Meriden Health Talk

Meriden Early Start: Week of the Young Child/Autism Awareness Month

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Early Childhood Coordinator, Rhonda Knight, is joined by Alisha Simpson-Watt, Executive Clinical Director & Founder of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC for a special interview in honor of the Week of the Young Child and Autism Awareness Month. 
Meriden Early Start provides affordable, high-quality early education and care for children from infancy through age five who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. Our CT Early Start programs support children’s growth and development, ensuring they are ready to enter kindergarten and become life-long learners.
Collaborative ABA Services, LLC works with our Early Start programs as a consultant provider to support staff in meeting the needs of young children who may be experiencing developmental or behavioral challenges. 
To learn more about the Meriden Early Start program please visit our website: www.meridenhealth.com.  

National Public Health Week - Meriden Senior Center

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today we will be hearing from the Meriden Senior Center.
Hello, my name is Rick Liegl and I am the Senior Affairs Administrator at the Meriden Senior Center, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Meriden Senior Center is located at 22 West Main Street and provides a safe and comfortable environment where we strive to empower older adults to thrive in our community. In alignment with National Public Health Week, our center plays an important role in promoting health, supporting healthy aging and the overall well-being among older adults.
We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and provide a multitude of services to fulfill many of their social, physical, emotional and intellectual needs.
This includes:
An elderly nutrition program served Monday through Friday at 11:30am.
Mini-bus transportation services, which provides rides to and from in-town medical appointments, shopping and recreational trips, and daily transportation to and from the center, and
Recreation activities including clubs, BINGO, a computer lab, exercise and art programs, day and overnight trips, and more.
In addition to these services, our Social Services Worker and Community Services Supervisor helps Meriden residents with housing, medical, and general assistance needs. This can include assistance with:
Medicare savings applications
Choices counseling
SNAP applications, and
The Renters’ Rebate Program, which runs from April 1 to September 30 each year.
Having these programs available to seniors keeps them active and engaged in the community, and gives them a space to connect, build friendships, and have access to vital services like meal programs, transportation, healthcare information, and benefits assistance.
To learn more about our programs and upcoming events please visit our website www.meridenhealth.com where you will find our monthly newsletter and activity calendar. Not a member yet? Membership for Meriden residents age 55 and over is FREE. If you have any questions call the main office at (203) 237-0066. 

National Public Health Week - Public Health Clinic

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today we will be hearing from our Public Health Clinic.
Hello, my name is Michelle Barberino and I am the Public Health Clinic Supervisor for the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services.
Our Public Health Clinic is located at 165 Miller Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Our team offers a variety of services to Meriden residents. 
These include:
Adult and child vaccinations, including the seasonal flu shot. We are part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program and are able to offer no cost vaccines to children under the age of 18 regardless of their health insurance status. This is to ensure children in Meriden are protected against vaccine preventable diseases and are ready to enter daycare, preschool, Meriden Public Schools, or college/universities.
Conducting childhood blood lead screenings. Our Public Health Nurses screen children for lead. Early detection and intervention leads to better outcomes for children who may have elevated blood lead levels. If a child has an elevated blood lead screening, we then refer the family to our Environmental Health Office for follow up and education.
Managing school health charts. School health charts of withdrawn or graduated Meriden public school students are sent to us to be filed and kept as per state statutes for 6 years after the student leaves the district or graduates. Our staff enters vaccine records from these charts into CT Wiz, the Connecticut Immunization portal. Members of the public can then access their vaccine record electronically.
Perform tuberculin skin testing, which screens for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease that effects the lungs. Screenings are a tool we use to test for tuberculosis exposure to provide further follow up and referrals if needed. Staff also manage active cases of tuberculosis, which can include direct observed therapy to ensure the resident is taking their prescribed medication to prevent the spread of disease.
Providing certifications for the Women Infants and Children program, better known as WIC. Height, weight, hemoglobin and, as needed, lead, are required screenings by the WIC office to monitor and assess the nutritional needs for children up to 5 years of age. 
When not providing direct services to residents, our team is busy in the background ensuring Meriden stays healthy through disease surveillance and follow up. Staff monitor state disease surveillance systems for communicable diseases that are required to be reported to local health departments. 
We maintain data on these illnesses, identify trends and conduct follow up interviews when needed on certain illnesses or conditions. A full list of reportable diseases to local health departments is available on our website. 
Right now, staff is gearing up for Kindergarten registration, which starts on April 9. During the registration process, our staff ensures students meet the State of Connecticut’s health requirements. This includes:
Having a physical examination within 12 months before the first day of school, which is August 26, 2026 AND
Obtaining a copy of the child’s immunization record.
Having these services available in our public health clinic is essential because they provide equitable access to care, often at no cost, helping to prevent outbreaks and protect entire communities. Services also emphasize education and early intervention, which reduce long-term health risks and adverse health outcomes.
If you have questions about services offered or would like to schedule an appointment for services, please call (203) 630-4234. 
 

