A Moment with Marley

Meriden DOH
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Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. A Moment with Marley provides expert insights on disease prevention, family wellness, and updates from our Public Health Clinic. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

  1. Aug 4

    National Immunization Awareness Month

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are highlighting National Immunization Awareness Month! August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance is designed to remind everyone that staying up to date on vaccinations is an important way to protect not only their health but the health of everyone around them. Vaccines are a public health success story. Today, we are fortunate to have a broad spectrum of safe and effective vaccines, which if received on schedule, protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. Current vaccines protect against childhood diseases including chicken pox, measles, and whooping cough, while protecting adults from the flu, Tdap, and shingles. Vaccines have also eradicated or nearly eradicated life-threatening diseases, such as smallpox and polio. At the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services we are proud to offer both child and adult immunization services to our community through our Public Health Clinic. Vaccines have helped prevent countless illnesses and have saved millions of lives. They protect against diseases that can lead to hospitalization, long-term health complications, and even death. When more people are vaccinated, we also help protect those who cannot receive certain vaccines because of age or medical conditions. This community protection helps reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and helps Meriden stay healthy and safe. Our Public Health Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm, and we are committed to making vaccines more accessible for our community. We are part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program and are able to offer no cost vaccines to children under the age of 18 regardless of their health insurance status. We also accept Connecticare, Cigna, Medicaid, and other select insurance plans. We provide vaccine education and information to individuals and their families in their preferred language to help them make informed health decisions and, Make referrals when additional healthcare services are needed. Our knowledgeable public health staff is here to answer your questions in a respectful, judgment-free environment. We understand that parents and community members may have questions about vaccines, and we are happy to provide reliable, evidence-based information so you can make informed healthcare decisions. Together, we can build a healthier and stronger Meriden. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

  2. Jul 21

    Back to School Reminder: School Required Vaccines

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, our Public Health Clinic staff would like to remind families that they are here and ready to help parents and guardians ensure their child has their school required vaccinations and physicals in order to start the new school year on August 26. We are proud to be a part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program, which is Connecticut’s expanded pediatric vaccination program. The Connecticut Vaccine Program is state and federally funded and allows us to provide vaccines at no cost to all children under the age of 19 years, regardless of insurance status. Note we do accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, and other select health insurance plans. When you come to our office, Clinic staff will review your paperwork to ensure that your child meets the State of Connecticut’s health requirements to attend school. Students entering Kindergarten will need a physical dated on or after August 26, 2025. Part of the physical must include lead and hemoglobin levels, and students must be up to date on school required vaccines. Students entering seventh or tenth grade will need a physical dated on or after June 1, 2025. If your child is entering seventh grade they must have their Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Remember, we highly recommend that you bring your child's paperwork, including physical exams and proof of immunizations, to our Public Health Clinic before the first day of school so your child can be medically cleared to start on the first day. And, we highly recommend making an appointment to reduce wait times. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

  3. Jul 14

    Cyclosporiasis

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about Cyclosporiasis.  You may have heard about Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness, in the news. It is caused by a tiny parasite that can affect your intestinal tract and cause watery diarrhea. Infection can happen when a person eats or drinks food or water contaminated with fecal matter. As of July 13, there has been an increase in cases in the United States, with 31 states, including Connecticut, reporting cases. While state and federal partners are still working on an exact source of the current outbreak, previous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been associated with salad mixes, cilantro, basil, raspberries, and snow peas. Symptoms usually begin about one week after a person is infected, but can take as little as 2 days or up to 2 weeks to appear, and can include: Frequent, watery diarrhea Loss of appetite Weight loss Stomach cramps or bloating Nausea, and Fatigue These symptoms may last a few days to a month or longer, and may go away and then come back during the course of infection. Luckily, cyclosporiasis is not transmitted person to person. To prevent getting sick with cyclosporiasis, follow general food safety recommendations. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Thoroughly wash all fresh produce, including herbs, fruits, and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, and cooking. Fruits and vegetables that are labeled "prewashed" do not need to be washed again at home. Scrub firm produce, such as melons, with a firm brush before cutting. Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetable as soon as possible or within two hours. And if you are cooking your produce, heat it to 158 degrees. Cyclosporiasis is a reportable disease, meaning that if someone falls ill and is diagnosed, healthcare providers must let local health departments know. If we start to see cases in Meriden residents our clinic staff will follow up. For more information about Cyclospora and the recent outbreak please visit www.meridenhealth.com.

