DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The Division of Health consists of three bureaus which investigate various threats to public health: the Bureau of Investigations and Inspections; the Bureau of Healthy Homes; and the Bureau of Licensing. As a public health agency, the Division of Health is required to collect, maintain, and report community surveillance statistics to state and federal health officials.
In addition the Health Division also follows up on information involving:
- Illegal solid waste transfer stations
- Abandoned industrial barrels
- Improper disposal of medical waste
- Crimes against the environment
BUREAU OF LICENSING
This bureau inspects all establishments licensed by the Division of Health, including:
- Retail food establishments
- Mobile food vendors
- Laundries
- Beauty salons
- Tanning salons
- Nail salons
- Day care centers
The Bureau of Licensing also investigates outbreaks and assists and advises other municipal health agencies when the food establishment in question is located outside Jersey City.
Some of the licenses issued by the Licensing Bureau are now available for renewal online. Click here to renew licenses for Class A, B, C, and D food establishments, vending machines, child care centers, tattoo parlors, and dog licenses.
BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS & INSPECTIONS
The Bureau of Investigations and Inspections investigates all citizen complaints relative to potential or actual public health nuisances. Public health nuisances are conditions which contain disease organisms and cause illness or foster and aid the vectors which transport and spread disease. Disease vectors are the means by which diseases travel (e.g., rats, mice,
fleas, and ticks).
The following is a list of the most common health nuisances reported to the Division’s Bureau of Public Health Investigations:
- Rodent/Roach infestation
- Hoarding
- Bedbug Infestation
- Improper garbage storage
- Sewer backup in basement
- Accumulated rubbish and debris on premises
- High weeds/overgrown grass in rear yard
- Unsanitary conditions in apartment or house (odor)
BUREAU OF HEALTHY HOMES
The Bureau of Healthy Homes seeks to eliminate lead poisoning, and address and identify lead hazards. The Bureau of Healthy Homes/Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides a variety of resources to help primary care physicians educate their patients on the dangers of lead and other hazards. The Bureau provides lead screening, case management, and environmental intervention services to children who are lead burdened. Lead screening is provided for children 9 months through 6 years of age who are uninsured or underinsured. Educating local healthcare providers is vital if any headway is going to be made in lowering blood lead levels in Jersey City's youth population.