Jersey Shore Regional Health Commission

Registered Environmental Health Specialist carry out a wide range of inspections enforce state sanitation, and Health standards are meet. This includes the inspection of :

• Retail Food Establishment
  – More info on RFE inspection and ratings HERE
• Public Bathing Pools and Beaches
• Wells and Septic Systems
• Tattoo Parlors & Permanent Cosmetics
• Tanning Facilities
• Kennels, Pounds and Animal Shelters
• Tanning Facilities
• Immunization records of schools and daycares

To speak with an REHS, and learn more about inspections CLICK HERE

Rabies vaccinations are essential in safeguarding pets against this deadly virus, which can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. By ensuring that pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, owners not only protect their beloved animals but also contribute to public health and safety. Vaccinating pets helps prevent the spread of rabies within communities, reducing the risk of human exposure to this fatal disease. JSRHC encourages pet owners to prioritize rabies vaccinations for their furry companions.

Throughout the year we hold Rabies clinics within the municipalities served. If you are intending to join us at one of these events, please complete and bring THIS FORM with to the event.

Check out our Events, to find out when and where the next Rabies clinic will be.

JSRHC plays a pivotal role in disrupting the spread of diseases through vital services such as vaccination programs and communicable disease investigations.

By providing linkage to & sponsoring vaccinations services, JSRHC aid in building immunity within communities, preventing the transmission of infectious diseases and safeguarding public health. Check out our Events to see if there are any up coming clinics schedule, or Contact us for more information

Additionally, through meticulous communicable disease investigations, our public health professionals identify and contain outbreaks, track the spread of illnesses, and implement targeted interventions to mitigate further transmission. JSRHC Communicable disease services extend beyond our immediate jurisdiction, as we have taken a leading role in the Monmouth Public Health Consortium (MPHC).

The MPHC includes Colts Neck and Long Branch’s Health Departments. These departments look towards JSRHC for communicable disease investigations.

Our performance management/best practices goals for the Consortium are as follows:

• Close coordination with the New Jersey Department of Health
• Close coordination and assistance from the Consortium Health Officers and staff
• 95% of the Immediately Reportable Diseases are responded to on a 24/7 basis
• Monthly reports generated for participant municipalities
• Language line access for translation services.
  
  

Find out more about communicable disease investigations at NJ.gov – Disease Reporting section

Health education services at the Jersey Shore Regional Health Commission focuses on promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles and creating healthy environments to live, work and play.

Working together with our staff, the regional health educator performs a variety of tasks that reach each of the communities we serve so they get closer to achieving optimum health.

Health education services include advocating for health by serving on committees, coalitions and task forces. Our Health Promotion and Communication Plan lays out how looking at determinates of health, data such the Monmouth County Community Health Assessment  (CHA)  creates our community focus areas.

JSRHC also serves as a resource for the delivery of health education and programming. We are dedicated to providing high quality health education services to residents through a variety of methods, including printed materials, mass media, health display boards, health fairs, skills-based workshops, and presentations to groups and individuals, as well as professional trainings.

If you would like to request our health educator or other staff person to present on a health topic or attend a health fair, please complete the Community Health Education Request Form.

Lead is considered a major public health concern due to its widespread presence and toxic nature. Found in various sources such as old paint, contaminated soil, water pipes, and certain consumer products, lead poses significant health risks. When ingested or inhaled, lead accumulates in the body, damaging vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Even low levels of exposure can lead to severe health issues, including cognitive impairment, developmental delays, and behavioral problems in children, making lead poisoning a critical public health concern.

JSRHC  plays a key role in addressing concerns with lead in two ways

First being its role in investigating blood lead level spikes at 3.5 µg/dL or higher in children. We aim to identify and ensure potential sources of lead exposure are addressed in the home. JSRHC is staffed with certified Lead Inspectors/risk assessors ready to apply there expertise in identifying sources of lead poisoning. By conducting these investigations, JSRHC contributes to the prevention of lead poisoning and promotes healthier environments for children to thrive.

JSRHC is also working with Municipalities to enforce NJAC 5:28 Lead-Based Paint Inspection In Rental Dwellings. This State regulations calls for inspections of all living dwellings built before 1978 for lead paint risks on a biannual basis. If you are a property owner who rents living spaces to others, it is encourage to review this regulation to understand what your responsibilities are with this matter, and make arrangements for a lead-based paint risk assessment as may be applicable. As each municipality appoints individuals or business entities to provide this service, a property owner would contact the municipality where the physical property is located.

JSRHC offers a wide range of vital services beyond its core functions. In addition to conducting sanitation inspections, investigating communicable diseases, administering vaccination clinics, and providing health education, JSRHC extends its support to the community through various other initiatives. These include but are not limited to:

JSRHC partners with the County Environmental Health Agency, to tackle environmental health hazards like air & water pollution, and improper waste disposal which may occur within our jurisdiction.

JSRHC works closely with local emergency management agencies to plan, prepare for, and respond to public health emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents during crises such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks.

JSRHC prioritizes health equity through identifying and addressing social determinants of health and working collaboratively with community partners to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all residents. We provide linkage to other health services such as like those addressing Chronic Diseases, Substance Abuse, or Maternal and Child Health.

These additional services underscore JSRHC’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities across its jurisdiction, promoting a healthier and more resilient population.