Healthy Neighborhoods Program

Healthy Neighborhoods Program (A New York State Grant Program)

The Healthy Neighborhoods Program conducts door-to-door visits in targeted areas of Niagara County. The program is designed to improve the quality of life by improving the environmental health and safety conditions in the home. Public Health Technicians visit homes by canvasing the neighborhoods in the target areas, block by block, and speaking to the residents of each dwelling. Appointments in the target areas may also be made by calling (716) 439-7479.

THE HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS PROGRAM IS NOT AN ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR A DIVISION OF THE CODE INSPECTION DEPARTMENTS OF ANY OF THE MUNICIPALITIES IN NIAGARA COUNTY.  THE PROGRAM SOLELY EXISTS TO PROVIDE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRODUCTS (FREE!) AND INFORMATION TO THE RESIDENTS.  THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO FINES INVOLVED IN ANY OF OUR VISITS.

The program is free to both homeowners and tenants.

For more information or to schedule a home visit, call 439-7479.

Home visits are conducted to assess health and safety concerns. A checklist is reviewed with residents in an effort to identify and eliminate health and safety risks in the home.

Free products and services are provided as needed.

Home visits access the following areas:

Fire and Burn Prevention

• Smoke detectors can be provided or batteries can be replaced as needed.
• Cover plates for outlets or switches can be provided if needed.
• Fire exit drills are reviewed with residents.
• Other hazards, such as excessive use of extension cords, can be addressed as needed.
• Referrals can be made to correct hazardous items if needed.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

• Carbon monoxide levels can be checked in the home.
• Hazards such as faulty vent pipes can be identified.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are provided to eligible individuals or families.
• The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are reviewed with occupants.

Radon

•Test kits may be provided for homes.

Lead Poisoning Prevention

• Potential sources of lead poisoning including peeling, cracked or chipped paint are reviewed with residents.
• Suggestions can be provided to help eliminate sources of lead poisoning.
• Referrals can be made to programs offering free assistance to make homes lead safe.
• Free cleaning supplies can be provided to residents with young children to reduce their exposure to lead dust.
• The importance of testing for blood lead levels is reviewed with parents.

• Referrals will be made for testing when appropriate

Asthma

• Environmental triggers are identified in the home and suggestions to reduce or eliminate them can be provided.
• Information about mold sampling and testing can be provided.
• Asthma management plans can be discussed and samples can be provided.
• Referrals to the American Lung Association can be provided.
• Dust mite proof pillow covers can be provided.
• Asthma prevention literature will be provided as needed.

Health Insurance & Physicians

• Referrals can be made and information can be provided for those without health insurance. Options may include current government or private insurance carriers.
• Referrals can be made to physicians at clinics and/or hospitals throughout Niagara County.

Rabies Prevention

• Information relating to free rabies shot clinics for domestic pets will be provided.

Other Services

• Packets of useful information are provided at each home visited.
• Referrals can be made for housing deficiencies, WIC, food stamps, legal aid, diabetes education, immunization and STD clinics, senior services, mental health, domestic violence, employment and training, and other services are provided as needed.

Community Education

Healthy Neighborhoods Program staff are available for Health Fairs and for educational presentations in schools, for groups and organizations in Niagara County. Call (716) 439-7479 for more information about availability. 

Healthy Neighborhoods Brochure