Category: Public Info

Homebound senior citizens in Union County continue to be served during the COVID-19 Pandemic through the Meals on Wheels program. The program is funded through the Union County Department of Human Services Division on Aging.

“Eligible seniors have continued to receive nutritious meals during the COVID-19 out-break through Meals on Wheels,” said Free-holder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This program is a lifeline, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board I thank all of the volunteers who make it possible.”

In order to comply with social distancing policies put in place during the pandemic, Meals on Wheels has modified its procedures to provide for contactless delivery.  Meals on Wheels volunteers assemble, de-liver, and personally greet homebound seniors, many who have no other human contact during the day. All drivers and deliverers wear gloves and masks, as do the volunteers in kitchens where meals are prepared. From March 18 to May 6, 32,559 meals have been delivered through Meals on Wheels in Union County. In the event of delivery interruption, seniors have been given a two week supply of emergency meals.

Residents wishing to apply for Meals on Wheels are urged to contact the program directly at 908-486-5100. The applicant will be interviewed to see if they meet program criteria.

Under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Union County has received $399,000 to fund meals through September 2021. The Union County Division on Aging anticipates additional funding from the federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) for food, home and community based services, including respite services for caregivers.

Union County is observing the national Administration for Community Living’s Older Americans Month through the Division of Aging. The May 2020 Older Americans Month theme is “Make Your Mark”. To learn more about Older Americans Month please visit https://acl.gov/oam/2020/older-americans-month-2020.

Residents seeking additional help or information may call the Division of Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863. Residents may also email the Division of Aging’s Action Line atDHSAction@ucnj.org.

Union County residents looking for reliable guidance on health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic can take part in three online programs created by the Rutgers University Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. The programs are offered through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with support from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

“These programs will equip residents with simple, common sense tools for practicing wellness at home and at work,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Extension in its efforts to provide valuable, fact-based guidance to the public during this time.”

Participants will receive weekly messages that focus on health and wellness. By the end of each program residents will understand how eating nutritious foods can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strategies for changing eating and exercise habits; and practical tips for adapting your lifestyle from the comforts of your home.

The first program, Healthy on the Job Self-care is a 12 week series focused on essential workers. This series is emailed and can be tailored for any group to have more or less weeks.

Get Moving, Get Healthy at Home is geared toward those who are at home. This series is available up to 24 weeks and may continue longer depending on the demand.

The Live Well-Stay Healthy program sends gentle wellness messages Wednesdays and Saturdays of each week. Participants can sign up for this program at any time through the Remind App or Remind.com with class code: @f3ccc46.  

Residents interested in these programs should contact the local Rutgers Cooperative Extension Union County FCHS educator Dr. Karen Ensle at kensle@njaes.rutgers.edu. For more information and other programs visit the  Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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.   

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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.

Union County, NJ – With Union County parks open on a limited basis during the COVID-19 outbreak, visitors can follow specially marked trails to learn about champion trees, ancient geological features, and key moments in local history while observing social distance rules.

“Since the parks have re-opened, it has been encouraging to see visitors looking out for one another and practicing social distance, while reconnecting with nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our specially marked trails provide an extra opportunity for visitors to learn more about unique features in Union County parks.”

In accordance with statewide COVID-19 prevention measures, Union County parks closed on April 8. They re-opened on May 2 for passive recreation only.

No group activities are permitted in Union County parks. Individual activities like walking and hiking are permitted. Visitors are required to stay at least six feet from others and give way when passing each other on trails and paved paths. Face masks are strongly recommended.

Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths; trail riding is strictly prohibited in all Union County parks.

For a list of specially marked trails in and around Union County Parks, along with nature guides and a list of all multi-use paths, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/paths-trails-greenways.

To find trees that stand out due to their size, age, species, historical significance and other factors, look for trees along walking paths that are tagged with small green signs. The tags were placed by volunteer members of the Union County Master Tree Stewards.

Tree trails are located in the following parks:

• Oak Ridge Park in Clark (trails starts near the east end of the parking lot)
• Briant Park in Summit
• Cedar Brook in Plainfield
• Echo Lake Park in Mountainside
• Echo Lake Extension (trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building)
• Lenape Park (trail is located to the east along the Kenilworth dike)
• Meisel Park in Springfield
• Nomahegan Park in Cranford
• Rahway River Park in Rahway
• Warinanco Park in Elizabeth

Residents and visitors can also locate “champion” trees in and around County parks by visiting the State of New Jersey Big Tree conservation program online at state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests.

Union County provides nature conservation and educational programs throughout the year, and programming continues online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Activities and programs are available for all ages through the Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, and the Union County Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

Union County’s Falcon Cam livestream continues to provide an inside view of the peregrine falcon nest on the roof of the County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth. Four eggs hatched in the nest between May 1 and May 4. Visit ucnj.org/falcon to see the free livestream and watch the chicks grow.

More details about social distance rules in Union County parks are available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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.

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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.

