Category: Public Info

Union County’s free drop-off scrap metal recycling program for all residents continues in September.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents with old or broken metal gutters, metal lawn furniture, metal ladders and many other kinds of household scrap metal are invited to bring them to Union County’s free drive-up, drop-off sites for recycling.

Two sites are available to all Union County residents for scrap metal drop-off:

Cranford:  The Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard

Rahway: In Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Both sites are open on Thursday, September 2 and Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on a drive-up only basis. Drivers must remain in their cars with masks on and windows up to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Staff at the sites will unload the items, which should be placed in a trunk or other easily accessible area.

“We encourage everyone to help pitch in and help conserve valuable resources, by recycling unwanted metal items that would otherwise go to waste,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Accepted metal items include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program runs each year from April to November, on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month.

For more information about all of Union County’s recycling programs, visit online at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline.

To keep up to date with municipal recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, 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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Free outdoor movie to be shown at dusk; will cap off Multicultural Entertainment Day beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites all residents to enjoy the next outdoor movie night in Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” series. The series continues with Aladdin on Thursday, August 26. The screening will cap Multicultural Entertainment Day in Conant Park, a full day of free public activities beginning at 11:00 a.m.

A basketball tournament, nature programs and musical performances will all be part of Multicultural Entertainment Day leading up to the movie. A family-friendly jazz and pop open music session will also be held prior to the movie, at 7:30 p.m. The movie will start at dusk.

The August 26 screening is the final event for this year in Union County’s annual “Family Fun & Flix” series of free outdoor movies, open to all the public.

“Free outdoor summer movies are a favorite family tradition in Union County, and we are looking forward to a full day of activities for the whole family at Conant Park as we close out the 2021 season,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Family fun embodies and highlights our Multicultural Entertainment Day as a wonderful opportunity for our residents of all ages to enjoy Conant Park, which provides the community with space for team sports, individual fitness, nature appreciation, and entertainment events, too,” said Union County Commissioner and Hillside resident Dr. Angela R. Garretson.

Union County’s Mobile COVID-19 Unit will also have a vaccination clinic at Conant Park on August 26 available from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., to dispense the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. To make an appointment online visit ucnj.org/vax. If assistance is needed with the online booking system contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829.

Conant Park is one of 36 parks within the Union County parks system. It is located on Conant Street in Hillside. In recent years the park has been upgraded with a new playground, an outdoor fitness gym, new bleachers for the athletic fields and a walking path, among other features.

Visitors to Union County parks are reminded to wear masks in restrooms and other indoor spaces, in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

For more information about all activities in Union County parks, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; ucnj.org.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents at events in Hillside, Elizabeth and Scotch Plains.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that free COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the months of August and September. The upcoming clinics will be held in Hillside, Elizabeth and Scotch Plains.

All residents are strongly urged to get their vaccine as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. Third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for residents who are immunocompromised will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics.

In addition to free vaccinations, residents can also get a free COVID-19 saliva test at any of the pop-up clinics. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.

“We urge unvaccinated residents to make an appointment at any of our vaccination sites as soon as possible and ask that they encourage family and friends to get their shot, too,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Immunocompromised residents who are eligible for a third dose should also make an appointment as soon as possible for added protection.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

“The Board of County Commissioners will continue to provide residents with opportunities for vaccination and testing,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy access to vaccines and testing remains our focus as vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants.”

The County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18. Those who receive the first dose of a two dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at one of Union County’s Mobile Vaccinations Clinics will receive instructions as to how and when to receive their second dose. Third doses of the two dose vaccines are available for immunocompromised residents.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Thursday, August 26 in Hillside at Multicultural Entertainment Day Event at Conant Park, 320 Conant Street, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, August 28 in Roselle (held during the County’s Food Distribution event), Warinanco Park, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing).
• Thursday, September 2 in Elizabeth, Make the Road NJ, 42 Broad Street,  3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 18 in Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market, 430 Park Avenue,  9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

Residents can also get vaccinated for free at any of Union County’s four permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township. COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Union County’s COVID-19 permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer). COVID-19 Vaccines are also available weekdays on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

To schedule an appointment at Dunn Sports Center, Kean University or Plainfield High School, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

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.

First online system of its kind in Union County.

Hundreds of appointments for services have been booked online in first two days.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents seeking services related to passports, notaries public, and business trade names that a new online system is now available for booking appointments.

“We are pleased to see that our residents are excited about this new online system, as it makes it easier for them to access our services quickly and conveniently,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The feedback from constituents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The online appointment system was launched earlier this week and in the first two days, more than 250 appointments have already been scheduled. The new online system enhances the current booking procedure. It eliminates holding time and it can be accessed at any time of the day or night.

