Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Health Department

Extreme Heat Warning & Air Quality Safety Advisory

The City of Linden is advising residents to prepare for several challenging days of extreme heat and potential air quality concerns. Please take these conditions seriously, make a plan to remain cool and limit unnecessary outdoor activity.
Residents are encouraged to follow these important safety precautions:

  • Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
  • Check on older adults, neighbors, family members and anyone who may not have access to air conditioning.
  • Never leave children, individuals with disabilities or pets inside a parked vehicle.
  • Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, weakness, confusion or an unusually high body temperature.
  • Monitor local air quality conditions and reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is poor, especially if you have asthma or another heart or lung condition.

The City of Linden’s cooling centers are open to the public during their normal operating hours:

John T. Gregorio Recreation Center
330 Helen Street
Linden, NJ 07036

Linden Multi-Purpose Center
1025 John Street
Linden, NJ 07036

Residents should review the New Jersey Department of Health Heat Safety Precautions Advisory and visit the New Jersey Heat Safety and Resources page for additional information and guidance. Please be careful, have a plan and stay safe. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact the Linden Board of Health at (908) 474-8409 and ask to speak with one of the City’s public health nurses.

In an emergency or when someone is unresponsive, unconscious or showing signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately.

City of Linden Cooling Centers 2026

With temperatures soaring over the next few days, staying cool isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. If you or someone you know does not have access to air conditioning, please utilize the city’s designated cooling centers to beat the heat safely.

Linden Cooling Center Locations:

Who should use them? Everyone is welcome, especially high-risk individuals including seniors, families with young children, and anyone without a reliable way to cool down at home.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the 2026 City of Linden Cooling Centers.

Extreme Heat Watch Issued for July 1 Through July 3: Stay Safe and Prevent Heat-Related Illness

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for our area beginning Tuesday, July 1 at 12:00 PM and continuing through Thursday, July 3 at 9:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from heat-related illness during this period of dangerously high temperatures.

Individuals at the greatest risk include:

  • Adults age 65 and older
  • Infants and young children
  • People with chronic medical conditions
  • Individuals taking certain medications
  • Outdoor workers
  • People who live alone
  • Residents without access to air conditioning

Heat-related illness can range from mild to severe and includes:

  • Heat rash
  • Heat cramps
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heat stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies and can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

To stay safe during extreme heat:

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
  • Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Health and ask to speak with one of the public health nurses. Heat safety resources are available from the New Jersey Department of Health here*. Please take the necessary precautions and stay safe during this period of extreme heat.

* External Link Notice– Clicking any external link will cause you to leave the City of Linden website and access a site not maintained or controlled by the City. The City of Linden is not responsible for, and cannot guarantee the accuracy of, the content, security, availability, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of information on external websites, nor does it endorse any views, products, or services they may offer.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Linden Health Department are pleased to provide free Rabies Vaccination Clinics. New and renewal pet licensing services will also be available. Per City ordinances, all dogs in Linden must be licensed, and anyone found to have an unlicensed dog in the City is subject to summons to Municipal Court.

Click here to view and/or download the Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics flyer in English, Spanish, Creole, and Polish.

The annual fee for a dog license is $10 for a spayed/neutered dog, and $13 for a dog that has not been spayed/neutered. In order to be issued a license, the dog owner must provide written proof of a rabies vaccination that is valid for at least 10 months of the licensing year. All Linden residents with dogs that need a vaccination and/or a new or renewed dog license are encouraged to take advantage of these free clinics.

For safety, all dogs must be leashed and all cats must be in carriers.