Press release from

Emergency Departments Open and Safe

 The New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) have produced a joint Public Service Announcement (PSA) targeting residents who may suffer a potential heart attack or stroke and might be reluctant to go to hospital Emergency Departments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PSA, which features Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli and NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett, was made following reports that residents may be delaying needed health care that they require because of concerns of hospital safety and capacity amid coronavirus.

Hospitals report anecdotally that inpatient admissions are down anywhere from 20 to 40 percent compared with pre-COVID activity.

“Our hospitals have been safe havens for all who have walked in their doors for over a century,” Health Commissioner Persichilli said in the PSA. “So I urge you, do not delay going to your local emergency room if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. I can assure you that are hospitals and emergency rooms are safe and waiting – waiting and ready to care for you.”

The PSA, will be promoted through a robust social media campaign and is also available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/aUDfZnI1WG4.

“Hospitals remain open throughout the COVID-19 emergency, with special precautions in place to protect patients,” said NJHA’s Bennett. “If you are experiencing a health emergency, please don’t delay in going to the ED or calling 911. Hospitals and their healthcare teams continue to care for all patients in a safe environment.”

Heart attack and stroke risks can vary by age, gender and heredity including race. Shared risk factors for heart attack and stroke can include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and heart disease.

Residents are reminded that signs of a stroke can include:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness or numbness
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Sudden confusion and trouble seeing

Signs of a heart attack can include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Pain or discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or lightheadedness

For more warning signs, visit nj.gov/health/fhs/chronic/heart-disease-stroke/

Updated May 4th

Expanded telemedicine procedure introduced in response to statewide need.

Union County, NJ – In order to help key emergency personnel get a COVID-19 test as quickly as possible, the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University is now available to first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey, regardless of their place of work or residence.

Those covered by the new procedures are: fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 tele-communicators, Medical Reserve Corps members, all hospital employees, staff at long term care facilities and nursing homes, and home health aides.

The expanded service is in response to limited availability of testing statewide.

“Union County is taking this extraordinary statewide measure to support emergency personnel in New Jersey, so those who need a test can get one without any further delay,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Beginning today, first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey seeking a COVID-19 test, regardless of residence, can follow these steps:

1. Call the Union County Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. (no walk-ins are admitted).
2. Discuss symptoms by phone with a triage nurse. The nurse will schedule an appointment at the Test Center for patients who meet guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control.
3. Persons with an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time (no doctor visit or prescription is required).

In addition to first responders and certain health workers, all Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms can call the Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. and follow the same telemedicine process.

“The Test Center serves every patient who meets the CDC guidelines, even if they have no health insurance or personal doctor. COVID-19 knows no barriers, and our response to the crisis must be barrier-free as well,” Mirabella emphasized.

“The Test Center has also become a vital emergency response asset on a broader level,” he added. “By performing scores of triage interviews daily, it enables doctors in our community to focus more attention on treating patients.”

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township. It is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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/cd/topics/covid2019.

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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.

The Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University implements a new “telehealth” procedure for persons seeking a COVID-19 test.

Updated May 4th

Beginning March 30th, Union County residents, as well as all first responders and health workers working in the county regardless of residence, can report symptoms and schedule testing by calling 908-214-7107.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, we have been working tirelessly to make sure we test everyone who desperately needs tests regardless of their accessibility to primary care. By allowing all residents to call one central number we will relieve the barrier to care and free up our health care professionals to serve even more clients,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Patients who call 908-214-7107 will be connected to a nurse who will triage and assess symptoms over the phone. Appointments will be scheduled for patients that meet the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Persons receiving an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time. No other primary care doctor prescription is required.

Please note that Union County residents who previously registered at the Testing Center and have already submitted a prescription may proceed as instructed.

“We began this process in great partnership with the healthcare community. We know that as time goes on the burden on our doctors will only grow. Union County wants to do our part by using telehealth capabilities to triage patients so doctors can focus on the care their patients will need to get well after diagnosis,” said Chairman Mirabella.

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Regular weekday hours for the Test Center are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.

Effective Monday, May 4, the Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center is a free service available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. It is also free to first responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms, regardless of their place of residence.

Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-214-7107. First responders and front-line health workers may also call 908-373-5105. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.

Union County, NJ – Two peregrine falcons that live on the roof of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth are welcoming new occupants into the nest. The pair have been watching over four eggs for several weeks, and the first one hatched on the morning of May 1. The other three eggs will hatch one at a time, over the next few days.

Union County residents and people all over the world can observe the falcons and watch the eggs hatch by tuning into the County’s free livestream Falcon Cam, at ucnj.org/falcon.

“Union County has been helping to preserve and protect peregrine falcons in our area since 2006, and we are all very proud to be part of this conservation success story,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The population of peregrine falcons was decimated by use of the pesticide DDT during the 20^th century. They have been making a comeback in New Jersey, following an intensive preservation effort that began in the 1980’s.

Falcons have been nesting on the Courthouse every year since 2006, when County personnel affixed a nesting box to the roof under the guidance of state wildlife experts.

More livestreams, videos and activities about wildlife are available through Union County’s falcon education partner, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, at conservewildlifenj.org.

Union County provides nature and environmental programs throughout the year, and is offering additional online resources for all ages online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, or the Union County Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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.

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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.