Meriden Health Talk

meridenhealthtalk

Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. Meriden Health Talk provides expert insights on a range of topics, including disease prevention, seasonal health and local updates and alerts. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

  1. 6d ago

    Hurricane Season Preparedness

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about hurricane preparedness in honor of the start of hurricane season! Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically peak between August and October. While Connecticut may not experience hurricanes as often as states down south, our communities - including Meriden - can still face significant impact from tropical storms and hurricanes including flooding, power outages, downed trees, and dangerous road conditions. Even if a storm makes landfall hundreds of miles away, Connecticut can still experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and extended power outages. Here are some safety tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane occurs. Tip # 1 Prepare your Home before the Storm.  Luckily, hurricane advisories are often made public several days before potential landfall, giving time to prepare. Before a storm arrives: Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations, Trim dead or damaged tree branches, Clear gutters and storm drains for proper water flow, Move valuable items to higher levels of your home if flooding is expected, Charge electronic devices in the event the storm causes power outages, and If you have a generator make sure you test it and ensure it has enough fuel. Tip # 2 Stay Informed.  Meriden participates in CT ALERT is a statewide system that enables state and local 911 emergency communication centers to provide essential information quickly in a variety of emergency situations. By signing up you will be informed via text, phone call and/or email during emergencies in the Meriden area including public health threats, dangerous weather, fires and public safety incidents. To register text your zip code to 888-777 OR sign up at www.ctalert.gov. Our Department will also post safety tips and updates on our Facebook page and website, especially if we anticipate to open an emergency shelter or charging station. Tip # 3 Safety During and After the Storm During the storm, stay indoors and away from windows, avoid unnecessary travel, and, if you need to venture outdoors, never walk or drive through floodwaters. After the storm ends, watch for downed power lines - report them to your electrical company. If you lost power and have a generator, use it outdoors only away from windows and doors. Check in on neighbors, especially older adults and those who may need assistance. And - be careful during cleanup. Wear protective clothing and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. Hurricane season is a reminder that preparedness starts long before a storm appears in the forecast. For more information on how you can be prepared for a hurricane or tropical storm please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

    4 min

  2. Jun 5

    Mosquito Prevention

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about how you can protect yourself, your family, and your community this summer from illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes.  Tip #1 Dump Standing Water Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay their eggs. One of the most effective ways to reduce mosquitoes around your home is to eliminate standing water. Take a few minutes each week to: Empty flowerpot saucers Refresh the water in bird baths Drain kiddie pools when not in use Dump standing water from buckets, tarps, and outdoor toys, and Check your home's gutters to make sure they are draining properly Tip #2 Protect Yourself from Bites When spending time outdoors take steps to prevent mosquito bites, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes when possible. Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting. And, don’t forget to use insect repellent. Look for EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow label directions, especially when applying insect repellent to children. Tip #3 Mosquito-Proof Your Home To keep mosquitoes outside of your home, you can: Install or repair and use window and door screens. Close doors, including garage doors. Do not leave doors propped open, and Use air conditioning when possible The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is the agency responsible for trapping, identifying, and testing mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, and Jamestown Canyon. Testing and trapping starts June 1 through the end of October. Meriden’s trapping and testing location is at Falcon Park. Reports and updates are provided weekly on their website: www.portal.ct.gov/caes. If mosquitoes trapped and tested in Meriden test positive for any illness we will notify residents. To learn more about mosquito prevention visit our website: www.meridenhealth.com.

    3 min

  3. May 29

    Meriden Early Start: Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we will hear from Rhonda Knight, Early Childhood Coordinator for Meriden Early Start on how to help your child transition smoothly from preschool to kindergarten. Good morning families, this is Rhonda Knight, Early Childhood Coordinator with the Early Start Program in Meriden, and today I want to share 3 quick tips to help your child transition smoothly from preschool to kindergarten. Tip number one: Start building routines now. Kindergarten schedules can be a big adjustment, so practicing bedtime routines, morning routines, and independent tasks like putting on coats or cleaning up can help children feel more confident and prepared. Tip number two: Talk positively about kindergarten. Children often take emotional cues from adults. Reading books about kindergarten, talking about making new friends, and discussing exciting classroom activities can help ease anxiety and build excitement. And tip number three: Encourage independence. Simple things like letting your child practice opening snacks, using the bathroom independently, or following simple directions can make a big difference in helping them feel successful at school. And families, this is also an important reminder to register your child for kindergarten as soon as possible. To make an appointment online, please visit the Meriden Public Schools Registration webpage at www.meridenk12.org. Please remember, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1st to enroll in kindergarten. The Meriden school district will not be offering waivers for children who do not meet the age requirement. If your child does not meet the eligibility criteria, it’s important to maintain enrollment in their current preschool program. And if you are looking for a preschool program, families can visit the Meriden Early Start webpage at www.meridenhealth.com for a list of state-funded childcare programs and contact information. Thank you for listening, and we wish all of our future kindergarteners a successful transition into school.

