County of Union

Webinar is one of two to be held in May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

Union County, NJ – The Union County Office on Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse, in partnership with Therapeutic Learning Connections presents “Parenting in a Post-Pandemic World”. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. Attendance is free but residents wishing to attend must pre-register.

“Both parents and their children have had to re-invent their relationships throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to offer this and other programs that address the interactional challenges and mental health issues that have arisen due to this unprecedented health emergency, and we encourage residents to attend.”

The panel will be presented by Connie Palmer, LCSW from Therapeutic Learning Connections. Also on the agenda will be an introduction to the Union County Care Management Organization, F.A.C.T. (Families And Communities Together). F.A.C.T. is a Community-based care management service for families and children with serious behavioral health, substance abuse, or developmental issues.

Parents who attend this webinar will be able to:

• Identify Power Tools in the Parenting Toolbox
• Learn ways to help their child develop resilience
• Discuss the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on their child or teen

This event is free and those wishing to attend can register by visiting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uBtcrWCiR_GbMyOg7yc9ow

For more information about this event and other services, residents can contact Marilucy Lopes, Director of the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse at 908-527-4846 or Marilucy.Lopes@ucnj.org. OBHSA is part of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services within the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information, visit: https://ucnj.org/departments/human-services/.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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The Test Center will shift from a drive-through service to a walk-up service as of Monday, May 17.

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University will be open to all Union County residents who would like to self-administer a free COVID-19 nasal swab test under the supervision of professional staff beginning on Monday, May 17.

The Test Center is located at the Kean campus in Union Township, at 1000 Morris Avenue. It currently operates on a drive-through basis only. The self-test program will enable residents to walk up. Free parking is available on site for those who plan to arrive by car.

“The pandemic is still upon us, and it is important to get a COVID-19 test if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, or to fulfill a requirement at work or school,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The self-administered test program provides a convenient resource to our residents, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this free service.”

“The self-test is part of an evolving toolkit that aims to empower members of the public with resources and information about their health status during the pandemic. As the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we continue to urge the public to be vigilant. Many people remain unvaccinated and are at risk of infection, or can spread infection to others,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

The Test Center hours of operation are Mondays and Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Residents can make appointments for the self-administered test online through the Union County COVID-19 Test Center portal at ucnj.org/covid19/testing/drive-in-kean-location. To make an appointment by phone call 908-214-7107.

Union County residents can also use the Test Center without an appointment. Those without appointments must arrive before 11:30 a.m.

Please note that the Test Center will operate exclusively on a walk-up basis for self-administered tests as of Monday, May 17. The last day for drive-through service was Thursday, May 13.

The Commissioner Board also strongly encourages all Union County residents to get vaccinated. To receive a free COVID-19 vaccine at Union County’s vaccination clinics in Elizabeth, Union Township or Plainfield visit ucnj.org/vax.to make an appointment online, or call the Union County Call Center at 908-613-7VAX. The Call Center is open Monday through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Free events enable Union County residents to help conserve resources and reduce waste.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that free countywide recycling events are coming up in May and June. There will be separate events for Scrap Metal, Mobile Paper Shredding, and Household Hazardous Waste. All residents from any municipality in Union County can use any of these countywide events.

Detailed information on each event is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/recycle, or by calling the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Residents can also use the free Recycle Coach app for information and updates on their local municipal recycling programs as well as the countywide events hosted by Union County.

“The countywide recycling events are among the most popular programs we offer, and we encourage all residents to take advantage of every opportunity to participate in them,” said Union Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The upcoming countywide events hosted by Union County are:

• The Scrap Metal Recycling program continues on Saturday, May 15, Thursday, June 3 and Saturday, June 19 at locations in Rahway and Cranford. Residents can bring old metal appliances, gutters, lawn furniture and many other items for recycling. Only scrap metal is accepted at these locations.
• The Mobile Paper Shredding Events continue on May 15, at the Nokia campus in New Providence, and on June 12 at Union County College in Cranford. Residents can bring up to four bags of confidential documents per vehicle for shredding and recycling. Only clean, dry personal papers are accepted at these events Please note that pre-shredded paper is not accepted.
• The next Household Hazardous Waste Program will be on Saturday, June 5 at Union County College in Cranford. Items for drop off include old pesticides & herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, used oil, and more. A list of accepted items is available at org/recycling/household-special-waste. Please note that latex paints and other water-based paints are not accepted. These paints should be dried within the can and disposed with regular household garbage.

Visit ucnj.org/recycling for directions, hours of operation, and lists of accepted items for each countywide recycling event. Residents are reminded that only items specific to each event will be accepted.

For more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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.

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Residents will have opportunity to be vaccinated at upcoming events in Roselle and Scotch Plains

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners announces that COVID-19 vaccines will be offered at two upcoming emergency food distribution events for residents impacted by the pandemic.

Vaccines will be offered at the next two scheduled events:

• Tuesday, May 18^th at 10:00 a.m. – Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Saturday, May 22^nd at 8:00 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains

Union County residents ages 18 and older who arrive to pick up food will have the opportunity to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine on site.