  • Who: Open to all New Jersey residents. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. License Reminder Notice or photo ID is required.
  • What: Free rabies vaccinations. There will also be staff from the City Clerk’s office present to provide licensing services for both new and renewal dog licenses. Board of Health Outreach staff will be on hand with health information and giveaways. For the convenience of Linden residents, the City recently extended the start and end dates of the dog licensing year. Up until now, dog licenses were valid from April 1 through March 31. Starting with the 2024 licensing year, dog licenses are now valid from June 1 through May 31 each year. By changing the licensing dates to June 1 through May 31 of each year, Linden residents who vaccinate their dogs at the free clinics in May can renew their dog licenses on time, and these vaccinations are valid for up to 3 full dog licensing years. 
  • When & Where:
    • Saturday, May 2, from 10am until 2pm, at Fire House #2, 302 West St. Georges Avenue.
    • Thursday, May 13, from 4pm until 8pm, at Fire House #3, which is located at 1205 East Elizabeth Avenue.
    • Monday, May 18, from 4pm until 8pm, at at Fire House #1, which is located at 302 South Wood Avenue.
  • How: Free clinic. If there are any questions about the rabies vaccine and/or the free clinics, please call the Board of Health at 908-474-8409, or email here. If there are any questions about dog licensing, please call the City Clerk’s office at 908-474-8406. All current 2025 dog licenses can be renewed up until June 30, 2026 without incurring a late fee. All 2025 dog licenses that are renewed on July 1, 2026 or later will incur a $5 late fee.

City of Linden Warming Centers 2026

Below is a list of the City of Linden’s Warming Centers for 2026. These are the municipal buildings that are open and available to the public during their normal operating hours. Nothing else is required.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the 2026 City of Linden Warming Centers.

  • Linden Public Library – 31 East Henry Street
    • Operating Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 9am until 9pm. Tuesday and Thursday from 9am until 5pm. Friday from 9:30am until 5pm. Saturday from 9am until 5pm.
  • John T. Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street
    • Operating Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. *Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Linden Multi-Purpose Center – 1025 John Street
    • Operating Hours: Monday through Friday from 9am until 8pm. *Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Linden Health and Wellness Fair 2025

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Linden Health Department are pleased to announce the Linden Health and Wellness Fair.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Polish.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Haitian Creole.

Click here to view and/or download the Health Fair Exhibitor Registration form.

  • Who: Free entry, everyone is welcome!
  • What: Health and Wellness Fair. Free health services will be offered including blood pressure tests, blood sugar tests, DermaView sun damage analyzer, vision tests, hearing tests, dental health screenings, flu vaccinations and more! Free male and female cancer screenings for uninsured/underinsured. Tables with local health and wellness information, products and services. Enjoy prizes and giveaways, including a free six-page budget-friendly recipe booklet available for each attendee.
  • When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11am until 2pm.
  • Where: School #1 Gym, which is located at 720 North Wood Avenue.
  • How: Free entry! For more information, please call the Linden Health Department at (908) 474-8409.
    • For Exhibitors: Click here to view and/or download the Health Fair Exhibitor Registration form. Please return completed form to the Linden Health Department, which is located at 605 South Wood Avenue. Space is limited, and tables are reserved on a first-register, first-serve basis.

Summer Water Safety & Drowning Prevention

As summer begins and families across New Jersey head to pools, lakes, and beaches, the NJDOH’s-Public Health and Food Protection Program is proud to share the Drowning Prevention Toolkit, which is a resource developed to help keep children and families safe around the water!

The Healthy Swimming Toolkit is filled with important, evidence-based guidance to promote safer swimming environments and prevent water-related injuries and illnesses. Drowning is preventable. It can happen in seconds and often without a sound. With a few simple precautions, we can all help reduce the risk and protect our communities.

When you’re ready to swim, don’t forget to FLOAT.

  • Focus on safety – stay alert and avoid distractions like cell phones.
  • Learn basic swimming and rescue skills.
  • Observe children at all times around water.
  • Arm yourself and others with life jackets that fit correctly.
  • Take breaks for bathroom trips and diaper checks.

