County of Union, New Jersey

Free Flu Shots December 12 in Plainfield and December 19 in Elizabeth                                             

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board announced dates and locations for upcoming flu shot drives in Union County in December. The County is offering two free flu shot drives to help ensure that everyone has access to a seasonal flu vaccine at a convenient location, especially residents who have no health insurance. No appointment is necessary.

The following dates have been scheduled for the Union County flu shot drive. Each event will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

• December 12 – Plainfield (Jerry Green Building – Lobby – 200 West Second Street)
• December 19 – Elizabeth (Union County Social Services Building – 342 Westminster Avenue)

The free flu shot drive is open to Union County residents age four and up. Participation is on a walk-up basis, first come first served. Masks are required in order to receive a flu shot. Temperatures will be taken when arriving.

“There is ongoing concern that our medical resources will be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you have never gotten a seasonal flu shot before, now is the time to do it. Let’s all do our part to help our Union County family stay safe during the flu season.”

Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a flu drive site. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of illness should check with their doctor. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive the flu shot.

For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

Please note that the Union County flu shot drive is for seasonal flu vaccines only. There is no vaccine available for the COVID-19 virus at this time.

The Union County Flu Shot Drive is administered by the Union County Office of Health Management in the Department of Public Safety, the Visiting Nurse Association, and volunteers from the Union County Medical Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps accepts volunteers with a variety of skills both in and out of the medical profession.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the free Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

Grant program has been adjusted to cover costs related to technology and connectivity.

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board reminds all Union County non-profits that the deadline is nearing for the Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant program. Eligible non-profits should submit applications before December 15, 2020 to ensure that application review takes place before the end of the year.

The CARES Act Non-Profit Grant program provides financial support to reopen, or remain open safely while providing county residents with supports and services during the pandemic. It covers PPE, cleaning supplies, partitions, and other supplies necessary to enable nonprofits to continue their operations during the pandemic. More recently, the County expanded allowable expenditures to cover some technology equipment and services costs.

“As Union County residents are still feeling the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of our local non-profits continue to reconfigure work spaces and make adjustments so they can continue to provide valuable resources and services,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board encourages all non-profits within Union County to submit their applications as soon as possible so as to obtain grant funding that is critical to their on-going operations.”

“In response to the growing need for remote working capabilities, the Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant program now also covers the technology and connectivity necessary for organizations to continue to serve the community,” said Mirabella.

The Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant program was approved at the September 3^rd Regular Freeholder Meeting and was allocated $4 million in CARES Act funding. The grant supports the on-going work of approximately 200 local non-profit organizations that provide critical services that support the County’s prevention, preparation, and ongoing response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

To qualify for the Non-Profit grant each applicant must:

• have an office physically located and operated in the County of Union;
• have evidence that the organization serves County of Union residents;
• have evidence of local needs specific to COVID-19 impacts;
• be operating and registered with the State of New Jersey as a 501(C)(3); and
• disclose if the Non-Profit has received any other CARES funds, how much was allocated, and what the funds were expended on.

To access the Non-Profit Grant application and grant Information Sheet visit https://ucnj.org/non-profit-grant-application.

For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Non-Profit Grant, contact the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at (888) 845-3434 / (908) 558-2288 or email uccaresnonprofit@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

# #

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Mobile Unit to Administer Free Saliva Testing to Residents on December 12.

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled a free COVID-19 test event in Hillside on Saturday, December 12. The Mobile Test Unit will administer saliva tests at Conant Park, located at 320 Conant Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“Union County continues to work to provide access to COVID-19 testing to residents all across the County and we encourage everyone to use this free, convenient service,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

No car is required and testing is available on a walk-up basis, no appointment is necessary. Residents are asked to bring a smartphone or tablet. No food or drink should be consumed 30 minutes prior to being tested.

Any County resident can use the walk-up, regardless of their place of residence. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit is available on request to visit local communities to provide tests for the general public. The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit https://ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Pop music quartet, The Company Men, perform “The Holiday Show” at drive-in concert; date shifted to Sunday, December 6 due to inclement weather on Saturday.

Union County, NJ – Due to anticipated inclement weather on December 5, the upcoming “The Company Men” free holiday drive-in concert sponsored by the Freeholder Board has been rescheduled to Sunday, December 6, at 6:00 p.m. Tickets held for the December 5 show will be honored on December 6.

The concert will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

In accordance with COVID-19 prevention rules, all tickets have been reserved on a first-come, first served basis. However, a limited number of spots may become available on a waiting-list basis. To reserve a spot on the waiting list, visit ucnj.org/reserve.

The Company Men, who describe themselves on their website as a “Modern Day Rat Pack,” are a nationally acclaimed vocal, pop music quartet who performs a mix of current Top 40 hits with classics of the last 60 years, with a special twist. They have appeared onstage with Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Chaka Khan and others.

The band’s “Holiday Show” will feature classic songs such as Happy Holidays, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and much more. Their performances are family-friendly and have been praised as huge hit with multi-generational crowds, according to their website.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns.

Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets. 

#  #

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

Headline

 

 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

##

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Center will offer the following vaccinations: free Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Pneumovax, Meningitis, Shingles, and HPV shots beginning December 8^th

The Union County Freeholders today announced the expansion of the County’s free Vaccination Center to include eligible adults over the age of 18, beginning Monday December 8^th at the clinic’s location on 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

The center, which had been open only for free shots for eligible children (and will continue to be open for that purpose), will now offer only the following free vaccines: Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Pneumovax, Meningitis, Shingles, and HPV shots for eligible adults.

“The Immunization Center was originally established by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1996 to provide immunizations to children without medical insurance, but now with a health crisis upon us, we need to expand this service to all those in need,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “Our residents deserve the opportunity to have protection against illness regardless of their economic standing, and we are pleased to announce this new program.”

The vaccines will be available for those who do not have insurance; or have Medicaid A, or any insurance that does not cover routine vaccinations. To find out if you qualify, and to make an appointment, call 908-965-3627 or 3868. The clinic is open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

                                                     

Union County, NJ – The emergency drive-up and walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 originally scheduled for Saturday, December 5^th, has been rescheduled due to weather concerns. The distribution will now be held Sunday, December 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Warinanco Park, located in Roselle. The distribution will take place at the Skating Rink located within the park and residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This combination drive-up and walk-up distribution allows those in Union County to pick up food even if they don’t have access to a car.”

“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we continue to work to provide everyone with support” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food can arrive in a vehicle or walk-up to the distribution site.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.   

To learn more about CMC Food, visit: https://www.thefarmershen.com/cmc-food/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 6

 

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis

               

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up and walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, December 5^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Warinanco Park, located in Roselle. The distribution will take place at the Skating Rink located within the park and residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This combination drive-up and walk-up distribution allows those in Union County to pick up food even if they don’t have access to a car.”

“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we continue to work to provide everyone with support” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food can arrive in a vehicle or walk-up to the distribution site.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.   

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.