On behalf of the Housatonic Valley Health District, it is with great pride and gratitude that I present to you the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The past year in public health was both complex and unpredictable, with widespread systemic impacts caused by evolving rhetoric, funding shifts, and regulatory rollbacks. Despite these challenges, our team remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering high quality health programs and services to our communities, expanding and improving upon the efforts of previous years.
In addition to the tireless efforts of our staff and the strong support from our communities, the guidance from our Board of Directors allowed us to maintain financial stability, while continuing to provide high quality, impactful public health services.
Key Highlights:
Launched Phase I and Phase II of our online property file integration project, allowing community members to access property files online and complete/submit online applications for expedited review with over 160 online forms submitted since the online form launch in May 2025
Expanded community health programming to include mobile clinic physical exams; falls prevention programming; home visits; Narcan training; Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training; teen driving safety training; diagnostic heart health screening; CPR certification; blood pressure screening; community conversations on various topics; radon test kit distribution; lead education; mental health first aid training; and the Gizmo curriculum for youth mental health with over 660 attendees across all program types
Reduced turnaround time for building applications, change of use applications, subsurface sewage disposal plan review applications, and well applications to less than 5 days
Distributed 11 monthly newsletters to over 200 of subscribers with a 45.1% open rate (industry standard open rate between 15-25%)
Administered over 1,300 flu vaccines across 7 towns and over 30 routine immunizations
These accomplishments reflect not only our operational success, but also our ongoing dedication to our core values of community first, professional service, and inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
As we look to the fiscal year ahead, we look forward to continuing our progress toward positively impacting the health and well-being of our community members.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff, volunteers, community partners, municipal partners, stakeholders, and board members. It is through your support and dedication that we are able to continue to promote the highest possible standard of health.
Yours in service and 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.
Conducted Blood Pressure screening for over 800 individuals
Held onsite cardiovascular screening for early detection of chronic diseases with 73 participants
Implemented and launched a home visit program to assess homes and provide resources and education to decrease falls among older adults.
Reached over 600 community members through health education at sites including schools, senior centers, libraries, and community centers
Offered 10 free CPR, QPR and Narcan administration classes throughout the year for employees, employers and community members
Received recognition by Governor Ned Lamont as a recovery friendly employer due to our dedication to fighting the opioid crisis in Connecticut.
Distributed Narcan and gun locks to over200 community members to promote harm reduction.
Administeredover 1,300 flu immunizations at 45 different locations.
Administered 32 childhood immunizations
Implemented an 8-week evidence-based program designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling and increase their activity levels.
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 through a variety of methodologies, including water testing, food service establishment inspections, body care establishment inspections, and more.
During FY24-25, the Environmental Health Division accomplished the following:
Inspected over 400 food service establishments
Received and processed over 620 septic plan review and related inspections.
Reviewed over 700 plans for wells, building additions, change of use, subdivisions, and lot line revision applications
Conducted water testing through the CT DPH Laboratory for 5 public swimming areas
Completed 64 public swimming pool inspections
Conducted 16 inspections at daycare centers
Engaged town employees to ensure appropriateness of workflows and service quality
Streamlined processes and workflows to optimize performance
Hosted several community meetings on emerging health topics as appropriate for various communities across the District
Organized district-wide water testing event to support safe water quality in private drinking water wells
Conducted lead inspections and reviewed remediation and abatement plans
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Division is devoted to preparing communities for natural disasters, disease outbreaks, catastrophic events, and acts of terrorism. The team is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of community members in the face of these potential challenges.
During FY24-25, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Division accomplished the following:
Collaborated with local emergency management directors to encourage drinking water testing.
Developed a strategic plan.
Provided oversight of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers to perform call-down drills and public outreach training.
Successfully awarded the Operational Readiness Awards(ORA) Grant from National Organization of City and Council Officials (NACCHO) to help develop training for the Medical Reserve Corps volunteers
he 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.
The Communication & Data Visualization Division is responsible for enhancing, developing, and promoting the HVHD brand across multiple platforms. This is accomplished through web programming, multimedia development, public relations, media outreach, social media management, graphic design, and print production.
During FY24-25, the Communication & Data Visualization Division accomplished the following:
Successfully implemented Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the online property file integration project, enhancing transparency and efficiency through:
A searchable digital street file system (Phase 1)
Launch of public-facing e-forms and streamlined administrative processing workflows (Phase 2)
Reimagined and redesigned the HVHD website to improve user experience, simplify navigation, and ensure greater accessibility to public health information and services.
Developed and disseminated three interactive Tableau dashboards, delivering accessible, data-driven insights for community health planning and public engagement.
Sustained a consistent social media presence, sharing timely public health updates, program information, and seasonal safety tips across platforms.
Launched and distributed monthly e-newsletters via MailChimp, expanding reach and engagement with residents, partners, and stakeholders through targeted, data-informed content.
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 communications and processes for permitting, licensing, and FOIA requests. Further, this Division supports daily Environmental Health and Community Health tasks, which are streamlined for each of the communities served.
This team strives to ensure all accounting, payroll, and personnel support are maintained and improved to align performance with advancing technology.
During FY24-25, the Administrative Division accomplished the following:
Assisted in the transition to online system for permits, licenses and applications.
Designed and launched a multi-faceted staff wellness initiative, encompassing fitness challenges and mental health resources leading to a healthier and more engaged workforce.
Assisted in the organization of flu clinic appointments.
Implemented a new software system and assisted in the integration process for internal members of staff.
Provided continued oversight of accounting systems and associated fiscal requirements.
Developed and updated policies and procedures to ensure continued alignment with state and federal regulations.
Streamlined licensing process for local establishments.
