One of the main purposes of the West Caldwell Health Department is to prevent the premature onset of disease and disability, and to help all residents achieve healthier, more productive lives. The health department is committed to maintaining, protecting, and promoting the health of its residents through organized health promotion and disease prevention efforts. These efforts are based on statewid
e standards set forth by New Jersey's Department of Health and Senior Services. Several codes and statutes make up the "state-wide standards" established by the State to monitor health departments. One of the most important is known as "Recognized Public Health Activities and Minimum Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health in New Jersey". Mandates established within "Minimum Standards" include the following core requirements:
1. ) To develop, implement, and evaluate health promotion activities in the seven required areas (i.e., Accident Prevention, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Control, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Nutrition, Smoking Cessation, Physical Fitness and Exercise).
2. ) To perform environmental health and safety inspections of: all establishments that serve or sell food; bathing places; campgrounds; youth camps; public health nuisances; etc..
3. ) To develop and implement programs that focus on preventing the spread of communicable diseases (i.e. investigation of reportable diseases; provision of immunization programs, control of rabies and zoonosis outbreaks; as well as programs to control the spread of tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases.
4. ) To provide affordable and accessible Maternal and Child Health services.
5. ) The provision of Adult Health Services.
