local hospital for a "Sharps Container" to dispose of your needles. Please follow the directions of these agencies in regard to disposal procedure. Below are some contact numbers you can call for more information on the "Safe Needle Disposal Program".
Saint Clare's Medical Center
Dover Campus
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973 989-3073
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Denville Campus
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973 625-6026
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Sussex Campus
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973 702-2608
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Morristown Memorial Hospital - 973 971-4177
For more information on syringe disposal click on the l ink below.
http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/phss/syringe.pdf
Links
New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services P. O. Box 360
(NJDHSS) Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
(609) 292-2121
http://www.state.nj.us/health/
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
(609) 292-3131
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/
United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/
Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 (NJ, NY, PR, VI)
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007-1866
http://www.epa.gov/region02/
Phone: (212) 637-3000
Fax: (212) 637-3526
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service
Cook College
Rutgers, The University of NJ
88 Lipman Dr.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 932-9306
(973) 285-8300
http://www.rce.rutgers.edu/
Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority
P.O. Box 370, Mendham, NJ 07945-0370
Solid Waste 973-285-8390
Water 973-285-8383
Fax: 973-285-8397
Email: document.write('info'+'@'+'mcmua.com') info@mcmua.com
http://www.mcmua.com
New Jersey Poison Control Center
140 Bergen Street
PO Box 1709
Suite G1600
Newark, NJ 07101-1709
Telephone: 973-972-9280
Fax: 973-643-2679
WWW.NJPIES.ORG
National Pesticide Information Center
1 800 858-7378
www.npic.orst.edu
Tobacco Age of Sale Program (TASE)
The TASE program is a cooperative program in which funding is provided to local health departments by the NJDHSS to inspect retail tobacco establishments. These inspections are intended to reduce and eventually eliminate the sale of tobacco products to minors by monitoring compliance with age restrictions and signage requirements. This is accomplished by on-site inspections with Health Department employees and minor volunteers. If you know a youth between 14 and 18 years of age who may be interested in participating in the TASE program please have them contact the Health Department.
Food Safety Begins at Home
Thermometers
· All kitchens should have a stem type thermometer
· All foods should be cooked to the proper temperature
· For more information on the use of thermometers please click the below link.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/types_of_food_thermometers/index.asp
Refrigeration
· All perishable foods should be refrigerated promptly after purchasing or preparing, leftovers should be refrigerated immediately.
· Your refrigerator should be set at a temperature of 41oF or below
· When transporting perishable foods in warm weather, items should be stored in a cooler.
Cross Contamination
· Any utensils/cutting boards that are used for cutting raw meats should be sanitized after use.
· Do not store raw meats/eggs above ready to eat foods, such as salads/vegetables.
· Wash hands often & thoroughly, especially between handling raw and cooked foods or after visiting the restroom.
Rabies Information
Rabies is a fatal disease of the central nervous system that can affect all warm-blooded animals and is enzootic in New Jersey. Infection occurs when saliva from an infected animal is introduced to a host via a bite or a scratch. The infection may take up to six (6) months to become symptomatic, once symptomatic it is untreatable. Infection may be prevented after an exposure by undergoing Post-Exposure Rabies shots.
If your pet is bitten/wounded by an unknown animal please contact your veterinarian and the health department as soon as possible. To limit your possible exposure to this disease please make sure that all your pets have a current vaccination and are licensed. Free vaccinations can be obtained at clinics throughout the state, please see the "Upcoming Clinics" section for a current list.
All bites to humans by any animal must be reported to the Health Department, for additional information on rabies please click the link below
www.cdc.gov/rabies
Bat Exposure
Any human exposure with a bat requires that the bat be tested by the New Jersey Department of Health for rabies.
Human Exposure is defined as;
A bite
A scratch
A bat in the house with direct access to:
A sleeping person
A small child
The New Jersey Department of Health recommends that all bats that enter the living area of a home regardless of human exposure should be tested for rabies. If you find a bat in your home please follow the procedure below.
1. Close the bat in the room
2. Exit the room
3. Seal the bottom of doors with a towel
4. During business hours call the Roxbury Health Department (973 448-2028)
5. After business hours or on weekends call the Wharton Police Department
at 973 366-5893
Why you may be seeing bats in the winter and early spring
1. A malady previously unseen in New Jersey known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is besetting local populations of bats in our area.