  4. Jul 7

    Public Health Clinic Services: Communicable Disease Monitoring & Follow Up

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are highlighting an important role we have as a local health department - monitoring and following up on select communicable diseases.  Did you know that a role of a local health department is to monitor and follow up on select communicable diseases that occur in our community? A communicable disease is an illness caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasite that can spread from one person to another, through food or water, through animals or insects, or from contact with contaminated surfaces. Per Connecticut General Statutes, healthcare providers are required to report select diseases, emergency illnesses, and health conditions to the Department of Public Health. In return, the local health department of which the person lives is notified. The full list of reportable diseases, illnesses, and health conditions is linked on our website - www.meridenhealth.com.  In Connecticut, provider reportable diseases, emergency illnesses and health conditions are classified as Category 1 or Category 2 diseases. Category 1 diseases must be immediately called into the state Department of Public Health on the day of recognition or strong suspicion of disease and a report form completed and submitted within 12 hours. Examples of Category 1 diseases are measles, anthrax and smallpox. Our office will then work closely with the state Department of Public Health to address the disease to prevent spread in our community. Category 2 diseases must be reported by completing and submitting the appropriate form to the state Department of Public Health and to the local health director of the patient's town of residence within 12 hours of recognition or strong suspicion of disease. Examples of Category 2 diseases are sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis A, B, and C, and foodborne illnesses. Our office conducts surveillance of these conditions, and will follow up on select conditions or if an outbreak is reported. For example, we follow up on foodborne illnesses, legionellosis, and cases of Hepatitis A if the individual is a food service worker or if the case occurs in a high risk setting, such as a day care. During a follow up interview by our office, we may ask questions related to symptoms, travel, event or large gathering attendance, place of work, shopping habits or meals eaten, and close contacts. These questions can help us note any trends, understand how the illness may have been spread and identify anyone who may need testing, treatment, or additional guidance. This information also helps public health officials make informed decisions about disease prevention programs and community education efforts. It is important to remember that the conversations are confidential. Personal health information is protected, and our goal is to prevent additional illnesses. If you have questions about communicable diseases or would like to learn more about the services offered by the Meriden Health and Human Services Department visit our website: www.meridenhealth.com.

  5. Jun 30

    Heat-Related Illness Prevention

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about how to prevent heat-related illnesses this summer.  While many people enjoy spending time outside during warm weather, extreme heat can quickly become dangerous if we are not prepared. Knowing how to stay cool, stay hydrated, and recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses can make all the difference. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. Common symptoms include: Dizziness Heavy sweating Nausea Weakness If someone is experiencing these symptoms: Move them to a cool place. Loosen tight clothing. Offer cool water to sip slowly. Seek medical help if symptoms do not improve. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s cooling system fails, causing the body’s core temperature to rapidly spike above 104 degrees F. Signs of heat stroke include: Confusion or unusual behavior Dizziness Or if the person loses consciousness If you suspect a person is experiencing heat stroke: Call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency responders: Move the person into the shade or indoors. Remove excess clothing. Cool them with cold water or ice. Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you are thirsty. Drink water throughout the day, especially if you are spending time outdoors. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Limit outdoor activities. Try to schedule exercise or yard work during the cooler morning or evening hours. Take frequent breaks. If you are working outside, rest in the shade or in an air-conditioned space. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can become deadly within minutes. In Meriden, if Governor Ned Lamont activates Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol the Meriden Public Library and Meriden Senior Center will be designated as cooling centers for the public. If and when this happens we will post information on our website, www.meridenhealth.com.

