(203) 735-9331
2002 Agency of the Year
Naugatuck Valley Health District
Employees of the Health District
The Naugatuck Valley Health District (NVHD) was founded in 1972, as a
collaborative effort to provide public health services to the towns of Ansonia,
Derby, Seymour, and Shelton. Beacon Falls and Naugatuck joined in this voluntary
effort in 1980 and 1985, respectively.
Responsible for the public health of approximately 120,840 residents, NVHD is
committed to improving the quality of life for all it serves through the
promotion of health, prevention of disease, and by assuring a safe and clean
environment. The two divisions, Community Health and Environmental Health, are
staffed with 23 individuals, mostly nurses, sanitarians, nutritionists, and
other public health professionals. The 15-member Board of Directors sets policy
for the district.
The Community Health Division provides an array of public health programs
aimed at increasing the span of healthy life for all residents. Activities take
place at convenient community locations, and involve partnerships with local
health and human service agencies, municipal departments and physicians. Key
programs are as follows: investigation and control of infectious diseases;
immunizations for the elderly, children, high risk, and those at occupational
risk; chronic disease control; maternal and child health services; supplemental
nutrition for pregnant women and children; health education, and the prevention
of childhood lead poisoning.
The goal of the Environmental Health Division is to prevent illness,
disability or death from interactions between people and the environment.
Sanitarians perform health inspections, investigate and resolve complaints about
health hazards, and educate the public. Key areas of responsibility include the
following: food service, housing, lead abatement, day care centers and schools,
public pools and recreation areas, tattoo and body piercing, hair and nail
salons, septic and sewage, and drinking water.
The health district responds to public health emergencies on a 24-hour basis.
Most recently, NVHD staff responded to the Oxford anthrax case by providing
antibiotic clinics, disease surveillance, community meetings and health
information.
Though it might be unusual in other parts of the state, the Health District
has been a very active and valuable member of the Valley Council for Health &
Human Services and its Director, Karen Spargo, has taken an active leadership
role in developing the priorities of the Council - especially when it comes to
health matters.
As Naugatuck Valley Health District celebrates its 30th
anniversary, its dedicated board of directors and staff look forward to
providing local public health services during the next 30 years and beyond and
the Valley Council is pleased to honor the Health District with it Agency of the
Year Award for 2002.
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