2. First discovered last year (2008) in northern NY State, bats in NJ were apparently unaffected. However we are now seeing it in NJ.
3. White Nose Syndrome facts are;
a. Bats are starving (depleting winter fat reserves faster than normal); causing bats to arouse from hibernation prematurely so as to exit protected roost sites in search of food (flying insects).
b. Obviously winter season inhibits nearly all flying insect activity, thus prey is unavailable and weakened bats simply succumb to exposure and malnutrition.
c. Bats tend to die within 0.25-0.5 mile from winter roost sites; however the NJDEP reports that bats may be traveling as far as 2 miles in a desperate attempt to forage for food.
4. Personal Precautions Key points are:
a. Do NOT touch/contact live or dead bats with bare hands, skin; even though there is no evidence of WNS transmissibility to humans. However no bats should ever be touched due to the risk of rabies.
b. Inspect outdoor areas where pets and children may venture to minimize their exposure to dead/dying bats.
5. Roxbury Procedures:
a. Report all dead/dying bats observed during the day to the Roxbury Health Department immediately.
b. During non-business hours report all bats that are in your house to the Roxbury Police Department.
DISCARDING DEAD BATS: Due to the danger of rabies in the bats and the concern of cross (or interstate) contamination of WNS via garbage waste stream please contact the Health Department if a dead/dying bat is observed.
Click on the link below for more information about WNS
http://www.batmanagement.com/wns/wns.html
Septic System Management
· All septic tanks should be pumped at least every three (3) years; failure to pump tanks out is the number one reason for system failure.
· Do not use excessive amounts of water at one time
1. Spread out loads of laundry over the entire week
2. Keep showers short
3. Make sure that toilets do not run
4. Spread heavy use water activities throughout the day
5. Fix all leaky fixtures
· Do not flush or pour any items not intended for septic disposal in the drain
1. Cooking oil/grease
2. Motor oil/chemicals
3. Feminine products
4. Cat litter
5. Cigarette butts
6. Prophylactics
"A HOMEOWNERS MANUAL FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS" is a available at the Health Department.
A permit is required for any repairs/alterations to an existing septic system. For further information please contact the Health Department.
Cold & Flu Season
The Common Cold
More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Most do not result in serious illness, sometimes however there can be more serious effects. Unfortunately for us these viruses grow best at temperatures of about 91 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside the human nose.
There is no evidence that you can get a cold from exposure to cold weather or from getting chilled. There is also no evidence that your chance of getting a cold is related to your general overall health. Some scientists do believe that stress and allergies may make you more susceptible to cold viruses.
The most important thing you can do to keep yourself healthy is wash you hands often. You are potentially exposed to cold causing viruses from other people every time a sick person sneezes or coughs because they expel these viruses into atmosphere.
Learning how to sneeze and cough correctly can help prevent the spread of colds. You should always cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Sneezing into your hands prevents the expulsion of the viruses into the atmosphere, however your hands have now been contaminated and therefore must be washed immediately afterward, otherwise you will spread the viruses to everything you touch. A better idea may be to sneeze into your sleeve, please click on the link below to watch a video about this subject.
www.coughsafe.com
Flu Prevention Tips
For those of you not receiving the flu vaccine this year please follow the below suggestions to minimize your risk of getting influenza:
Frequent hand washing with warm water and soap
Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose of appropriately and immediately
If you think you have the flu, stay home from work or school
Talk with your physician about weather or not antiviral medicines could be right for you
If you think you have the flu, avoid the elderly or frail relatives and friends
Stay Healthy! Eat well and get enough rest. Avoid getting run down which can lower your resistance
See the CDC website for more information on influenza prevention. www.cdc.gov/flu/protect
Regulated Medical Waste
All regulated medical waste generators: doctor's offices, hospitals, etc. must comply with state regulations. Home use of syringes does not fall under these regulations, safe disposal is the responsibility of the user, please click link below.
Syringe Disposal
Canada Goose Control
Normally a migratory species, some of these animals have taken up permanent residence in New Jersey, this poses a significant health risk to the human population. The health department is involved in a statewide program with other communities under the guidance of the US Fish & Wildlife Service in an attempt to reduce the resident goose population.
