I am pleased to present the Housatonic Valley Health District’s Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. This year has been one of significant progress and accomplishment, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff and the support of our municipal and community partners.
One of our major achievements this year was the enhancement of our digital presence. We updated and simplified the layout of our websiteto improve user experience and accessibility. Additionally, we launched a new online payment system, making it easier for residents to access our services from their homes and businesses.
Our commitment to transparency and data-driven decision-making led us to implement and disseminate four public data dashboards. These dashboards provide valuable insights into various health metrics and trends within our community.
Our Environmental Health team has been exceptionally busy, receiving and processing over 1,370 applications and licensing 387 food service establishments. Their hard work ensures that our environment remains safe and healthy for all.
Recognizing the importance of communication in public health, we have been active on social media, posting over 130 updates to keep our community informed about health tips, events, and important announcements.
We have also streamlined our administrative processes, processing a significant number of insurance claims efficiently, ensuring that our services are accessible to all. Over 1,200 insurance reimbursement claims were filed for the administration of flu vaccines and for the cost of flu vaccines.
These accomplishments reflect our dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of our community. We remain committed to providing high-quality public health services and look forward to continuing our work in the coming year.
Thank you for your continued support.
In Health,
Amy Bethge, MPH
Director of Health
HVHD Year in Review: Highlights
Community Health
The Community Health Division is dedicated to meeting the health promotion and wellness needs of the communities served by HVHD. Through education and screening programs, the Community Health Division reaches individuals, small groups and communities as a whole. In the process to deliver these services, we strive to create a holistic approach that is inclusive to all.
Community Health Nursing Supervisor, Heidi Bettcher, BSN, RN, was nominated for the Connecticut Association of Public Health Nurses’ (CAPHN) “Public Health Nurse of the Year” award.
The Community Health team provided weekly blood pressure clinics to over 1,360 attendees and “Healthy Chats with Heidi” round table discussions throughout the community to over 400 attendees. The team successfully implemented administered over 1,400 flu vaccines.
Obtained training in Postvention; Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, First Aid; Babysitting; Wilderness First Aid; Narcan Administration; and Epipen Administration Certifications
The Environmental Health Division focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities.
The Environmental Health Division inspected a total of 381 food service establishments, received and processed over 620 septic plan review and related inspections, reviewed over 700 plan reviews for wells, building additions, change of uses, subdivisions, and lot line revision applications, and conducted water testing (through the CT DPH Laboratory) for 5 public swimming areas.
The Emergency Preparedness team worked collaboratively across each of our communities, Region 5, and the state to update policies and procedures in the process to ensure the safety of HVHD towns.
The Communication & Data Visualization Division handles internal and external communications. Duties include communicating with stakeholders, the media, and staff. This division works closely with other departments to ensure adequate promotion of services, accomplishments, and sharing of accurate information with the community.
This division launched five Tableau Public dashboards for the purpose of enhancing data accessibility and visualization. Successfully implemented an online payment system, which was utilized to process 840 payments. Initiated a partnership with Square9, an enterprise management entity, to implement an online property record search platform, with plans to build electronic forms starting August 2024. Collaborated with a technology consultant to redesign the HVHD website, using back end user data to optimize interactions and user experience.
HVHD onboarded three summer interns in May 2024. HVHD continues to engage MRC volunteers throughout the year in Blood Pressure, Flu, and COVID clinics.
The Administrative Division is committed to providing high-quality customer service to community members and ensuring continuous support for HVHD’s daily activities. Through the incorporation of rapid cycle quality improvement (RCQI), the Administrative Division maintains and enhances organized communications, in addition to processes for permitting, licensing, FOIA requests, tick and bat submissions and testing. Further, this Division supports daily Environmental Health and Community Health tasks, which are streamlined for each of the communities served. The team also strives to ensure all accounting, payroll, and personnel support are maintained and improved to align performance with advancing technology.
The Administrative division revised permit applications and developed an intake process to improve efficiency for community members and municipal partners. Implemented a process for monthly delivery of financial reports to Board members. Streamlined licensing processes through improved communications with food establishments, organized databases, and revised licensing applications with more clarified information.
