The Hamilton Township Division of Health told the Board of Health on Aug. 19 that it is awaiting a near-term decision on national accreditation while also urging residents to track ongoing issues with Trenton Water Works and to prepare for seasonal viruses and mosquitoes.

Health Officer Chris (Health Officer, Hamilton Township Division of Health) summarized the department’s recent activities, saying the division hosted both virtual and on-site accreditation reviews in June and is “waiting on an imminent decision.” He told the board the reviewers toured facilities, interviewed staff and partners and completed a document review; the deciding body is scheduled to meet after Labor Day and will determine either full accreditation, accreditation with a priority area or placement on an improvement plan.

The board heard that the health division continues monthly coordination with Trenton Water Works, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Department of Health regarding lead and Legionnaires disease monitoring. Chris urged residents to attend a public meeting hosted by Trenton Water Works at the Hamilton Township Public Library on Aug. 27, and said the NJDEP posts ongoing compliance information at dep.nj.gov/trentonwater.

Chris said the township is seeing an early uptick of COVID‑19 activity and warned residents to expect seasonal increases in respiratory viruses as schools reopen. “COVID‑19 and other seasonal viruses are starting to reawaken,” he said, and recommended that residents follow forthcoming clinic schedules for updated vaccines; the health division will post clinic details and consent forms at hamiltonnj.com/flushots.

On vector control, the health officer cautioned that the community is entering peak West Nile virus season and reminded residents to eliminate standing water on private property and use EPA‑registered repellents. He noted Mercer County Mosquito Control conducts population‑level spraying and that even small containers can breed mosquitoes in about a week.

The board also saw photos and an update on a mobile clinic van procured with county assistance. The division said the Ford Transit van will be outfitted for exams and intake and should be deployed for fall flu clinics after a ribbon cutting. Chris credited Mercer County for funding the vehicle and said the mobile unit will expand access to seasonal vaccines.

The presentation included an overview of senior‑center programs (about 500 daily participants at the senior center), partnerships with Mercer County Nutrition Program and area hospitals, and community health outreach such as vision screenings and blood‑pressure clinics.

No formal board action was taken during the report; the health staff were given time to report and answer questions from board members and the public. The department requested continued attention from residents to the Trenton Water Works meeting and said it will inform the council and public when the accreditation decision is issued after Labor Day.

Why it matters: the division’s accreditation status affects public‑health certification and can influence funding, partnerships and program oversight; the Trenton Water Works coordination addresses lead and Legionnaires risks affecting Hamilton residents’ drinking water supply.

Sources and attribution: quotes and details above are taken from the Board of Health presentation delivered at the Aug. 19 meeting and attributed to Chris (Health Officer) and the health division staff.