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Health Department

Linden NJ Health Officer Named NJBIZ 2023 Public Health Hero

Health Officer Aimee Puluso of Linden, NJ Recognized by NJBIZ for Excellence in Public Health and Awarded as a 2023 Healthcare Hero in Public Health

Linden, New Jersey, May 18, 2023 – The NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes awards recognize deserving professionals across twelve categories who have a significant impact on health quality in the State of New Jersey. On May 12, NJBIZ announced the winners, which include Aimee Puluso, the Health Officer of the City of Linden, NJ. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is presenting the award gala this year on June 27th.

“When I first met Ms. Puluso, I knew she had the credentials, the experience, and the proactive work ethic to revamp our Health Department and make it one of the best in the State of New Jersey. And so she has,” said Linden’s Mayor Derek Armstead. Ms. Puluso became Linden’s Health Officer in 2021, shortly after the pandemic began. During the pandemic she worked tirelessly with Mayor Armstead and safely hosted dozens of clinics, events, and informational sessions for Linden and Union County residents. 

“I’m both humbled and honored to be recognized with this award. All of my team members in the Health Department help contribute to our department’s excellence, and I see this award as a reflection of them as much as it is of me. While health professionals all work diligently because we believe in the work, and not for awards, it is certainly both personally and professionally satisfying to be recognized.” said Ms. Puluso. 

Ms. Puluso has over 25 years of experience in local environmental and public health in New Jersey as both a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, and as the Health Officer of the City of Linden Health Department. Ms. Puluso has presented educational seminars at municipal and state conferences, and teaches Public Health Law and Ethics at Rutgers University as a part-time lecturer. She has volunteered for and chaired several New Jersey environmental and public health committees, task forces, and advisory boards, is a 2019 graduate of the Leadership Morris Institute, and is the published author of the New Jersey Environmental Health Association’s 2014 R.E.H.S. Workforce Assessment. She is the recipient of several state and national awards and honors, is both a Past President and the current Treasurer of the New Jersey Environmental Health Association, and is the President of both the Union County Health Officers Association and Union County Public Health Partnership.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Linden Health Department are pleased to provide free Rabies Vaccination Clinics.

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

  • Who: Open to all New Jersey residents. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Health Department Reminder Notice or ID is required.
  • What: Free rabies vaccinations. New and renewal pet licensing services will also be available.
  • When & Where:
    • Wednesday, May 10, from 5pm until 8pm at Fire House #1 (302 South Wood Avenue).
    • Saturday, May 20, from 10am until 2pm at Fire House #2 (302 West St. Georges Avenue).
  • How: With questions, call the Linden Health Department at 908-474-8409, or email here. For safety, all dogs must be leashed and all cats must be in carriers.
  • Click here to view and/or download the Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics flyer.

Grief Support Resources

In response to recent events here in our community, the Health Department wants to ensure awareness of local grief and loss support resources. In addition to private one-on-one mental health professional counseling, there are a variety of other free or low-cost resources available, including:

  • SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP – free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information (English/Spanish).
  • Griefshare Group, Cranford Alliance Church, 908-398-3860.
  • Journey Towards Wholeness Bereavement Seminar, First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, 908-251-5641, April 16 – June 4 (virtual).
  • WebHealing.com – a site with articles, videos, and memorials on grief, loss, and the healing process.
  • Imaginenj.org – grief and bereavement peer-support groups for ages 3 to 30.
  • EmotionsAnonymous.org – in-person and virtual 12-step peer-support meetings to help individual improve mental health and wellbeing.

No-Fee Flu and Covid Vaccinations

Mayor Derek Armstead, the Linden Health Department, the City of Linden and Super Health Pharmacy announce the No-Fee Flu and Covid Vaccination Clinics.

  • What: No-fee Flu and Covid vaccinations.
  • When: Thursday, December 1, 2022. The Flu Clinic is from 10am until 12pm. The Covid Clinic is from 4pm until 6:30pm.
  • Where: Linden Multi Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • How: No appointment necessary. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please call the Linden Health Department at (908) 474-8409.

Linden Health and Wellness Fair

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

Walk and talk with Mayor Derek Armstead. Free 6-page budget-friendly health recipe booklet for each attendee!

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

  • Who: Open to all members of the public.
  • What: Health and Wellness Fair featuring tables with local health and wellness organizations showcasing their products and services. Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, blood pressure and blood sugar readings. Activities, demonstrations, giveaways, prizes and more!
  • When: October 15, 2022 from 10am until 3pm.
  • Where: Linden Multi Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • How: Free entry. For more information, please call the Linden Health Department at (908) 474-8409.

Free Cancer Screening Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the Linden Board of Health and the City of Linden are pleased to announce the availability of a free male and female cancer screening clinic. The New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health. This program is administered by Hoboken Family Planning, Inc.

  • Who: Available to men and women who are uninsured or under-insured. Male colorectal screening is available for ages 45 and older, and prostate screening for ages 55 to 69. Female colorectal screening is available for ages 45 and older, breast cancer screening for ages 40 to 74 (and younger if at higher risk), and cervical screening for ages 21 to 64 (limited to once every 3 to 5 years).
  • What: Free cancer screening clinic.
  • When: Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 9am until 1pm.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • How: Free clinic. No appointment needed. For more information, please call the Linden Health Department at (908) 474-8409.

New Nationwide 988 Phone Number for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

On July 16th 2022, the new 988 phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went live. 988 is now available for call, text, or chat for those experiencing a mental health-related or suicidal crisis, or those looking to help a loved one through a crisis. The aim of 988 is to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets the country’s growing suicide and mental health related crisis care needs. For more information about this new hotline, please check out this webpage from the NJ Department of Human Services.  

City of Linden Cooling Centers 2022

Below is a list of the City of Linden’s Cooling Centers for 2022. These are the municipal buildings that are open and available to the public during their normal operating hours. Nothing else is required. Please note that all buildings will be closed on September 5th, 2022.

  • 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, and Saturday from 9am until 5pm. *Closed on Sundays.
    • Masks are suggested but not required. Masks are available at the front desk.
  • 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.

Associated Humane Societies Mobile Veterinary Clinic – Event Postponed

EVENT POSTPONED. More information regarding rescheduling will be posted once available.

Mayor Derek Armstead and the City of Linden have partnered with the Associated Humane Societies to provide Linden residents with the Associated Humane Societies Mobile Unit by appointment only on July 26th.

Services to be offered by appointment only include wellness checks, vaccinations and microchips. No surgeries.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event as well as pricing details.

  • Who: Available to Linden residents.
  • What: Pet wellness exams, vaccinations and microchips.
  • When: Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 by appointment only.
  • Where: 46 Lower Road, in the P.A.L. Field.
  • How: To schedule an appointment, call (973) 824-7080 Ext. 118

Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Linden Health Department are providing free rabies clinics.

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

  • Who: Open to all New Jersey residents. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Health Department reminder notice or ID is required.
  • What: Free rabies vaccinations.
  • When: May 9th, 2022 from 3pm until 5pm, May 11th, 2022 from 3pm until 5pm and May 18th, 2022 from 5pm until 7pm.
  • Where: May 9th at Fire House #3, May 11th at Fire House #2 and May 18th at Fire House #1.
  • Additional Information: New and renewal pet licensing services will also be available.