Drowning Prevention

Water Safety Tips

  • Life jackets save lives. Be sure they match the user’s chest size and weight.
  • Chlorine doesn’t kill germs instantly. Some germs can survive in properly treated water for days. Avoid swallowing pool water.
  • Shower before swimming, because sweat and dirt can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness.
  • Take breaks with children. Check diapers and take regular bathroom trips.
  • Supervise actively. Stay close and avoid distractions—drowning is fast and silent.
  • Know how to respond. Learn CPR and how to recognize swimmers in distress.
  • Teach swimming skills. Lessons reduce risk, but supervision is always needed.

Additional Water Safety & Healthy Swimming Guidance

Stay safe and swim smart!

City of Linden Cooling Centers 2025

Below is a list of the City of Linden’s Cooling Centers for 2025. These are the municipal buildings that are open and available to the public during their normal operating hours. 

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the 2025 City of Linden Cooling Centers.

  • Linden Public Library – 31 East Henry Street
    • Monday through Wednesday from 9am until 9pm.
    • Thursday from 9am until 5pm
    • Friday from 9:30am until 5pm
    • Saturday from 9am until 5pm.
    • Closed on Sundays.
  • John T. Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street
    • Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm.
    • Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Linden Multi-Purpose Center – 1025 John Street
    • Monday through Friday from 9am until 9pm.
    • Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Linden Health Department are pleased to provide free Rabies Vaccination Clinics. New and renewal pet licensing services will also be available. Per City ordinances, all dogs in Linden must be licensed, and anyone found to have an unlicensed dog in the City is subject to summons to Municipal Court. The annual fee for a dog license is $10 for a spayed/neutered dog, and $13 for a dog that has not been spayed/neutered. In order to be issued a license, the dog owner must provide written proof of a rabies vaccination that is valid for at least 10 months of the licensing year. All Linden residents with dogs that need a vaccination and/or a new or renewed dog license are encouraged to take advantage of these free clinics.

Click here to view and/or download the Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics flyer.

*For safety, all dogs must be leashed and all cats must be in carriers*

  • Who: Open to all New Jersey residents. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. License Reminder Notice or photo ID is required.
  • What: Free rabies vaccinations. There will also be staff from the City Clerk’s office present to provide licensing services for both new and renewal dog licenses. Board of Health Outreach staff will be on hand with health information and giveaways. For the convenience of Linden residents, the City recently extended the start and end dates of the dog licensing year. Up until now, dog licenses were valid from April 1 through March 31. Starting with the 2024 licensing year, dog licenses are now valid from June 1 through May 31 each year. By changing the licensing dates to June 1 through May 31 of each year, Linden residents that vaccinate their dogs at the free clinics in May can renew their dog licenses on time, and these vaccinations will be valid for up to 3 full dog licensing years. 
  • When & Where:
    • Saturday, May 3, from 10am until 2pm, at Fire House #2, 302 West St. Georges Avenue.
    • Thursday, May 8, from 4pm until 8pm, at Fire House #3, which is located at 1205 East Elizabeth Avenue.
    • Monday, May 12, from 4pm until 8pm, at at Fire House #1, which is located at 302 South Wood Avenue.
  • How: Free clinic. If there are any questions about the rabies vaccine and/or the free clinics, please call the Board of Health at 908-474-8409, or email here. If there are any questions about dog licensing, please call the City Clerk’s office at 908-474-8406. All current 2024 dog licenses can be renewed up until June 30, 2025 without incurring a late fee. All 2024 dog licenses that are renewed on July 1, 2025 or later will incur a $5 late fee.

Covid-19-RSV-Flu Vaccination Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Linden Board of Health and the John T. Gregorio Center, in partnership with the Union County Immunization Clinic are providing a Covid-19-RSV-Flu Vaccination Clinic.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.

  • Who and What:
    • Covid-19 and Flu vaccinations for ages 6 and up.
    • RSV vaccinations for ages 60 and up.
    • Uninsured and underinsured are welcome.
  • When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 1pm until 3pm.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • How: No appointment necessary. Walk-ins welcome. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Linden Health Department at 908-474-8409.