“The food distribution events enable us to reach many Union County residents who would otherwise find it difficult to get to a vaccination site. We encourage everyone who has been economically impacted by the pandemic to come to these events, pick up nutritious food for you and your household, and get vaccinated,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response, added: “The Board of County Commissioners continues to make strides with our vaccination program and reaching our most underserved and hard to reach populations is paramount to the success of our vaccination strategy.  This represents another step in our continued efforts to pivot and adjust our approach so that every resident who wants a vaccine has access to a vaccine.”

Those wishing to receive the vaccine will fill out a brief survey. Administration of the vaccine will take place in a separate area of the distribution site.

The County will continue to offer the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at other sites available to all County residents. Those wishing to make an appointment to be vaccinated can do so by visiting ucnj.org/vax or by calling the Union County COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7VAX.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Pandemic restrictions have lifted; Vote-by-Mail users advised on how to request a ballot.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises Union County voters that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are being lifted. Many more polling places will be open for in-person voting for the 2021 Primary Election on Tuesday, June 8 compared to last year.

“Many voters prefer to cast their ballot by voting machine in person, and others prefer to vote by mail. With the lifting of pandemic restrictions, in-person voters can once again use the polling place specified on the sample ballot,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, the secure drop boxes that were installed last year are still available to voters who plan to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot.”

Last year, elections in New Jersey were held primarily on a Vote-by-Mail basis in order to help stop the spread of the virus. Most local polling places were closed except for a limited number in each municipality. Drop boxes were installed in each municipality to provide Vote-by-Mail users with an additional contact-free option for casting their ballot.

Voters who plan to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot are advised that the County Clerk has automatically mailed ballots to those on the permanent list of Vote-by-Mail users in Union County. The mailings began on April 23 and concluded on April 29. The ballots were enclosed in bright yellow envelopes in order to stand out from other mail.

Voters who were expecting to receive a ballot automatically can check the status of their ballot by calling the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

Those who are not on the automatic list can obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot by submitting an application form.  Any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. The application process does not require voters to submit a reason.

Vote-by-Mail application forms in English and Spanish are downloadable from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com. Forms can also be requested by email to ucvote@ucnj.org, or by calling the Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

There are three options for returning a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Voters should be aware that Election Day deadlines are in force for the 2021 Primary Election:

• Send it by U.S. Postal Service. All ballots must be postmarked on Election Day, June 8, at the latest.
• Deposit it in a secure drop box. There is at least one drop box in each of the 21 municipalities in Union County. For a list of locations visit com. All drop boxes are closed and locked when the polls close on Election Day, at 8:00 p.m.
• Bring it in person to the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth in the County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, or to the annex office in Westfield at the Colleen Frasier Building in the County Complex at 300 North Avenue East. Both offices will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Union County residents who are eligible to vote but have not yet registered to vote until Tuesday, May 18, to register in time to participate in the Primary Election.

Voters who plan on voting in person on Election Day can check the location of their assigned polling place by looking at their sample ballot or by visiting the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information about voter registration and all other County Clerk election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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The Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission organized a team to tackle debris in the Berkeley Heights section of Union County’s Passaic River Park.

Union County, NJ – A section of Union County’s Passaic River Park received a sprucing-up from an all-ages team of volunteers organized by the Berkley Heights Environmental Commission last weekend, as part of Union County Adopt-a-Park program. The volunteers removed trash, scrap metal, tires, and other debris from a trail that runs through a section of the park between Station Street and Summit Avenue in Berkeley Heights.

The team included local residents and officials including Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney, members of the Berkeley Heights Township Council, and Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The Berkeley Heights volunteers made a significant contribution to the County’s Adopt-a-Park program last weekend. They went above and beyond to clear a trail for everyone to enjoy, and to help build support for preserving natural habitats in our community,” said Chairman Mirabella.

Passaic River Park is a Union County greenway park that follows the Passaic River and runs through Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit. Union County’s Adopt-a-Park program has also worked with the Environmental Commissions in both Berkeley Heights and Summit to improve and maintain trails in the park. In April, the Summit Environmental Commission organized local volunteers to clean up trails in the Summit section of the park.

The Adopt-a-Park program is administered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. The program welcomes individuals as well as students, community organizations, businesses, and other groups to help beautify and improve Union County parklands.

Adopt-a-Park projects include litter and recyclables cleanup, planting of native plants, pruning existing vegetation, raking leaves, repairing and/or installing fencing, monitoring of bird nest boxes, maintenance and repair of hiking and/or bridle trails, and much more.

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Park program, or to volunteer, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park/ or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

For quick links to all Union County programs and activities related to recycling and the environment, visit ucnj.org/green-connection/.

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

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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.

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Union County, NJ – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Union County Board of Commissioners invites all Union County residents to attend an informative webinar titled  “Covid-19 Blues – What does normal feel like?” on Wednesday, May 26, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a time of great stress, and this presentation will provide helpful guidance and resources as we prepare for a new normal,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

This event will be presented by the New Jersey Mental Health Players in partnership with the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and the Mental Health Association of New Jersey.