All customers are reminded to arrive on time, as each appointment will be held only during the time allotted. Those who arrive late must schedule another appointment.

If an appointment needs to be canceled, customers should delete their reservation from the system or call the office as soon as possible, in order to free the slot for another person.

All customers must wear masks while visiting the County Clerk’s offices, in order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

The annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County Complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For a link to the online booking system and all other County Clerk services, and for office hours, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, at 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents who are already vaccinated against COVID-19 that they can now receive a third shot if they are in an immunosuppressed category. The approved third shot applies to those who have already received two doses of either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine. Those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are not eligible at this time.

“Union County began administering the third shot to eligible residents at 7:00 a.m. last Saturday morning, within hours of approval by state and federal agencies. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that approved vaccination regimens are applied in our community as soon as possible,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Those eligible for a third shot include cancer patients and organ donation recipients, among others. More details are available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019.

Eligible Union County residents need to wait four weeks after their second shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in order to receive their third shot. Appointments for the third shot can be booked online at ucnj.org/vax. Eligible residents can also visit any vaccination site in Union County on a walk-in basis with proof of their first two shots.

For details about Union County’s vaccination clinics, as well as home vaccination services for the home bound and additional COVID-19 resources, visit ucnj.org/covid19. For additional assistance contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours.

Federal health officials are also beginning to plan for booster shots to be administered to all persons who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Union County residents are reminded that those plans are still in the initial phase and are not expected to begin until September 20. At the present time, only persons in immunocompromised categories are approved for an additional dose.

The third shot is recommended only for immunocompromised people because studies show their systems may not respond adequately to the first two shots. The booster shots are different. They are recommended for all persons because studies show that the protective effect of the first two shots can diminish over time, especially as new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge.

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, emergency rental assistance 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.

Union County works with local, state and federal partners to make progress on common sense gun safety and community well-being.

By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Commissioners

August 2021

As we continue to work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important to keep the focus on matters of public safety that will continue to impact our community long after the virus is under control.

One of those issues is gun violence. After years of decline, gun violence has increased in New Jersey and across the country.

Although homicides, domestic violence and other crimes are most often associated with gun violence, the unfortunate fact is that guns are also a major factor in suicide. Nationwide, firearms account for the majority of deaths by suicide in the U.S.

That is why it is so important to address the root causes of gun violence, and take a holistic approach to community health and well-being.

Common sense legislative action on gun safety is a key part of the solution, including the application of laws that help protect consumers from false advertising and unsafe products.

Additional research on causes and prevention will also make a difference. Gun violence is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., but it is also one of the least studied, partly due to a virtual freeze on federal funding that has lasted for 20 years.

Fortunately, the freeze has finally begun to lift, and researchers will be empowered to fill in the knowledge gaps with actionable information.

The Commissioner Board is also proud to join with the nonprofit organization Moms Demand Action, to advocate for reasonable measures that keep guns out of the wrong hands.

In recent years the Commissioner Board has worked with Moms Demand Action to organize mayors from Union County municipalities in signing a Statement of Principals against illegal guns in our community, and to organize a public day of action in our community.

We have also partnered with the Union County Sheriff, Union County Police, Union County Prosecutor and local law enforcement agencies on gun buy-back programs, to help prevent unwanted guns from circulating in our neighborhoods.

Union County has worked with the Prosecutor’s Office on domestic violence issues over the years, and we are looking forward to additional progress now that Governor Murphy has appointed Bill Daniel as the first permanent Union County Prosecutor since 2013.

The health impacts and economic upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic have raised new challenges to safety and security. Among the measures we have taken to help support the well-being of the Union County community are:

• Ensuring that free tests and vaccinations are available to every age-eligible County resident.
• Distributing millions of emergency meals to those facing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
• Ensuring that federal CARES Act funding goes to help those impacted by the pandemic, including families with special needs children, local restaurants and other small businesses, and tenants behind on rent or utilities.

Last year we also launched Union County Works, a new online portal enabling job seekers and employers to connect while observing COVID-19 safety guidelines, and we created the new “Youth Forward” program that tailors employment, job training, and educational resources for the needs of residents ages 14 to 24.

In addition, we continue to focus on prisoner re-entry, immigrant rights and other initiatives that help our residents overcome obstacles may lie in the path to building a secure economic footing in Union County.

The Commissioner Board will continue to seek every opportunity to help prevent gun violence and continue to build safety, security and resiliency in our community.

For more information on 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.

First online system of its kind in Union County.

Appointments for passport services, notaries public and business trade names can now be booked online.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises persons seeking services related to passports, notaries public, and business trade names that a new online system is now available for booking appointments.

“We are very excited to introduce the new online system, the first in Union County, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that members of the public can access our services quickly and conveniently,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The new online system enhances the current booking procedure. It eliminates holding time and it can be accessed at any time of the day or night.

All customers are reminded to arrive on time, as each appointment will be held only during the time allotted. Those who arrive late must schedule another appointment.

If an appointment needs to be canceled, customers should delete their reservation from the system or call the office as soon as possible, in order to free the slot for another person.

“The online appointment system will enable our staff to provide customers with a dedicated time in which to conduct their business, with little or no delay,” Ms. Rajoppi explained.

All customers must wear masks while visiting the County Clerk’s offices, in order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

The annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County Complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For a link to the online booking system and all other County Clerk services, and for office hours, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, at 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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On Tuesday, August 17 “Black Panther” will be the next installment in Union County’s series of free outdoor movies.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to invite all residents to come and enjoy the next free outdoor movie night in Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” series. The series continues with The Black Panther on Tuesday evening, August 17 at 7:30 p.m., at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“Free outdoor summer movies are a favorite family tradition in Union County, and we are very happy to continue the series this year,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Black Panther opened in 2018 to enthusiastic reviews. It tells the story of T’Challa, heir to the reclusive but technologically advanced kingdom of Wakanda, who must confront a challenger from the past and lead his country into a new future.

Early arrival is encouraged as there will be a family-friendly dance party before the movie, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The movie will begin at dusk. Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim a spot on the lawn.

An ice cream truck will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase a snack.

The Family Fun and Flix series is shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date for each event will be the following Wednesday night.

For information on all recreation activities and programs supported by the Commissioner Board, visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at ucnj.org/parks.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The $200 stipend applies to Election Day 2021, on Tuesday, November 2.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2021 Gubernatorial election cycle still have time to apply to become poll workers this year. All poll workers must attend a paid, mandatory training session as Electronic Poll Books will be used for the first time ever.  Poll workers will earn $200 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. All new poll workers must attend a single-session training course. Returning poll workers take a paid, training seminar on the use of the new electronic poll books.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker for the General Election on November 2nd are advised to apply now to reserve a spot.

To apply, download an application form at the Board of Elections website, https://ucnj.org/boe/virtual-poll-worker-training-sessions/, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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.

New state guidelines for additional shots will go in effect beginning Saturday, August 14.

Union County, NJ – Union County will begin offering an additional COVID-19 shot to eligible residents beginning this Saturday, August 14. Under new guidelines issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, residents who are already vaccinated against COVID-19 with either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can receive a third shot if they are in an immunosuppressed category.

Details about eligibility are available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

“Throughout the pandemic, Union County has carefully followed federal vaccination guidelines to ensure that the approved regimens are applied in our community as soon as possible. The FDA and CDC took an important step forward today, and we stand ready to start this important service tomorrow morning,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who are eligible for a third shot can use Union County’s online system at ucnj.org/vax to make an appointment, or they can walk up to any vaccine location with proof of their original vaccine series for a third shot.

Permanent vaccination sites in Union County are located at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth and Downs Hall at Kean University. Union County’s mobile clinics also visit local neighborhoods on a regular basis.

Any resident who needs help using the ucnj.org/vax  online system can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours.

Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth is also providing free COVID-19 vaccines. The Immunization Center provides all other standard immunization shots for children and adults, as well. Call 908-965-3627 or 965-3868 for more information.

In addition, home-bound residents can use Union County’s home vaccination service. To receive a home visit for an additional shot or a first shot, call the service provider, Mobile Medical Services, at 1-833-256-2478 or request a visit by sending an email to vaccine@mmst.io.

All New Jersey residents age 12 and up are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. All residents age 18 and up can also use the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Residents making appointments for third doses at Union County’s vaccination clinics are reminded that they will be receiving the same mRNA as their original vaccination, and they must have finished their original vaccine series four weeks or more before receiving a third shot. Those who received Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine are not eligible at this time.

Photo ID and proof of prior vaccination are required. Either the CDC vaccination card or the state-approved Docket app can be used as proof of vaccination.

Residents who have lost their CDC card can also receive a copy of their immunization record from the New Jersey Department of Health, by using the “Submit a Request” link at https://njiis.nj.gov.

Free COVID-19 tests are also available at Union County’s vaccination clinics.

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, emergency rental assistance 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.