Mission: To protect and improve the health of Vineland residents by preventing or eliminating disease and injury.
Scope: Community level protection, prevention and education of adverse environmental factors that may impact human health and environmental quality.
Services & Program: A team of Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) are responsible for providing services and programs in the following areas:
Also see Rabies
Contacts:
Robert Dickenson, REHS, HO
Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS
(856) 794-4131
The most common source of rabies in the U.S. is from bats. However, in 1989, raccoon rabies entered NJ and has spread through the entire state. Many other animals have become infected including skunks, foxes, groundhogs and free roaming cats.
Rabies is a fatal disease that is transmitted through exposure to a rabid animal. However, it is very preventable if post exposure medical treatment is obtained in a timely manner.
What should you do?
What we do:
Contact: Robert M. Dickinson, REHS, HO
Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS
(856) 794-4131
Body art requires puncturing the skin and therefore has risks of blood borne pathogen transmission to the practitioner and/or the client. Thus, there are requirements of sanitation, sterilization and safety standards that must be met.
Activities included here are based on the State Sanitary Code Chapter VIII, “Body Art Procedures,” N.J.A.C. 8:27-1
Contacts: Fran Magnan, RN (856) 327-7602
Pearl Thompson, RN (Public Health Nurse Supervisor)
(856) 794-4000 *4256
Activities included here are:
Contacts: Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS
(856) 794-4000 Ext. 4326
The Vineland Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, is responsible for the food safety aspects of about 400 retail food establishments in Vineland plus vending machines.
The goal of the program is to assure safe food to the public through efforts such as increasing awareness about safe food handling with food handlers, owners, and managers; routine inspections with mandated corrections; and legal enforcement and/or closure when all other efforts fail. We view food safety as a partnership between retail food establishments and this department.
While we look at all aspects of the operation, our concentration is on the 5 major risk factors identified by the Center for Disease Control. These risk factors are the aspects of food handling that directly cause foodborne illnesses most often. They are:
Increased knowledge has shown to improve the practices of food handlers and thus, reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Our educational efforts occur not only during routine inspections but also in classroom settings and newsletters. (See "classes" for details of any current offerings. See "newsletters" to download recent issues.)
Inspections are conducted based on the New Jersey State Code (NJAC 8:24-et al). This regulation can be viewed or printed from this website. Our retail food establishments are all placed in a "risk type" from 1 to 4. Please see details about this in the following:
Ratings are given at the conclusion of each routine inspection as follows:
The most recent placard must be posted in public view near the public entrance. The public also has the right to view the most recent inspection report upon request to the manager/owner.
The Vineland Health Department goes beyond the minimum required by the State in the area of food safety. These efforts include:
- Examples of Acceptable "Extra Efforts"
- 2011 Winners
Explanation of the FDA Voluntary Standards Program:
The Vineland Health Department was recommended for the FDA's Voluntary Standard's Program by the NJ State Health Department. When approached by the FDA, we accepted their challenge to become even better at protecting the public from foodborne illnesses.
For greater details of the program click on this link http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/ProgramStandards/ucm121796.htm
Food safety newsletters (sent to retail food facilities) - English only
Contact: Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS
Rick Barsuglia, REHS
856-794-4131
Indoor air quality can affect the health and/or comfort of residents, students or workers. Indoor air problems can cause a host of health issues from allergic responses, sinus and lung infections, seizures, to death. However, there are no specific laws, only guidelines.
This department is available, upon request or complaint, to conduct an initial inspection and/or make recommendations for further evaluations or testing.
The Vineland Health Department is able to perform some testing of aspects such as:
For further information about indoor air quality and its effects, please click on the following link:
Contact: Robert M. Dickinson, Sr. REHS
Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS
(856) 794-4131
Inspections are conducted to protect the health and well-being of both the animals and the public. Inspections will include the safety & comfort of the animals as well as disease transmission.
Activities included here are based on the N.J.A.C. 8:23-3A and City Ordinance 46 as amended by Ordinance 90-112, and Chapter 3 of New Jersey State Sanitary Code.
Contact:
Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS
(856) 794-4131
Activities related to Occupational Health include those set forth at Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health in New Jersey: N. J. A. C. 8:52, Appendix: Programmatic Guidelines for Best Practices.
These activities include:
- conduct on-site inspections at public agencies and private sector businesses in response to employee complaints.
- these calls are primarily from private sector employees and small business employers.
Contacts: Richard Barsuglia, REHS
(856) 794-4131
Enforcement of Public Health Nuisance Code(s) dealing with:
Activities included here are:
Contact: Robert Dickenson, 856-794-4000 Ext. 4124
Contacts: Richard Barsuglia, REHS (856) 794-4131
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and can only be detected by specialized tests. Radon enters homes through openings that are in contact with the ground, such as cracks in the foundation, smell openings around pipes, and sup pits.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Testing your home for radon is easy.
The City of Vineland Health Department has a limited number of radon test kits available for homeowners (Vineland residents only) while supplies last.
If you have questions or want to obtain a test kit, please call the contacts noted at the top of this page.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Radon Program maintains an Information Line at 1-800-648-0394 or you can visit the Radon Program web site at www.njradon.org.
Contacts: Carolyn Fisher, Sr. REHS
Jeanne C. Garbarino, Principal REHS (856) 794-4131
Activities included here are based on the current "Recreational Bathing" Regulations contained in the State Sanitation Code (see N. J. A. C. 8:26).
Inspections of all public swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and spas/whirlpools;
Contact: Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS (856) 794-4000 Ext. 4326
Below are helpful links with information on the City of Vineland Retail Food Establishment Progam.