The focus will be on fear, anxiety, isolation, stress and the many other emotions that residents have experienced during these unprecedented times. There will also be an educational discussion on the “new normal” and healthy ways to assist with getting there.

This event is free; however, pre-registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register at bit.ly/ucnjcovidblues.

More information on all Department of Human Services programs is available online at ucnj.org/human-services.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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COVID-19 vaccine clinic is open to all Union County residents ages 12 and up.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners encourages all Union County residents ages 12 and up to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. In order to improve access for people who work during the week, the County will hold a free countywide vaccine clinic by appointment on Saturday, May 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Plainfield High School, located at 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield.

Any Union County resident ages 12 and up can use the Plainfield High School Clinic. To make an appointment, visit ucnj.org/vax or call 908-613-7VAX.

“Pandemic restrictions are on the way out, but the risk of infection remains for those who are not vaccinated,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With programs like the Saturday clinic, we aim to ensure that everyone ages 12 and up in our community has quick, convenient access to the vaccine.”

In addition to the Pfizer vaccine clinic at Plainfield High School, Union County also hosts free vaccine clinics at the following locations:

• Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township (currently dispensing the Moderna vaccine for ages 18 and up).
• Dunn Center, 600 Park Avenue in Elizabeth (currently dispensing the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up).

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at all three Union County clinics online at ucnj.org/vax or by calling 908-613-7VAX.

Union County has also expanded its vaccine outreach to include sending mobile clinics to local senior residences, homeless shelters, and other populations that have limited or no access to a vaccination center. The J & J one-shot vaccine is dispensed at most of these events.

In a further effort to reach more residents, the Commissioner Board has also begun to offer the J&J vaccine to residents who participate in Union County’s pandemic emergency food distribution events.

The next food distribution event will take place on a drive-through basis on Saturday, May 22 at beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the Union County Vocational Technical School campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Any Union County resident in need of nutritious shelf items and fresh produce can come to the event, and receive the J & J vaccine if desired. Proof of County residency is required.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – In a continued effort to provide every resident with access to a vaccine and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union County Board of Commissioners provided free Johnson & Johnson vaccines on site to residents who participated in the county’s emergency food distribution on May 18, in Warinanco Park.

PSE&G also provided a team at the event to help eligible participants sign up for utility assistance programs.

Additionally, personnel from WellCare were on site to provide participants with Medicare insurance information and preventative health care information, and the Community FoodBank of NJ helped resister participants for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We continue to encourage all Union County residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and I would like to thank the residents who got their shot during the food distribution event for supporting that effort. Every vaccination is another step forward for the whole Union County community,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our emergency food distribution events have been a lifeline for thousands of Union County residents during the pandemic, and with PSE&G, WellCare, and the FoodBank on site we are able to reach more citizens with other forms of assistance, as well. Our community partners are more important than ever before during this time of crisis,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response.

Residents who need emergency food assistance can come to the next Union County emergency food distribution event, on Saturday, May 22, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is drive-up only, and a free vaccination clinic will be on site for those who would like to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

Residents who need help with utility bills and who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program have until June 30 to sign up for this year’s program. LIHEAP can also provide assistance to eligible renters who pay for utilities through their rent.

To find out more about LIHEAP and other utility assistance programs offered through PSE&G, visit PSE&G.com/help.

Information about WellCare is available at wellcare.com/new-jersey.

For more information about the Community FoodBank of NJ, visit cfbnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Commissioner Christopher Hudak and other local officials and members of the public to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located in Union County’s Rahway River Park in Rahway. The ribbon cutting took place on Friday, May 21 and the pool will be open to the public on Memorial Day Weekend.

“We are all looking forward to our favorite summertime activities, and completing the renovation of the Walter E. Ulrich Pool complex is a great way to kick off the season,” said Chairman Alexander. “The new Ulrich Pool will provide Union County residents and visitors with many new opportunities to make new memories of summer in our community.”

“Union County’s park system is a legacy from past generations who cared about public access to health outdoor activities as well as nature conservation, and we are all very proud to carry on this mission into the future,” said Commissioner Hudak, who is a member of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Board.

At just over $3 million, the work included tiling and plastering of the entire pool, the installation of new starting blocks and competition lane lines, a new concrete deck, and state-of-the-art pump and filtration systems.

In addition, the beach wading area was improved with a zero entry feature, three new spray features, and in-pool seating for parents. The pool complex also received a new playground with rubber flooring.

“The Ulrich Pool renovations mark another important milestone in our continued efforts to improve and expand opportunities for healthy outdoor activities in our growing community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is a member of the Board’s Parks and Programming Committee. “The new complex will provide many years of enjoyment for all.”

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Saturday-Sunday hours also apply to holidays that fall on a weekday, including Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

On all other weekdays, Monday through Friday, the pool is open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please note that no further admissions are allowed 75 minutes prior to closing, and the pool will operate in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Complete details for the 2021 season, including admission fees, rules and regulations, and special free hours for seniors and people with disabilities, will be available soon at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/pools.

More information on all programs and activities in Union County parks, including boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hiking, nature activities and more is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or call 908-527-4900.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.