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ERHC LINCS

Sandy Recovery

 

 

NEW INFO:  Essex Regional Health Commission through the assitance of Local Health Departments is committed to supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy through response, recovery, and community resiliency efforts.   Through the partnership with the County’s PAC/PACADA, ERHC is able to share a comprehensive listing of Social Services available for our residents in Essex County.

 A comprehensive listing of Social Services:  files/Essex_County_Resource_Guide.pdf

 

Super-Storm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey on October 29, 2012. The storm caused unprecedented damage to New Jersey’s housing, business, infrastructure, health, social service and environmental sectors.  Sandy made it clear that governmental public health continues to have a significant role in recovery from disasters.  Recovery in the aftermath of the Super-Storm Sandy is protracted, dynamic, and complex and for this reason, there is a long-term need to ensure that the outstanding and long-term health, behavioral health, and social service needs of Sandy survivors are identified and addressed.  Click the topic below to find recovery resources to help you and your family.  

If you have a question or are looking for something else, please contact Vaidehi Dave at (973) 251-2059 or vdave@essexregional.org. We also invite you to share these resources and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

·         Food and Housing

·         Physical Health

·         Transportation

·         Emotional Support

·         Family Services 

·         Legal Services

·         General Assistance

Food and Housing

If you are in need of food, visit End Hunger NJ to find information about a food pantry in your area. Be sure to call before you go to confirm their hours and available meals.  Here are some other organizations that can help with food stamps, TANF, classes, and housing:

·         Community Food Bank of NJ: Call 908-355-3663

·         Essex County Parish Access Center: Call 973-266-7991 or visit http://www.ccannj.com/parish_access.php

·         Goodwill Rescue Mission: Call 973-621-9560 or visit www.grmnewark.org

·         Grover Cleveland Center for Seniors: Call 973-403-4637

·         SAGE Eldercare’s Meals on Wheels: Call 908-273-5554 or visit http://www.sageeldercare.org/in-home-services/meals-on-wheels.html

·         Essex County Division of Welfare: Call 973-733-3000 or visit http://www.essex-countynj.org/index.php?section=dept/cs/w. You can also contact jcruzgon@oel.state.nj.us

          for bilingual email assistance.

Physical Health

If you have questions regarding mold, lead, asbestos, or flood water clean-up you can call Department of Health and Human Services at 609.826.4950/4920.

Mold Guidelines for NJ Residents:  http://www.state.nj.us/health/ceohs/documents/mold_guidelines_booklet.pdf

Below are some other groups that can help with home repair, personal items lost, health services, legal services, housing needs, financial assistance, and protection against future storms:

·         Essex Count Long-Term Recovery Group (ECLTRG):  please call 973.624.8300 Ext. 243 or emailEssexCoLTRG@uwewh.org.. The ECLTRG also provides assistance for people 

          who are undocumented.

·         American Red Cross Long Term Recovery: Call 848.202.2930/2931 or visit http://www.redcross.org/nj/fairfield

Transportation

The Essex County Special Transportation System provides curb-to-curb services for Essex County residents with physical or mental disabilities.  Please contact:

Division of Senior Services

900 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044

Call: 973-395-5858

To find out about the shuttle services for Welfare Clients and Community cars program for Seniors, call EZ Ride at 973-961-6941 or visit http://www.ezride.org/

Emotional Support

The aftermath of Sandy has been emotionally difficult and caused many of us a lot of stress, anger, difficulty sleeping and easting, depression, inability to concentrate, and/or increased alcohol or drug use.

Here are people and resources who can help you or someone you know feel better:

·         Catholic Charities’ Disaster Case Management: Call 877.510.6762 or 2-1-1 or visit http://www.ccdom.org/disaster-relief

·         Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark Disaster Case Management Program: Call 973-266-7982 or visit http://www.ccannj.org

·         Ironbound Community Corporation: Call 973-589-3353 or visit http://www.ironboundcc.org

·         Mental Health Association of Essex County: Call 973-676-9111 or visit http://www.mhanj.org

  ·          Mental Health Association in New Jersey: Call the New Jersey MentalHealthCares’ Disaster Helpline at 866-202-4357 (HELP) or visit http://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/.

             A TTY line is available at (877) 294-4356.  Translation services are available as well.

·         Comunidade Farliar Crista: Call 862-955-0483

·         Irvington Counseling Center: Call 973-399-3132 or visit https://njmhc-portal.communityos.org/zf/profile/agency/id/75280

·         Mental Health Association of Essex County: Call 973-509-9777 or visit http://www.mhaessex.org/

·         Mt. Carmel Guide Behavioral Healthcare, 56 Freeman Street, Newark or call 973-522-2100 or visit http://www.ccannj.com/med_monitoring.php  

·         New Hope Baptist Church: Call 973-991-2773 or visit http://www.newhopeofeastorange.org/when-i-need.php

·         Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth: Call 973-239-5382 or visit http://ubhc.umdnj.edu/brti/tlc/

·         University Behavioral Health Care: Call (973) 623-2323or visit http://ubhc.rutgers.edu/index.htm

·         Where Peaceful Waters Flow: Call 973-677-7700

Family Support

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) funds a statewide network of Family Success Centers as “one-stop” shops that provide resources and supports for families before they find themselves in crisis. Family Success Centers offer child abuse prevention services and address problems that threaten the safety and stability of families and the community. Family Success Centers also offer information on child, maternal and family health services, family stability, employment and income security services, life skills training (such as budgeting and nutrition), housing related services, parent education, advocacy, and home visiting.

Here is a list of Family Success Centers in Essex County:

  • Babyland Family Success Center

755 South Orange Avenue, Newark

973-399-3400

  • Central and West Ward Family Success Center

982 Broad Street, Newark

973-639-2100

  • East Orange Family Success Center

60 Evergreen Place, Suite 307, East Orange

973-395-1442

  • FOCUS Family Success Center

441-443 Broad Street, Newark

973-624-2528 ext. 114

  • Ironbound Community Corporation Family Success Center

29-31 Cortland Street, Newark

973-344-5949 ext 201

  • Ironbound Community Corporation Family Success Center

317 Elm Street, Newark

973-465-0555 ext 202

  • Irvington Family Development Center Family Success Center

50 Union Avenue, Suite 403, Irvington  

973-372-4353 ext 17

  • LaCasa’s Family Success Center I

23 Broadway, Newark

973-483-2703 ext 2218

  • LaCasa’s Family Success Center II

282 First Avenue, Newark

973-482-9002

  • The North Ward Center Family Success Center

286 Mt. Prospect Avenue, Newark

973-485-5723

And if you are trying to help young people deal with the aftereffects of the hurricane, here are some resources you can share:

Legal Services

If you have insurance claims, home repair contractor disputes, public adjuster issues and other civil legal problems related to Hurricane Sandy, you may be able to get FREE legal advice from volunteer attorneys of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ).

Here is a list of their local clinics:

·         Legal Services of NJ Hotline: Call 888-222-5765 or visit www.lsnjlaw.org

·         Community Health Law Project: Call 973-275-1175 or visit www.chlp.org/

·         Partners for Women and Justice: Call 973-233-0111 or visit http://www.pfwj.org

·         Volunteer Lawyers for Justice: Call 855-301-2525 or visit http://www.vljnj.org/

General Assistance

If you are looking for information on all state social services and on-line applications please visit http://www.njhelps.org.

If you’d like to learn about your local communityresources, Call 2-1-1 by simply dialing 2-1-1 from any phone or go to www.nj211.org.  Each county has specific services set up for individuals and families affected by the recent flooding.  An experienced call specialist can help youfind the best and most current service availableto meet your needs.

 

Finally, here are some other helpful phone numbers to call:

·         General needs or food stamps: 973-395-8000

·         Medicaid/Family Care: 973-645-7134

·         Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: 973-733-2319/3183

·         Emergency Assistance: 973-645-8369

·         Child Support and Paternity: 973-733-3392

·         Nursing Home Services: 973-645-7084

·         Adult Medicaid Program: 973-645-8342

·         Information and Referral: 973-733-3000

Your Poison Control Hotline:  files/English_lo_adobe.pdf

 

 

 
ERHC LINCS

Disaster Preparedness Programs

Free Disaster Preparedness Programs

 

The Newark Presbtery Disaster Assitance Team is offering a free two-day work shop at The West Orange Presbyterian Center- Fellowship Hall, 20 Old Indian Road, West Orange, NJ 07052

Friday, March 12, 2014–  Developing an Individual Church’s Disaster Assistance Plan (12 pm to 4 pm)

Saturday March 15, 2014– Individual Personal Training for Disaster Assistance

For more information or to RSVP please contact William M. Brown III NPDAT, Chairman at 201-463-7242 or wmb3aia@aol.com

Medical Reserve Corp

MRC Training Schedule

 

The training schedule for the Essex County Public Health Reserve Corps Begins September 10, 2013.