National Public Health Week - School Health

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today we will be hearing from our School Health Program. 
My name is Jeannie Horan, Public Health Nurse Administrator for the City of Meriden Department of Health and Human Services. Our School Health program provides comprehensive school health services in Meriden’s 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and Venture Academy to over 8,500 students.
Our 22 Public Health Nurses and 9 Health Aides are the front line of student health. We are fortunate to have at least 1 Registered Nurse in every school!
Services provided in the school health offices’ supports student health, safety and academic success. Our Public Health Nurses and Health Aids work really hard to keep the students heathy, in school, and ready to learn.
Every school has a different variety of health needs. Services provided can range from
Administering daily medications
Performing screenings for vision, hearing, and scoliosis,
Specialized procedures such as g-tube feedings, tracheostomy care, and ostomy care.
Managing illnesses or injuries
Or managing chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes
Last school year alone, we had over 45,000 students visits our health offices at the schools.
In addition to providing school health services throughout the school year, our Public Health Nurses also provide coverage for summer school program to ensure that students can continue to get the care they need while attending summer school.
Our school health offices also work with our public health clinic to ensure every student is up-to-date on required vaccinations and physical exams.
During sports seasons, we also collaborate with the middle and high school coaches throughout the district to check that sports physicals are up to date and our students are healthy and safe to participate.
For more information about School Health Services, visit www.meridenhealth.com. 

National Public Health Week - Meriden Early Start

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today we will be hearing from Meriden Early Start. 
We are Parent Ambassadors with Meriden Early Start-formerly known as School Readiness. Meriden Early Start is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched in July 2025. It combines 3 existing programs- child daycare contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants- into 1 new program.
Our role is to serve as advocates for families of young children. We help get parents connected with local early childhood programs and services. We aim to help parents and caregivers feel empowered in their child’s education and development. As Parent Ambassadors we play an important role in making sure parent voices are heard, valued and included in the community.
In pursuit of providing meaningful opportunities and strengthening our connection with the community, we are excited to introduce Growing Together—a parent–child workshop series led by our dedicated Parent Ambassadors. Led by parents, for parents, Growing Together workshops are a welcoming space where families come together to learn, play, and grow side by side. They’re designed for young children and their caregivers to connect through hands-on activities that support early learning, social skills, and creativity.
During each workshop, children explore things like art, music, storytelling, and play-based learning, while parents and caregivers get a front-row seat to how their child learns best. It’s not just about the activity—it’s about building confidence, strengthening the parent–child bond, and giving families simple, meaningful ideas they can use at home.
At the same time, these workshops create a strong sense of community. Families meet others with children the same age, share experiences, and build supportive relationships. Caregivers also have opportunities to ask questions, learn from early childhood educators, and feel more connected to their child’s educational journey.
Most importantly, our workshops empower families to be active partners in their child’s development. We believe parents are a child’s first and most important teacher—and these workshops are here to support, uplift, and celebrate that role.
We hope you will join us for our next workshop on Saturday April, 18th from 10:30 AM-12 PM at the Meriden Public Library. Head over to meridenlibrary.org to register. Space is limited. We are excited to meet you!
To learn more about Meriden Early Start visit: www.meridenhealth.com. 

