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Health Department

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.

*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 4, from 10am until 2pm, at Fire House #2, 302 West St. Georges Avenue.
    • Monday, May 6, from 4pm until 8pm, at Fire House #3, which is located at 1205 East Elizabeth Avenue.
    • Tuesday, May 14, from 5pm 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 2023 dog licenses can be renewed up until June 30, 2024 without incurring a late fee. All 2023 dog licenses that are renewed on July 1, 2024 or later will incur a $5 late fee.
  • Click here to view and/or download the Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics flyer.

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.

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

  • Who: Free entry, everyone is welcome!
  • What: Health and Wellness Fair. Free health services will be offered including blood pressure readings, blood sugar readings, DermaView sun damage analyzer, male and female cancer screenings, vision tests, hearing tests, flu vaccinations and more! 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 14, 2023 from 10am 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.

Children’s Flu & COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Linden Board of Health and the Linden Board of Education, in partnership with St. Georges Pharmacies are providing a Children’s Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. Supplies are limited, register online in advance to reserve your dose.

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

  • Who: Children of all ages are welcome. Vaccines also available for parents and educators.
  • What: Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Supplies are limited.
  • When: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 5:30pm until 8:30pm.
  • Where: School #1, which is located at 728 North Wood Avenue.
  • How: Pre-registration is preferred, click here to register. Walk-ins will be accepted (subject to availability). With questions, please call the Linden Board of Health at 908-474-8409.
    • Flu: no fee with insurance, $35 out of pocket.
    • COVID-19: no fee with or without insurance.

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.