Health Corner
Welcome to the Township of Sparta’s Health Corner, a place for sharing public health issues and services available to our residents. Our Sparta community is an active and healthy one, and there is always new information available to inform and educate. Please share this resource with your friends and family. Stay healthy!
The Township website is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services. This website provides general information for educational purposes only utilizing official government sources.
Check out the New
Sussex County Department of Health
News Letter Here !
Covid 19 Exposure Guidelines
You may have been exposed to COVID-19 if you were in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more over 24-hours) with someone who had COVID-19, or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed.
If you were exposed to COVID-19, take precautions immediately – regardless of your vaccination or booster status.
- Wear a high-quality mask or respirator like an N95 as soon as you find out you were exposed
- Wear a mask whenever you are around people in public or inside your home
- Take extra precautions if you are around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19
- For The Next 10 Days (Day 1 is the first full day after your exposure)
You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you were exposed, so it's important to continue taking precautions.
- Watch forCOVID-19 symptoms like fever, coughing, or shortness of breath.
- Get tested on day 6 after your exposure even if you do not have symptoms.
- If you test negative for COVID-19, continue to wear a mask around others at all times through day 10.
- Delay travel if possible
- Do not go places where you can't wear a mask like a restaurant
- On day 11, you can remove your mask.
At any point, if you develop symptoms:
- Isolate immediately
- Get tested
- Stay home until you know the result
Testing is widely available and open to everyone in New Jersey. Visit covid19.nj.gov/testing to find a testing location near you.
Note: If you work in a healthcare setting or live in a high-risk congregate setting, you may be subject to different safety recommendations and time frames.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html;
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/5-day_quarantine_english.pdf
New Mental Health Resources for College Students
Virtual mental health and wellness support, including teletherapy, will be available at no cost to students at 44 of New Jersey's colleges and universities this fall.
More Information can be found here.
Vaccine Preventable Disease Program
The Vaccine Preventable Disease Program works to reduce and eliminate the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases affecting children, adolescents, and older adults by raising the immunization coverage rates of New Jersey citizens.
More Information can be found here.
Immunization Requirements
The potential for the spread of infectious diseases is increased whenever individuals are ought into group settings. To prevent some of the most serious infections, the New Jersey school immunization rules, Immunization of Pupils in Schools (N.J.A.C. 8:57-4) require students to receive a series of immunizations prior to attendance at school. In addition, schools are required to enforce requirements, maintain records, and submit annual reports to the state and their respective local health department. The following materials provide guidance and tools for carrying out these requirements.
More Information can be found here.
School Health Information
NJDOH public health guidance can be found here
Don’t Let a Tick Make Your Child Sick!
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 45 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important..
Learn More Here
Sussex County
Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Health
Office of Public Health Nursing and Environmental Office
Clinics, Outreach Events, Public Education and Upcoming Events, DOH Activities
October, 2023
Full report available here.
Women’s Health Screening
Next Clinic Date: November, 16 2023
A Women’s Cancer screening clinic was held on October 12, 2023 from 4:00pm - 7:00 pm, five (6) women scheduled and five (4) were screened. . This service is available free to underinsured and uninsured county residents who qualify for the NJCEED grant. A cervical thin-prep Pap smear, clinical breast exam, and pelvic exam are included in the physical exam at the time of clinic. Breast, cervical, colorectal, smoking cessation health education will be available at the time of screening. Mammograms are scheduled for a later date. Pre-registration is required and participants must have an appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Please contact the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-579-0570, ext. 1246, or visit www.sussex.nj.us/nursing to obtain more information or schedule an appointment
Men’s Health Screening
Next Clinic Date: November 15
The clinic was held on May 17, 2023, one (1) patient was seen. Under the direction of the NJCEED Program, a clinic is held twice a year. Prostate and colorectal testing is done along with a free PSA blood draw. Health education will include prostate health, smoking cessation and colorectal cancer information. Participants are encouraged to bring back their colorectal test kit sent to them prior to their appointment. This clinic is free to all NJCEED participants and those men who are uninsured or underinsured. Appointments are required. Please call 973-579-0570 ext. 1246 to schedule an appointment
Child Health Conference
Next Clinic Date: November 28, 2023
Complete physical exams, screenings, and age-appropriate immunizations for children ages 0-5 years old that are without health insurance. A clinic was held on October 24 and (3) children were seen. Clinics are located at the Public Health Nursing Office, 201 Wheatsworth Road, Hamburg, NJ. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 973-579-0570. Clinic dates are posted on the website.
Health Check Clinic
Next Clinic Date: November 28, 2023
This clinic offers vaccines for adults and school-aged children. There is no fee for vaccines if uninsured or underinsured. A clinic was held on October 24 and (7) six patients were seen. Clinics are located at the Public Health Nursing Office, 201 Wheatsworth Road, Hamburg. Appointments are required. Please call 973-579-0570 ext. 1275 to schedule an appointment. Clinic dates for 2023 are posted on the website.
Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP)
December 2, 2023
A blood screening was offered including lipid profile tests, glucose, liver function tests, kidney function tests, complete blood counts and more. Fee for the clinic is $50. Appointments are required. Please call 973-579-0570 ext. 1275.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Clinics will continue to be updated on the SC website as they are scheduled. Public Health Nursing also continues to do weekly homebound vaccinations.
PHN Activities (November)
• November 3rd - YMCA program with Franklin Elementary School – 2:30 pm
• November 17th - YMCA program with Franklin Elementary School – 2:30 pm
COVID-19 Testing kits:
The Sussex County Division of Health continues to offer information on the SC website on how to obtain at home testing kits. All residential households are now eligible for an additional order of free at-home COVID-19 test kits through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Please note the following:
• Each order now includes eight (8) rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
• Your order of eight (8) tests will come in two (2) separate packages, with four (4) tests per package; each package will have its own tracking number.
• Packages will ship free through USPS.
County School Immunization Audits
Public Health nursing staff audits the student immunization records for compliance with NJ State regulations in all Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School and Childcare Centers in Sussex County. This is done on an annual basis as required by the NJDOH.
Sussex Warren Chronic Disease Coalition (SWCDC)
Maureen Cianci, RN, BSN attended the SC Caregiver Expo on 10/26/23 at The Farmstead. Health information and resources for cancer survivors was provided along with healthy eating and physical activity tips for all adults.
On 10/25/23 Maureen Cianci, RN, BSN did a presentation to 20 members of the Newton Rotary discussing Prostate Cancer: Early Detection and Prevention at the Hampton Diner.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. National Rural Health Day sponsored by Zufall Health will be held on Thursday, 11/16/23 at Newton HS.
Basic health literate handouts are available at all outreaches to reinforce healthy eating and physical activity for our community members and promote prevention of cancer which is considered a chronic disease.
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and the Community Health Improvement plan (CHIP) are completed and have been sent to the state of New Jersey. They are located on the Healthy NJ 2030 site: https://www.nj.gov/health/healthynj/2030/community-plans/
They are also located on the North Jersey Health Collaborative (NJHC) website: https://www.njhealthmatters.org/tiles/index/display?alias=sussexabout
The NJHC is analyzing the BMI data collected for K-6 grade SC schools. This primary data collection will identify needs that can be utilized to support and address health equitable approaches the identified need.
Lead Program
The Office of Public Health Nursing continues investigating childhood elevated blood lead levels. The nurse case manager conducts home visits and coordinates care for those children with elevated levels. The nurse case manager offers outreach and education with various partnerships within the county. Education and outreach for pediatricians and clinics continues with the goal of increased screening of those populations most at risk. There are currently four (4) cases open and under investigation.
LEAD Education
In October, the local Sussex County branch libraries were provided LEAD health education information for children and adults. Additionally, a "Be LEAD Smart" PowerPoint presentation was given to parents and families with young children at the Sussex County Main Library on October 27.
Pregnancy and Lead Zoom Presentation
December 13, 2023
On Wednesday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m., Health Educator, Juliette Bannister, MPH, MBA, CHES, will present a virtual Zoom presentation titled "Pregnancy and Lead Exposure - What You Need to Know". The webinar is hosted by Atlantic Health System and requires pre-registration. To register, please visit atlantichealth.org/events or call 1-800-247-9580.
Tuberculosis Control Services
Public Health Nurses provide surveillance and case management to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. Daily direct observation of medication therapy and client/family education are components of this program.
There is currently one (1) active case.
October 2023
Special Child Health Services:
Case Managers continue to assist families with the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF). Case Managers work with Family Resource Specialists from the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) to assist families with educational needs and resources. Special Child Health Services works with Autism NJ to provide resources to families.
Meetings:
- Meeting with Lori Ciampi from SCARC about respite programs
- Meeting with Deborah Fagnan from Library about programs
- Wallkill Valley Coalition meeting
- PSS County Council for Young Children Meeting
- Discussion with Haley Ward at PSS for parent needs survey
- Outreach:
- Project Self Sufficiency Health Fair
- Discuss needs of the families on SCHS with community partners.
- Outreach during lead presentations given by Health Educator
Outreach during baby clinic as appropriate
Education:
- NJ Early Detection Hearing Program
- Updates to Case Management Reporting System and policy reviewed and discussed
- Upcoming:
- Unit Coordinator Meeting
- Disability Service Advisory Council Meeting
- National Day out at Newton School
- Sensory Health Virtual Summit
Need Travel Vaccines? Plan Ahead.
International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in the United States. You may need travel vaccines to help you stay healthy on your trip.
Before you travel abroad, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional or a travel health specialist at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so it’s best to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Learn More Here
Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program Expansion
Travelers’ Health is excited to announce the expansion of the Traveler Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program to two additional international airports, Los Angeles and Seattle. This expansion is helping CDC continue to detect new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 among international air travelers. In total, the TGS program currently has sites in seven major U.S. international airports:
• Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta
• John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Newark Liberty International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Washington Dulles International Airport
The next time you travel through one of these airports, stop by the TGS booth, volunteer to participate, and receive a free COVID-19 at-home test kit for your time contributing to public health.