Retail Food Establishment Inspection Reports
Inspection reports for any retail establishment are public record. Inspection reports can be viewed at one of 2 places. You can ask the retail food establishment to view their report or you can come to the Health Department and ask to see the reports.
Contact: Gary Lugiano - Sr. REHS
856-794-4000 Ext. 4125
Forms
Profile Pit Request Form
Septic System Application - Repair (Minor)
Applicable fees must be submitted with request/applications.
All inspections require a minimum of 24 hours notice.
Fees:
New System (New Construction) $700
Existing Systems - Repairs/Alterations $500
Existing Systmes - Minor Repairs (Does not include work to the disposal area) $150
Onsite System Inspection Report Reviews - $100
Contacts: Emma Lopez - Health Educator
(856) 794-4000 *4709
Effective April 15, 2006, indoor public places and workplaces across the State will be smoke free which includes (e cigs) electronic cigarettes. In January, 2010, an amendment was passed, which banned the use of electronic smoking devices - "e-cigarettes" - in indoor public places and workplaces and the sale to people 19 years and younger. The amended law became effective March 13, 2010.New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act ensures workers have a safe workplace and that all non-smokers, including children and senior citizens, can breathe smoke-free air in the public places they visit.
The law affects the following types of indoor public places and workplaces:
The City of Vineland Health Department is ready to assist the public and business owners alike in providing information, education and enforcement of the new law. A printed version of the new law, brochures, signs and other information about the Smoke-Free Air Act is available at http://www.nj.gov/health/ctcp/smokefree/
Contact: Jeanne Garbarino, Principal REHS (856) 794-4131
Since lamps used in tanning beds emit UV radiation, the use of indoor tanning devices increase your risk of skin cancer. Other risks include premature aging of the skin, immune suppression, eye damage and allergic reaction. A bad burn at young ages greatly increases the chances of skin cancer.
In order to protect the public’s health, regulations require age restrictions, time restrictions, exposure times based on skin type and disinfection between users.
Activities included here are based on N.J.A.C. 8: 28.
Contact: Ryan Long, Field Representative-Health Education 856-794-4000 Ext. 4124
Emma Lopez, Health Educator 856-794-4000 Ext. 4709
The Tobacco Age of Sale Enforcement Program enforces New Jersey’s tobacco control laws, which prohibit the sale of tobacco to persons under the age of 19.
The Tobacco Age of Sale Enforcement Program:
Since its creation, the TASE program has dramatically increased merchant compliance with tobacco control laws.
Currently, more than 88 percent of merchants comply with the law and refuse to sell tobacco to underage youth.
For more information on how your teenager can volunteer to work with Inspectors on this project please call 856-794-4131.
Potable (Drinking) Water Program
Contact: Gary Lugiano - Sr. REHS 856-794-4000 Ext. 4125
Forms
Installation Request Form
Permit to Drill Form
Fees:
New and Replacement Wells $320
Contacts: Jeanne C. Garbarino, Principal REHS
What is West Nile Virus? Where did it come from?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus. As its name implies, WNV is typically found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Infection with this virus does not always result in human disease. Studies have shown that only a small percentage of humans infected with the virus will show symptoms of the disease. The general symptoms of West Nile fever, resulting from infection with WNV, range from fever, headache, and rash to meningitis, encephalitis, coma, and death. It was first identified in the United States in August of 1999 in New York State.
How do people get West Nile Virus?
People become infected with West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting birds which have previously been infected with WNV. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling infected birds.
What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most infections are mild. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands. When more severe illness occurs, symptoms range from fever, rash and headache to meningitis, encephalitis, coma and, on rare occasions, death.
Who is at risk for getting West Nile Virus?
Risk among individuals in the general population is very low. However, people over the age of 50 and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk for more serious illness.
How is it treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, nor is there a vaccine. Most people recover completely within two weeks. In more severe infections, intensive supportive therapy may be needed.
Can birds or other animals get West Nile Virus?
Crows, gulls, ducks, chickens, hawks, and horses are some examples of animals that are known to harbor West Nile Virus. But only a few species actually show symptoms. Only a few of these animals have enough virus in their blood to allow mosquitoes that feed on them to become infected. Of concern are migrating birds, like crows, which can bring the disease to new areas while mosquitoes are still active. Crows tested for WNV in the northeastern U.S. in 1999 showed a very high fatality rate.
Among other animals, only horses, sheep, mice, hamsters, and lemurs are known to show symptoms. Many different animals, even frogs, are known to harbor the disease. A few of them act as reservoirs of the disease, meaning that they have enough of the virus in their blood to allow mosquitoes to become infected. But most animals do not show symptoms, or resist infection altogether. In a limited number of studies on domestic animals, infected dogs showed minimal to no symptoms.
For more information on WNV in large animals go to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture ).
Is there surveillance for West Nile Virus?
When the public identifies dead crows and blue jays to the City of Vineland Department of Health, Public Health Division, the birds are ship to the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services to be tested in their lab. Positive specimens (birds that have the West Nile Virus) are recorded both at the state and county level.
To report a dead crow and blue jays.
To report a dead crow and blue jays during business hours, call the City of Vineland Division of Public Health at 794-4131. To report a dead crow after hours or on the weekends, call the City of Vineland Police Department dispatch center at 691-4111.
To report adult mosquitoes or larvae (in ponding water) in your neighborhood call the Cumberland County Division of Mosquito Control at 856-453-2197.
Contacts: Carolyn Fisher, Sr. REHS
Jeanne C. Garbarino, Principal REHS
(856) 794-4131
A youth camp sanitation and safety program is conducted based on N. J. A. C. 8:25.
Activities included here are:
