Bri Eichstaedt, REHS/RS, Health Agent
beichstaedt@easthamptonma.gov
(413) 529-1400, ext. 430 voice
(413) 529-1442 fax
Kimberley Rock, Public Health Nurse
krock@easthamptonma.gov
Jackie Sienkiewicz, Administrative Assistant
health@easthamptonma.gov
(413) 529-1400 ext. 430 voice
(413) 529-1442 fax
Samantha Kuenzel, Animal Inspector
(413) 537-6280
Office Hours:
Monday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday- Closed
Please call in advance for an appointment as the Health Agent is often out of the office and in the field.
The office is staffed daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
APPLICATIONS, FEE SCHEDULE, BOARD OF HEALTH REGULATIONS & OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Current Events/Important Information
Governor Charlie Baker Declares Public Health Emergency, Announces Temporary Four-Month Ban on Sale of All Vape Products
Governor Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency in response to confirmed and suspected cases of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products in the Commonwealth. The Governor called for a temporary four-month statewide ban on the sale of flavored and non-flavored vaping products in both retail stores and online. The sales ban applies to all vaping products and devices, including tobacco and marijuana. The ban takes effect immediately and lasts through January 25, 2020.
Full Press Release & Copy of Declaration
Information About the Ban, Including FAQ's
Information on the Dangers of Vaping
Improved Indoor Air Quality at White Brook Middle School Press Release 9/23/19
Indoor Air Quality at White Brook Middle School Press Release 9/23/19
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Easthampton is currently ranked "low risk" for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Important preventions methods include:
-Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours (dusk and dawn)
-Use an EPA approved mosquito repellant
-When you are outdoors, wear long pants/long sleeves
-Drain standing water around your home
-Repair damaged window screens
The MA DPH recommends cancelling evening activities when a community is at high risk.
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on mosquito sampling, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists.
Easthampton's risk level is being monitored closely. If there are any changes, the public will be notified.
For more information:
EEE Risk Map for MA Communities
Mosquito Repellent Information
Public Health Cannabidiol-Hemp (CBD) Advisory
MDAR- Policy Statement-Sale of Hemp
MA DPH- CBD in Food Manufactured or Sold in Massachusetts
Cyanobacteria Algae Bloom Press Release 8/19/19
Cyanobacteria Press Release 8/19/19
CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED 9/13/19
The second round of sampling has been completed at both Nashawannuck and Lower Mill Ponds. The laboratory analysis showed a cyanobacteria level below the MDPH guideline at both locations.
The advisories at both location are now rescinded and signs will be removed this evening.
If you have any further questions, you may call the Health Department office at 413-529-1400 ext. 430 or send an email to: beichstaedt@easthamptonma.gov
Changes to the FDA Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590
On October 5, 2018, the state adopted the 2013 Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590. Previously, we were enforcing the 1999 code. We are currently enforcing the 2013 code.
2013 Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590
Sample Employee Health Policy Agreement
Sample Vomit/Diarrhea Clean Up Procedure
Sample 'Recent Inspection Report Available' Sign
Food Trucks:
Inspections must be scheduled at least 2 weeks prior to your first event. Please contact the Health Department AND the Fire Department to coordinate an inspection.
Fire Prevention: Captain Dan Constantine: (413) 527-4200 x2120
Event Coordinators: CLICK HERE for a current list of food trucks that are permitted for 2019. If a truck is not on the list, they are not yet permitted for this year.
Temporary Food Events:
If you are serving or selling prepared or pre-packaged food or drink at a public event, you must apply for a temporary food permit. If you are unsure if a permit is required, please contact the Health Agent for clarification.
Temporary food applications must be submitted at least 10 days in advance. Application fees are doubled when submitted within 10 days of an event or may not be accepted. The fee for a temporary food event is $45 per day.
Board of Health
Maggie Hebert, Chair
Jennifer Lesperance
Aimee Petrosky
The Health Department and the Board of Health work towards the maintenance and promotion of a healthy community. The Board of Health is responsible for making health policy for the City of Easthampton, which includes creating new policies and regulations, holding public hearings on existing policies and regulations, issuing permits and hearing variance requests for existing policies and regulations. The Health Department is responsible for implementing the policies of the Board. As a result, The Department is responsible for the enforcement of policy, including inspections and fines.
The Board and the Department meet their mission by focusing on the following practices:
Assurance: Ensuring that all Easthampton residents have the services necessary to maintain or restore good health either by providing services directly, by coordinating the delivery of services by other agencies, and by policy or regulation development.
Assessment: Systematically collecting, assembling, analyzing, and making available information regarding the health of the community, including statistics on health status, community health needs, and epidemiological studies of health problems.
Policy Development: Developing and implementing comprehensive public health policies, regulations, and legislation.
Promotion: Providing services and educational opportunities that encourage healthy environments and lifestyles.
Public Health Nurse
Local Boards of Health have a crucial role in the prevention and control of communicable diseases in the community. The public health nurse provides clinical evaluation, case management, epidemiology, and health education, skills essential in helping to protect the health of Easthampton.
The public health nurse’s responsibilities are based on laws, regulations and best practice.
These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Communicable disease investigation, surveillance and control
- Oversees the Tuberculosis Program
- Provide means for vaccinations directed by the immunization schedule and guidelines
- Organize and conduct immunization clinics for influenza
- Provide education and consultation to individuals, health care providers, and other agencies
- Participate in Emergency Preparedness planning
The Public Health Nurse’s work focuses on the health of the entire population of the Easthampton community rather than services to individuals.
She works 10 hours per week.