Landowner Goose Egg Addling Program
The US Fish & Wildlife Service has published a new regulation allowing private landowners and managers of public lands to destroy Canada Goose nests and addle eggs under their jurisdiction. This will aid in the statewide effort to reduce the population. The registration website is www.fws.gov/permits then go to 'Migratory Bird Permits' then 'Resident Canada Geese'
Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission Spraying Information
- There is no spraying planned at this time.
The Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission, founded in 1928, has the goal of reducing the number of nuisance and disease transmitting mosquitoes within the county. The Commission employs a number of techniques to provide this service to residents with minimal impact on the environment. The program can be summarized as follows:
1) Water Management – The Commission carries out extensive efforts to remove blockages from Morris County waterways, and to maintain drainage systems as needed. Such work is done carefully, with environmental impacts kept clearly in mind. This program helps reduce the use of insecticides needed to control mosquitoes.
2) Larval Control – Mosquitoes all start out in the water as larvae, or "wrigglers". In areas where water management is not feasible, larval control is necessary. Some locations are suitable for stocking with mosquitofish, which provide continuous, biological control of mosquitoes. In other areas, larvicides may be used to eliminate mosquitoes. They choose products that are specific for mosquitoes and have minimal or no effect on other organisms in the aquatic environment.
3) Adult Control – While the most visible aspect of mosquito control it is considered a last resort. When this method is employed, truck mounted sprayers dispense ½ - 1 ounce of insecticide per acre. The areas being sprayed are announced in both the Daily Record and The Star Ledger prior to spraying.
For more information on the Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission, their activities or the products they use please call them or visit their website.
973 285-6450
www.morrismosquito.org
For more information about pesticide use go to www.npic.orst.edu
Black Bear Information
In the past few years there have been numerous black bear sightings in the Landing section of Roxbury. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a warning to the residents of northern New Jersey about bear proofing their premises. Please click on the link below to view the press release.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/releases/03_0127.htm
For additional information on black bears, how to co-exist with them and how to reduce human-bear interaction please click on the link below.
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearinfo.htm
Mercury Thermometer Disposal
Contact the Household Hazardous Waste program at the MUA in Mount Olive at 973 829-8006.
Rodent Control
The health department investigates complaints of rodent infestation and harborage. Recent years have seen a rise in the number of rodent complaints; their population apparently is on the rise. You can help to control the rodent population by following the following suggestions:
1) Keep all wood piles elevated at least 12 inches off the ground.
2) Maintain lawn in such a manner as to prevent an overgrowth of weeds or other vegetation, and remove all accumulated shrubbery/branches from the property and dispose of it properly.
3) Pour a concrete slab under sheds so rodents cannot burrow under.
4) Remove any possible food and water source such as bird feeders and birdbaths, pet food, dog feces, etc.
5) Be aware for any borrows on your property. Rat borrows are generally about a 2 inch diameter, but can be larger, they are usually in an out of the way place or along the edge of something. They are dirty looking, are worn off on one side and generally occur in groups.
6) If you feel that you may have an infestation obtain a professional exterminator to inspect the property or call the health department.
Beauty Salon Regulation
Establishments that engage in activities that pertain to hair, nails or skin are regulated by the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. All complaints must be directed to this agency in writing at the address below, for the complaint form please click the link immediately below.
Complaint form - www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/complaint/cosmocom.pdf
NJ Board of Cosmetology
P.O. Box 54003
Newark, NJ 07101
For information regarding this board please click on the link or call the phone number below.
www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nonmedical/coshair.htm
973 504-6400
Disaster Preparedness
Disaster preparedness is everyone's responsibility. And, this is especially important at the family level. The Roxbury Township Health Department can help you be better prepared by supplying you with a public health guide to emergency planning entitled, "Ready Together New Jersey". If you would like a free copy of this guide please visit us at the Health Department located at 72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna, or call 973 448-2028. Below find some ideas about protecting your food supply during a disaster or power outage.
Keeping Food Safe after a Natural Disaster or Power Outage
Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat.
· Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water.
· Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
· Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 2 hours or more.
· Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degree F or below can be refrozen or cooked.
· Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened, or damaged.
· Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected.
· If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Re label the cans with a marker.
· Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
Store food safely.
· While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
· Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity is expected to be off longer than 4 hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice.
Handle food safely.
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