National Public Health Week - Environmental Health

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today we will be hearing from our Environmental Health.
My name is Carrie Buckley, and I am the Environmental Health Supervisor at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Environmental health services are very important in the relationship between people and their environment. When people are exposed to hazards such as a foodborne illness or a child is exposed to lead, serious health conditions can develop. Our goal is to minimize these hazards. 
Environmental Health works in the enforcement of State and local codes to protect the public’s health, which includes inspections of several types of establishments.
Our team of 4 sanitarians is responsible for licensing and inspecting:
Over 300 food service establishments within the city and respond to any food service complaints and any potential foodborne outbreaks.
Hair salons, nail salons, barbershops and cosmetology shops, and massage establishments.
Public pools at hotels, condos, and public recreation facilities
Staff also inspects day care facilities in conjunction with the State Health Department.
One other role of Environmental Health is overseeing septic systems, including the install of new systems, repairs to existing systems, and complaints. Staff ensure that the septic system meets all code requirements when installed. Well permits are also issued with our department.
Nuisance complaints, which can include garbage, bulky waste, rats, odors or stagnant water are also handled through our office. The complaints are investigated and letters or health orders are issued as needed. Environmental Health staff are also part of a city-wide team that would assist in cases of hoarding-like conditions.
We also investigate reports of children with elevated blood lead levels, provide parents or guardians with educational materials and prepare health orders to abate lead hazards.
Other lesser known services include:
Sending ticks that have bitten humans to the CT Agricultural State Testing Site in New Haven at no charge to be tested for common tick-borne illnesses.
We also transport animals with potential and actual exposures to rabies to the State lab for testing.
As you can assume, our staff is very busy maintaining the public health in Meriden. Our work involves responsibility for achieving and maintaining environmentally safe conditions through the enforcement of the FDA food code for food service, the CT Public Health Code, State statutes and local ordinances pertaining to environmental health. If you have any questions, please contact our office at (203) 630-4226.
 

National Public Health Week - Public Health Education & Public Health Emergency Preparedness

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today’s episode will feature Public Health Education and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. 
My name is Elizabeth DeMerchant, and I am the Public Health Educator in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Public Health Educators provide evidence-based information and resources to prevent disease and adverse health outcomes, promote healthy lifestyles, and create healthier environments. An essential public health service, Public Health Education empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed health decisions and adopt healthier behaviors. By raising awareness, preventing disease, and promoting early intervention, it helps reduce adverse health outcomes and improves overall community well-being. 
Through health education programs, campaigns, trainings, and community partnerships, our Department is working to create a healthier Meriden. One example of this is our partnership with our first responders and Rushford on the Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program. This program distributes life-saving overdose prevention and response materials and links persons to treatment and recovery resources. Through MORR, our office, in partnership with Rushford, provides life-saving trainings, distributes health education materials and naloxone to reverse overdose, and raises awareness of stigma surrounding substance misuse. 
In addition, as the Public Health Educator, I conduct outreach at community events in Meriden such as the Daffodil Festival, Senior Center Health Fair and events through Meriden Public Schools to raise awareness of Department services, make community connections, and provide health information on a variety of public health and human services topics.  
In my role, I also support public health emergency preparedness efforts in our city. 
A public health emergency, whether natural or man-made, may threaten the health and safety of the residents in Meriden at any time. As your local health department, our goal is to minimize the impact of these adverse events through public health emergency preparedness response efforts. Response efforts could include mass vaccination, mass medication dispensing, opening a shelter, providing timely updates on local public health emergencies or emerging infections.
We support public health emergency preparedness through planning, training, exercising, response, and recovery. This includes updating and revising our Public Health Emergency Response Plan, attending and participating in drills and exercises, and providing community education. An essential public health service, public health emergency response ensures we can effectively respond to and recover from natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. Being prepared through planning, training, and coordinating can help minimize harm, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain critical health services during crises.
To learn more about upcoming training opportunities, health education or emergency preparedness visit www.meridenhealth.com.  
 