  6. Jun 16

    School Registration 2026-2027

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to remind families about school registration for the 2026-2027 school year. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, or your family has recently moved to Meriden, understanding the registration process can help make the transition smooth and stress-free.  Registering early helps schools plan for staffing, classroom space, transportation and student services. Families who need to reschedule their registration appointment are encouraged to do so as early as possible, as August is typically a high-volume registration month and appointment availability may be limited. It also gives families plenty of time to gather any required documents and complete health requirements before the school year begins. To start the process families should visit Meriden Public Schools’ registration webpage at www.meridenk12.org/parents/registration.  From there you will start with the online registration form. You will then schedule your in-person appointment for each student you would like to enroll. The Central Registration office is located in the Health & Human Services Department building at 165 Miller Street.  During your appointment, you will meet with staff from central registration to complete any additional paperwork, hand in required documents, and you will visit our Public Health Clinic.  Our staff in the clinic will ensure your child meets the State of Connecticut’s health requirements to attend school.  Students entering Kindergarten will need a physical dated on or after August 26, 2025. Part of the physical must include lead and hemoglobin levels, and students must be up to date on school required vaccines. Students entering seventh or tenth grade will need a physical dated on or after June 1, 2025. If your child is entering seventh grade they must have their Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Paperwork, including physical exams and proof of immunizations, must be received by our Public Health Clinic before the first day of school in order for your child to be medically cleared to attend.  Our Clinic, located at 165 Miller Street, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. We will be open until 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 24 for those needing after-hours drop off. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

  7. Jun 11

    Back to School Physicals

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to remind parents and caregivers about back to school physicals for students. A physical exam is required for students entering certain grades in order to be medically cleared to start school on August 26, 2026. This includes: Students entering Kindergarten will need a physical dated on or after August 26, 2025. Part of the physical must include lead and hemoglobin levels, and students must be up to date on school required vaccines. Students entering seventh or tenth grade will need a physical dated on or after June 1, 2025. If your child is entering seventh grade they must have their Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines.  The physical exam visit is a great time to complete forms for medication authorization, refill prescriptions and ask questions or address concerns. Medication orders are required for all medications, including over the counter medications, and a new form is needed every new school year. Starting Thursday, August 20, appointments can be scheduled to drop off any medications and the signed medication authorization form to the school health office. As a reminder, students cannot carry any medications to school.  If your child will be participating in sports next school year, they will also need a sports physical dated 13 months before the first day of try-outs or practice. Please check with coaches or the school nurse about specific requirements. Sports physicals help identify conditions that could affect safe participation in athletic activities. Even if your child has played sports before, annual evaluations remain important because health needs can change as children grow. We understand that accessibility to back to school physicals may be a barrier for families, which is why our Public Health Clinic will be partnering with Community Health Center, Inc. this summer to provide the physicals at 165 Miller Street. Appointments will start on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8:30am and 1:30pm starting Tuesday, July 7 through Thursday, August 6. To schedule an appointment please call Community Health Center at (475) 231-6978. Paperwork, including physical exams and proof of immunizations, must be received by our Public Health Clinic before the first day of school in order for your child to be medically cleared to attend. Our Clinic, located at 165 Miller Street, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. We will be open until 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 24 for those needing after-hours drop off. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

  8. Jun 2

    End of School Year Reminders: Medications

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are here to remind parents and caregivers to pick up any medication your child may have in the school health office during the last week of school. Medications must be picked up by a parent or designated adult over 18 years old. For your child’s safety, please wait to pick up any emergency medications until your child has attended all scheduled field trips at their school. Any medications that are not picked up within 2 days of the last day of school will be brought to the Meriden Health & Human Services Department at 165 Miller Street where they will be held for 2 weeks and then properly disposed of. When you pick up your child’s medication, the school nurse will give you a new medication authorization form for the next school year to be completed by the child's health care provider. Medication orders are required for all medications, including over the counter medications. Medications and the signed medication authorization form can be brought to the school health office 5 days before the start of the school year with a scheduled appointment. As a reminder, students cannot carry any medications to school. The next school year starts on August 26, so you can start to bring medications in on August 20. As summer approaches, taking a few minutes to check in with your school nurse can help avoid last-minute stress and ensure your child has what they need for a safe and healthy break. If your child uses medication regularly during the summer months, make sure you have enough supplies at home and check expiration dates on medications like inhalers and EpiPens. Summer camps, daycare programs, and sports activities may also require updated medication forms or action plans, so it is a great time to prepare early. If you have any questions or need to schedule a time to pick up or drop off medications, please contact the school health office at your child’s school.

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About

Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. A Moment with Marley provides expert insights on disease prevention, family wellness, and updates from our Public Health Clinic. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

Information

  • Creator
    Meriden DOH
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    A Moment with Marley