    3 min

  4. May 21

    Rodent Prevention

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about rodent prevention.  The Department of Health and Human Service's Environmental Health office is responsible for investigating complaints of rodent activity in our city. Often, calls will come in to our office for reports of mice indoors - in this case we will partner with the Housing Department's Code Enforcement staff to correct this indoor housing condition.  Our team may conduct specific complaint inspections or sweeps to check properties for conditions that attract rodents, such as improperly stored garbage, standing water, outdoor food sources, or improperly maintained chicken coops. During an inspection, we look for common warning signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, nesting materials, damaged food, or openings. If staff find rodent activity on a property, we will send a notice to the owner or tenant with clear steps to solve the problem. The responsible party may need to seal entry points, clean up clutter, secure food and trash, or hire a professional pest control service. Our staff will perform follow-up inspections to ensure the property is safe, clean, and fully compliant. Mice and rats are more than just a public health nuisance. They can contaminate food, damage property, trigger allergies, and are known to spread disease. The most effective rodent control is prevention. Here are some key steps you can take to prevent rodents from finding their way into your home or property. Inspect your home or building for gaps, cracks and holes around utility lines, pipes, doors, windows, and the foundation. Seal openings using materials rodents can’t chew through, such as steel wool, metal mesh, or caulk designed for pest control. Rodents are attracted to easy meals. Store dry foods in sealed containers, avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and keep garbage tightly covered. Outdoor garbage areas should also be kept clean and maintained regularly. Rodents like dark, quiet areas where they can nest - reducing clutter and hiding places can help prevent rodents from nesting. Clear out clutter in attics, basements, and garages. Outside, it is recommended keep debris and woodpiles away from the foundation. Even small amounts of water can attract rodents, so check your property for leaky pipes, standing water or poor drainage around the property. Rodent prevention works best when the whole community participates. We recommend all Meriden residents help keep public spaces clean, reporting bulky waste such as mattresses or furniture by calling our office, and keep outdoor trash storage areas clean. If you have questions about rodent prevention or concerns about rodents, call our Environmental Health Office at (203) 630-4226.

    3 min

  5. May 12

    National Prevention Week with Rushford/MHYC

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we have special guest, Victoria George from Rushford in Meriden in honor of National Prevention Week. Hi everyone, I am Victoria George, Prevention Professional and Licensed Professional Counselor for Rushford, Meriden; and co-leader of the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition.  What is National Prevention Week? May 10 through 16 is National Prevention Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, substance misuse prevention, and the importance of building healthier, safer communities.  Why Prevention Matters Prevention is about creating environments where people can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It means helping individuals develop healthy coping skills, strong support systems, and access to resources before a crisis happens. Prevention can look like: Teaching young people about healthy decision-making Supporting mental wellness in schools and workplaces Encouraging open conversations about substance misuse Promoting stress management and self-care Building stronger family and community connections The goal is not perfection. The goal is support, education, and early action. Here in Meriden, the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition is working hard to achieve those same goals – youth and community education and empowerment, through supportive early intervention.  The MHYC is a community coalition created to work collaboratively to reduce and prevent alcohol, other substance use and their related problems through raising awareness while promoting healthy lifestyles.  To give you a sense of what this mission looks like in action, I’d like to share some examples of our initiatives.  For prom season this year, the MHYC partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), to spotlight prom safety, and educate Maloney High School juniors and seniors on the issue of underage alcohol use and misuse. The MHYC also conducted a series of four wellness workshops, held after school at Maloney High, focused on student wellness and support, self-care and mind-body health. In April, the MHYC participated in Platt High School’s Learner Engagement & Attendance Team event, in effort to better engage students and families who struggle with consistent attendance. Also in April, alongside Meriden Department of Health and Human Services the MHYC participated in the Statewide Save a Life Naloxone Training Day, as well as National DEA Drug Takeback Day, in partnership with the Meriden Police Department. Earlier this month we attended the Daffodil festival in Hubbard Park, and though it was cold and a bit rainy, we had a really great time meeting and speaking with numerous Meriden families and community members, on the topics of substance use prevention and mental health. We are looking forward to tabling at the Meriden Pride health fair this Saturday May 16 and Maloney High School’s Mental Health Day on May 22. There is a lot happening right now in the field of prevention, and the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition is excited to be a part of growing and advancing prevention efforts within the Meriden community.  Remember, prevention works when we do it together. Together, we are creating a stronger Meriden– empowering youth, engaging adults, and building a healthy, safe, drug-free community.  Let’s keep the momentum going through May 16, through the entirety of NPW 2026, and all year long.  Thank you for listening, and for more information, visit samhsa.gov/prevention-week.

