On behalf of the Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD), I am pleased to present our Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This report reflects the dedication of our staff and the continued commitment of HVHD to protecting and improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Public health extends far beyond the boundaries of any one community, state, or country. Around the world, communities continue to face emerging infectious diseases, chronic disease, mental health and substance use challenges, environmental health concerns, climate-related threats, health inequities, and rapidly changing information about health and science. Events occurring across the globe can have local consequences, reminding us that strong public health systems are essential at every level.
In the United States, public health continues to evolve in response to changing community needs, advances in technology and science, shifting policies and regulations, and growing expectations for accessible and transparent health information. While national and global public health systems provide an important foundation, much of the work that protects people every day happens at the local level. Local health departments are uniquely positioned to understand the communities they serve, build trusted relationships, identify emerging needs, and turn public health knowledge into meaningful action.
That work was evident throughout FY25/26. From environmental health inspections and permitting to health education, immunizations, emergency preparedness, disease prevention, data communication, and community outreach, HVHD continued to provide a broad range of services designed to protect health and prevent illness and injury.
We also continued to look for ways to make public health services more accessible, efficient, and responsive. We advanced our online property file and application systems, expanded the use of data dashboards, streamlined environmental health processes, and strengthened communication with residents, businesses, municipalities, and community partners. These improvements help ensure that our residents can more easily access the information and services they need.
Our Community Health Division expanded opportunities for prevention, education, screening, and early intervention. During the fiscal year, HVHD implemented more than 90 trainings and community health education opportunities, reaching residents in schools, libraries, senior centers, community centers, and other community settings. Programs addressed a wide range of needs, including cardiovascular health, mental health, substance use prevention, fall prevention, emergency response, immunization, and health education. More than 1,050 flu immunizations were also administered at 40 locations.
Our Environmental Health Division continued its critical role in protecting residents from hazards in the places where they live, work, learn, and gather. During the year, the Division completed more than 1,875 environmental review activities, inspected more than 400 food service establishments and itinerant vendors, conducted bathing water and swimming pool inspections, reviewed building and septic applications, conducted lead inspections, and responded to a wide range of environmental health concerns.
Public health is ultimately about people, and meaningful public health work cannot be accomplished alone. Our accomplishments this year were made possible through strong partnerships with municipal officials, schools, healthcare organizations, emergency response agencies, community organizations, businesses, volunteers, and residents. These relationships allow us to respond to immediate needs while also working together to address the underlying factors that influence health and quality of life.
As we look toward the future, HVHD remains committed to the principles that guide our work: Community First, Professional Service, and Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility. Regardless of the challenges facing public health nationally or globally, our responsibility remains clear, to listen to our communities, use evidence and data to guide our work, strengthen partnerships, prevent disease and injury, and ensure that high-quality public health services remain accessible to everyone we serve.
I am incredibly proud of the work accomplished by the HVHD team this year. I am equally grateful to our Board of Directors, community partners, volunteers, and residents whose continued support makes this work possible. Together, we can build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities, one community at a time.
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 promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the communities served by HVHD. Through health education, prevention, screening, and outreach programs, the Division connects with individuals, groups, and the broader community to address local health needs. Our approach emphasizes whole-person wellness, accessible services, and inclusive programming that supports healthier communities and improves quality of life.
During FY25-26, the Community Health Division accomplished the following:
Conducted Blood Pressure screenings for 1053 individuals
Held onsite cardiovascular screening for early detection of chronic diseases for 73 participants
Reached 842 community members through health education at sites including schools, senior centers, libraries, and community centers
Offered 11 free Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR); and Narcan administration classes throughout the year for employees, employers and community members
Held four Mental Health First Aid classes reaching community members and community health workers region-wide
Distributed Narcan, lock bags, and gun locks to over 200 community members to promote harm reduction
Administered over 1,050 flu immunizations at 40 locations
Administered 16 childhood immunizations
Implemented an eight-week evidence-based program designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling and increase their activity levels
Attended numerous school, town, and community-based events to distribute health education materials to over 580 community members
The Environmental Health Division works to protect and improve the health, safety, and well-being of the community by addressing the many ways in which people interact with their environment. Through education, prevention, investigation, enforcement, and collaboration, the division helps create healthier and safer communities.
During FY25-26, the Environmental Health Division accomplished the following:
Inspected over 400food service establishments and itinerant vendors
Received and processed 646 building addition applications
Completed 338 soil evaluations
Conducted 290 subsurface sewage disposal (SSDS) plan reviews
Issued 322 permits to construct for subsurface sewage disposal systems
Processed 129 private well permit applications
Reviewed 89 subdivision applications
Evaluated 41 change-of-use applications
Processed 34 WTW applications
Completed a total of 1,875environmental review activities
Conducted bathing water testing for 4 public swimming areas
Completed 39 public swimming pool inspections
Conducted inspections at 30 daycare centers
Engaged town employees to ensure appropriateness of workflows and service quality
Streamlined processes and workflows to optimize performance
Hosted community meetings on emerging health topics as appropriate for various residents across the District
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 works closely with community partners and emergency response agencies to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination, and protect the health and safety of residents during emergencies.
During FY25-26, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Division accomplished the following:
Continued collaboration with local emergency management directors, municipal officials, and community partners to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities throughout the District
Continued development and implementation of the Division’s strategic preparedness plan, identifying priorities and opportunities to strengthen HVHD’s emergency response capacity
Coordinated and provided oversight of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers, including volunteer communication, call-down exercises, training, and participation in community preparedness activities
Maintained and updated emergency preparedness plans, protocols, and resources to ensure HVHD remains prepared to respond to a wide range of public health emergencies
The Communication & Data Visualization Division manages HVHD’s internal and external communications, working with staff, community partners, stakeholders, and the media to ensure that accurate, timely, and accessible public health information reaches the communities we serve.
The Division is also responsible for strengthening and promoting the HVHD brand across multiple platforms through web development, multimedia production, public relations, media outreach, social media management, graphic design, data visualization, and print and digital communications.
During FY25-26, the Communication & Data Visualization Division accomplished the following:
Continued to expand and maintain HVHD’s digital presence, ensuring that residents can easily access current information about programs, services, public health issues, and District activities
Continued development and refinement of the HVHD website, including updates to content, navigation, program information, forms, and public-facing resources
Advanced the online property file integration project, continuing the transition from paper-based processes to accessible electronic records and improving the efficiency of information management
Expanded the use of data visualization and dashboards to communicate public health and operational information in a clear, accessible format and support data-driven decision-making
Supported the development and maintenance of program-specific dashboards, including tools designed to track environmental health activities, food-related data, and operational performance
Maintained a consistent and timely social media presence, providing residents with public health updates, emergency preparedness information, seasonal health and safety messaging, program announcements, and community resources
Continued production and distribution of monthly e-newsletters, providing residents, municipal partners, and stakeholders with timely information on current public health issues, District programs, community resources, and HVHD activities
Collaborated with other HVHD divisions to translate complex public health data and information into clear, community-friendly messaging, supporting greater public understanding and engagement
The Administrative Division is committed to providing high-quality customer service to community members while ensuring consistent and effective support for HVHD’s daily operations. Through the use of Rapid Cycle Quality Improvement (RCQI), the Division continuously evaluates and enhances communication, workflows, and processes related to permitting, licensing, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
The Division also provides essential administrative support to Environmental Health and Community Health operations, helping to streamline processes and ensure services are delivered efficiently across the communities served by HVHD. The Administrative Division supports the District’s accounting, payroll, and personnel functions, with an ongoing focus on improving efficiency, accuracy, and service.