Save the Date - Meriden Senior Center Health Fair

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, the Meriden Senior Center is here to talk about their upcoming Health Fair! 
Join us for a special morning dedicated to health, wellness, and community at the Meriden Senior Center Health Fair!
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 6th from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Meriden Senior Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for seniors in our community to connect with a variety of local organizations and businesses that will be setting up informative and engaging booths.
Attendees can look forward to a wide range of resources, including helpful handouts, exciting giveaways, free health screenings, and much more. Whether you're looking to learn about wellness services, community programs, or simply enjoy a friendly and welcoming environment, there will be something for everyone.
We encourage all seniors, as well as their families and caregivers, to attend and discover the many valuable services and opportunities available right here in our community.
We hope to see you there!

Strategies for a Healthy Spring

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to give you three actionable strategies you can take for a healthy spring. 
First, spring brings blooming flowers and trees, which, for some, can cause seasonal allergies to pollen and grass. Persons with seasonal allergies may experience symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion. To reduce exposure, check local pollen forecasts, keep windows closed on high pollen days, and change your HVAC filter often. If you’ve spent time outdoors, you may want to change clothes and launder what you’ve been wearing. If allergy symptoms worsen, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about treatment options. An air quality index indicator can be found on our website, www.meridenhealth.com.
Second, let’s talk about outdoor safety. As temperatures rise, people start spending more time outside gardening, biking, and exercising. Remember to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy days, by wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Wear a helmet when riding your bike, gloves when doing your yardwork, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You may also want to consider insect repellent, following the directions on the container, when spending time outdoors.
Last, remember spring cleaning safety.  Spring is a great time to do a little scrubbing and re-organizing. When using cleaning products, make sure areas are well ventilated and always follow label instructions. Never mix cleaning chemicals, especially bleach and ammonia, as this can create dangerous fumes.  Wear gloves to protect your skin from potential irritants. When done, store cleaning products out of the reach of children.
During your spring cleaning, if come across expired or unused medication, be sure to dispose of it safely. Meriden has 2 options to safely dispose of medication.
There is a medication drop box available 24/7, 365 days per year located in the lobby of the Meriden Police Department, located at 50 West Main Street. The box only accepts certain items, make sure you watch the educational video on our website before dropping off your medications.
If you can't make it to the Police Department, consider picking up medication disposal bags or packets in the lobby of our office at 165 Miller Street. These items are available at no cost.
Spring is a wonderful time to get outside, reconnect with nature, and enjoy warmer days. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help make sure the season stays safe and healthy for everyone.

Save a Life Day 2026

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the third annual Save a Life Day that will be on April 8, 2026. 
Save a Life Day is a statewide naloxone awareness and training day facilitated by local health departments and districts; there are close to 15 local health departments and districts signed up to participate and this number continues to grow. A full list is on our website, www.meridenhealth.com. 
In Meriden, our training will be held in partnership with Rushford on Wednesday, April 8 from 1:00-3:00pm at the Meriden Green, on Mill Street. Stop by for a quick training, less than 10 minutes, to learn the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and what Naloxone is and how to administer it. All will receive a free Naloxone kit, CPR face shield, medication disposal bags, and other resources from Rushford‘s mobile outreach van.
For those not familiar, naloxone, also known as Narcan™, is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication. It is a short acting medication that can reverse a lethal dosage of opioids by temporarily blocking the effects of the drug. Naloxone restores someone's ability to breathe allowing time to seek medical attention. Access to naloxone keeps our community healthy and safe. 
One more thing, there is great local resource available for those struggling with substance use. The Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program, also known as MORR, is designed to meet individuals wherever they are at in their recovery journey and connect them to programs and services that will best fit their individual needs. You can call MORR staff directly at (203) 630-5373.