 

The classroom training schedule is posted on the New Jersey Learning Management Network (NJLMN) and is found at https://njlmn.rutgers.edu

You must have an NJLMN account to register for training.  The account is free and you will have to create a login and password. Instructions are on the site.

 

Continue reading MRC Training Schedule →

ERHC Environmental

Underground Storage Tanks

 

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspections

 

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) containing gasoline and diesel fuel can rust and leak over time, impact soil and groundwater and pose a number of environmental and health risks. There are over 400 gas station facilities in Essex County.  New Jersey requires gas station owners to take precautionary measures to insure against leaks and, in the event a tank leaks, prompt action to minimize those risks.

 

The Underground Storage Tank Program provides compliance monitoring/leak detection of active regulated underground storage tanks in accordance with NJDEP regulations, policies and procedures. The program includes the provision of compliance assistance, the performance of UST facility inspections, the investigation of regulated UST related complaints, the issuance of enforcement documents that may include penalty assessments and other steps which will bring the owner and/or operator into compliance.

ERHC Environmental

Registration Forms

Source Registration Requirement for Air Pollution Sources

 The Air Pollution Control Code of the Essex Regional Health Commission requires the registration of certain fuel burning units (oil, gas, coal) and air pollution sources and the permitting of incinerators.  The Code applies to commercial and industrial facilities, and residential/apartment buildings comprised of eight or more units within the jurisdiction of the Commission. 

All registered/permitted facilities are sent renewal notices at the beginning of each registration /permitting cycle.  The current registration/permitting cycle extends from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. 

Any existing or new facility which has not registered/permitted equipment for the current registration/permitting cycle or has added equipment which has already been previously registered with the Commission, may download registration applications, using the attached (buttons). 

All facilities must submit the General Facility Information page.  Equipment inventory pages must be submitted for the specific equipment at each facility.  Emission Source page must be used for all other sources of air pollution not specifically indicated. 

Any facility which has to permit an incinerator must contact this agency directly. 

The Air Pollution Control Code can also be downloaded here. 

(The forms and Code require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.) 

*** See below for description of forms

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Description of Forms

 
Cover_Letter.pdf Legal Requirement for Fees
Instruction_Sheet.pdf  Instruction Sheet for Fee Schedule
SR_AB_Appl.pdf Equipment inventory Section- Spray Booths, Fuel Burning Equipment
SR_DC_Appl.pdf Dryclearner Equipment, Fuel Burning Equipment
SR_FB_form.pdf Fuel Burning Equipment
SR_GENInfo_form.pdf General Information and Facility Profile
SR_GS_Appl.pdf Gasoline Dispensing Operation
SR_Source_form.pdf Equipment Inventory Section
the_ERHC_apollcc.pdf Air Pollution Control Code of the Essex Regional Health Commission

 

ERHC General

Compliance About Us Page

Mission and Responsibility

Under authority of NJSA 26:3-85 et. seq., the Essex Regional Health Commission was established by joint resolution of 14 municipalities of Essex County. The commission has conducted a local Air Pollution Control Program since 1967, funded in part under Section 105 of the Federal Clean Air Act.

 

 

 

History

 

In 1993 the Commission entered into an agreement with the Essex County Department of Health (ECDOH) to provide additional services as required by the County Environmental Health Act (NJSA 26:3A2-21 et. seq.). Under the terms of the agreement, the Commission personnel act as agents of both the ECDOH and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in conducting programs for the control of air, noise, and water pollution.  All programs adhere to strict performance standards promulgated and annually monitored by the NJDEP.

 

 

ERHC Disclosure    or     P.L. 2011, Chapter 167 Compliance Information

 

Medical Reserve Corp

Essex County Public Health Reserve Corps

 

EssexCountyPublic Health Reserve Corps Trainings

2014-2015

 

All courses are offered in the offices of Essex Regional Health Commission, 204 Hillside Ave., Livingston, NJ

All courses are between 5:30 pm-9:00 pm

You must have an NJLMN account to register for these courses.

You can register for a free account at: https://njlmn.rutgers.edu

If you have questions or need more information please call

Michael Fonzino MRC Coordinator at 973-445-2514

 

 Please enter through front door of the Livingston Senior Community Center.