    5 min

  6. May 7

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is See the Person. Support the Journey. The theme highlights the importance of Noticing early signs of mental health concerns Strengthening the support around us, and Responding with care and compassions during challenging moments. Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than just conversation—it is about action. It is about recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health. One resource that is available to anyone, anywhere in the United States, 24 hours day 7 days per week, is the free, confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By simply calling or texting 988, or chatting via their website at www.988lifeline.org, a person can be connected to trained counselors who are there to listen, support, and help through difficult moments. 988 is for anyone experiencing emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, grief, or even just feeling overwhelmed and needing someone to talk to. When someone calls 988, they will first hear a message that gives a service selection options including Veterans (Press 1), Spanish-language (Press 2), or their local 988 Lifeline contact center. A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves, and ask if you are safe. The counselor will listen, provide personalized support and judgement free care, and share any resources that may be helpful. And most importantly, this service is confidential. Your privacy is respected. We encourage all Meriden residents to share the 988 number with friends and family. Encourage friends and family to keep the number handy, pass it along, and remind others that help is always within reach. At our resource table at 165 Miller Street we have 988 information available in English and Spanish. If you are from a Meriden business and organization, we can provide these resources for you to display or distribute at no cost. Call (203) 630-4288 for more information.

    3 min

  7. May 1

    Tick Prevention

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about tick prevention! Ticks are tiny arthropods that feed on blood, and they can carry diseases that affect humans and animals. Ticks are found worldwide in humid, wooded, or brushy areas, typically clinging to tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter while waiting for a host. They are common in residential yards, especially near woods, and are active during spring, summer, and fall. In the U.S., the most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease.  Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and some develop a rash that may be bull’s-eye shaped. Other tickborne illnesses include anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, and babesiosis. The best way to stay safe from tickborne illness is following prevention steps. When you’re outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks from reaching your skin. You can also use insect repellents with DEET on your skin or permethrin on your clothes. After spending time outside, check your entire body for ticks—especially your scalp, behind your ears, under your arms, and behind your knees. Showering soon after coming inside can help wash off ticks before they attach. If you do find a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible. Do not wait to go to a healthcare provider to remove the tick. Use fine-tipped tweezers, grab the tick close to your skin, and slowly pull it straight out. Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish, or other substances to try and make the tick detach from the skin. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.  The longer a tick stays attached to your body, the higher the chance it can potentially spread disease. After a tick bite, if you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick. The good news is that most tick-borne diseases can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early. Overall, remember: protect yourself when outdoors, check for ticks after coming inside, remove them quickly, and get medical advice if you start to notice symptoms. People who have removed a tick sometimes wonder if they should have it tested to see if it is infected. You can bring the tick to your local health department for testing through the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Bring the tick in in a crush proof container (or sealed plastic bag) to our office at 165 Miller Street. Do not place the tick on tape, do not pack the tick in any solution, and do not package the tick with anything else, such as paper towels, cotton, plant pieces, bandages, or other materials. Staff will send it out to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to be identified and tested for common tick-borne illnesses as a public service free of charge. Please note only ticks that are found on humans will be tested. For more information on tick borne illness, please visit www.meridenhealth.com or call (203) 630-4226. Information on tick borne illnesses - and other summer safety topics - will be on our info table at 165 Miller Street throughout the summer.

    8 min

  8. Apr 23

    Renters' Rebate Program

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Natalie Gill, Community Services Supervisor, for the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services is here to talk about the Renters' Rebate Program.  The Renters’ Rebate Program, which runs from April 1 to September 30 each year, is a state program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room, or living in cooperative housing or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Renters’ rebate can be up to $900 for married couples and up to $700 for single persons. The renters’ rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and amount of rent and utility payments made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. The income guidelines for 2025 are: For single individuals, their income must not exceed $46,300 or For married couples, their income must not exceed $56,500. Please note that if you are legally married you most apply together and persons legally separated or divorced must apply individually. Please Call 203-237-0066 or 203-630-4708 to schedule an appointment.

    4 min
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About

Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. Meriden Health Talk provides expert insights on a range of topics, including disease prevention, seasonal health and local updates and alerts. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

Information

  • Creator
    meridenhealthtalk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Meriden Health Talk