"Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play." (APHP.org, 2021)

The Public Health Nurse (or PHN) is responsible for many facets of public health. Working in conjunction with the Board of Health, this office covers:

• Vaccinations: (especially flu).
• Wellness monitoring: blood pressures, weight checks, etc.
• Health education: materials are available in the office on chronic conditions (such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.), as well as quitting smoking, infectious disease prevention, and more.
• Infectious disease surveillance: The PHN is responsible for monitoring individual cases and outbreaks of infectious diseases such as lyme, influenza, salmonella, and many others (a list of mandated reportable diseases to local boards of health can be found here). If diagnosed with one of these diseases, you may receive a phone call from the office to ask some follow up questions (although this does not apply to all diseases mentioned on the aforementioned list). 
• Sharps disposal: Many residents use needles/syringes for management of chronic diseases. Safe disposal is the first step to preventing spread of infectious diseases and is the key to unnecessary medical costs caused by accidental needlesticks. 
• Emergency preparedness: An emergency can strike at any time! The PHN is committed to assuring a plan is in place for the residents of both towns should a public health emergency arise. 

As you can see, there's a lot more to public health than just flu shots! Please check the links on the sidebar for more detailed information on all topics listed above.