 

1.    MRC Orientation/Personal Preparedness:Introduces MRC volunteers to activation, reporting and deactivation procedures and describes the role of the local MRC unit in a public health event or emergency response. Helps MRC members identify limits to their own skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to MRC roles.

 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

 

 

2.  ICS-100 (Introduction to ICS): Designed to give an introduction to the principles, common terminology and position responsibilities when responding to an event using the Incident Command System. This course specifically discusses major ICS functions and responsibilities, ICS organizational units, span of control, major incident facilities and the function of each, an Incident Action Plan and how it is used and the common responsibilities associated with incident assignments from the Federal disaster response workforce perspective.

 

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

 

3.    Introduction to PODS: Points of Dispensing Operations. This module will introduce the participant to the concepts associated with the distribution of emergency supplies to the community. Discussion of the purpose and goal  of a POD, when it is necessary to open one, an Incident Command Structure for the organization of POD staff, job functions and job action sheets for POD functions

 

Training Dates TBD

 

4.    Psychological First Aid/Psychology of a Disaster: This module describes the impact of an event on the mental health of the MRC members, responder and others and steps that responders can take to relieve their own stress and those of disaster survivors.

 

Training Dates TBD

 

 

5.    ICS 700: Introduction to the National Incident Management SystemNIMS provides a nationwide template to enable all government, private sector and non-governmental agencies to work together during a domestic incident.  This course is an introduction to NIMS, its components, concepts and principles.

 

Thursday, June 24, 2015

 

6.   Ebola Preparedness and Response Training:  provides an update on Ebola outbreak, history and overview of Ebola Virus, Healthcare System and Public Health Preparedness and response efforts, Active Screening and Post-arrival monitoring of at risk population, and Public Health Messaging

 

 
December 10, 2014
 

LINCS Health Alert Network

Public Health Update: Infections Following Cosmetic Injections in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) continues to investigate infections related to cosmetic injections. As of March 23, 2010, NJDHSS had been notified of eight cases of soft tissue infections following buttock injections for cosmetic purposes. Preliminary information suggests that the injections may have been performed by unlicensed medical providers. The NJDHSS, in conjunction with local health officials, is working with the NJ Department of Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Criminal Investigation Unit to identify the involved unlicensed provider(s) and implicated product.

 

All cases involve African-American women with a median age of 26 years (range: 22-42 years), residing in Essex, Morris and Union Counties. They reported receiving injections during November 2009–February 2010. The incubation periods range from 2 to 4 weeks. Two patients reported traveling to the Dominican Republic to receive the procedure. One patient reported receiving the injections in New York City (NYC), possibly in Brooklyn. Case-patients reported receiving injections of unknown substances, including “hydrogel” (2),”botox” (1), “gel filler” (2), and “biogel” (1) into the buttocks. They presented at local hospitals with cellulitis and abscesses at the injection sites; all required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.

 

Preliminary microbiologic data suggest Nocardia spp. as the etiologic agent in 4 of the 6 patients that were injected in NJ.  One patient that got injected in Dominican Republic had Rhodococcus equi identified and the second patient had Nocardia. Culture results are pending for the other cases. Though health-care providers evaluating persons with infections following such injections should consider typical organisms such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp., atypical organisms such as Nocardia, Rhodococcus and Mycobacterium spp. should also be considered. Patients infected with these atypical organisms can often present with more indolent skin lesions and do not respond to the usual empiric antimicrobial regimens.

 

NJDHSS considers it likely that there are other unreported cases. To identify additional cases and to ensure appropriate management, health-care providers are asked to:

Report any cases of cellulitis, soft tissue infection, or subcutaneous abscess that may be caused by injection of foreign substances, regardless of culture results, since August 1, 2009. This especially applies if atypical organisms (including Nocardia, Rhodococcus, M. abscessus, M. chelonae, and M. fortuitum) have been isolated or suspected.

Ensure that specimens are sent to the laboratory and appropriate testing is done to identify typical as well as atypical organisms such as Nocardia, Rhodococcus and Mycobacterium spp.

Ensure that patients are placed on appropriate antimicrobial regimens.

 

Providers identifying cases that meet the above clinical and epidemiologic features are asked to report to the local health department responsible for the jurisdiction in which the case-patient resides or directly to the NJDHSS Communicable Disease Service at 609-826-5964. A directory of the Local Health Departments in NJ can be found by clicking on the following link:  http://www.state.nj.us/health/lh/directory/lhdselectcounty.shtml.