Get Ready for Summer! This season’s first Wellness on Wheels Resource Fair will be held on May 22nd from 4-6 p.m. at the Gossler Park School. Stop by for helpful health and wellness information and fun for all ages. See the flyer for more details and additional event dates!
Manchester Wellness on Wheels 2024 Events
With the help of volunteers, Manchester Grows is establishing a new community garden for the City of Manchester at the Cullerot Park on Youville Street. On April 26 and 27, 2024, from 10AM to 3PM, volunteers are needed to continue the setup of the PlayBall Community Garden.
Please join us to give City residents more opportunities to grow and harvest fresh healthy food!! See the flyer for more details!
PlayBall Community Garden: Volunteers Needed!
In order to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family to the fullest, it is important to keep health and safety on our minds. Food safety, in particular, is important during a time when we share so many meals with our loved ones. There are many aspects of food safety to consider while preparing food for all our guests.
One of these aspects of food safety would be properly thawing a turkey. Please review this short article prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on safe thawing.
For more information on safe turkey preparation, you may also view the following:
Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing
Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays
The Manchester Health Department’s 2023-2024 Winter Resource Guide is now available.
The Guide includes information on a wide range of resources, including local winter assistance resources, to benefit Manchester residents and families in need. We encourage our community partners to use the Guide as a resource in providing assistance and support to the populations they serve.
The guide can be accessed using the link below or through the Health Department’s website under "Services."
Winter Resource Guide 2023-2024
Manchester Water Works is dropping the levels of chlorine in tap water after more than a month of higher chlorine concentrations as a preventative maintenance measure, officials said.
On Aug. 14, Water Works converted its chloramine disinfection process to chlorine as a preventative maintenance measure.
Manchester Water Works periodically switches the disinfectant it uses from chloramine to chlorine as part of the maintenance of its water distribution systems. The most recent switch was performed in November 2021.
Staff said in a statement “over the past six weeks we have seen very positive distribution system water quality results,” and plan to convert back to chloramine on Monday, Oct. 2.
Chloramine, a chemical composed of chlorine and ammonia, lacks the taste and odor problems of straight chlorine.
Water Works started using chloramine as a secondary disinfectant in 2006. It is added to tap water at a concentration of 2.5 parts per million.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the safe use of chlorine and chloramine.
Anyone with questions about the conversion or other concerns about their water quality is asked to contact the Manchester Water Works Laboratory at 603-792-2855 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Manchester Health Department announced today that the public beach at Crystal Lake has been re-opened for swimming and wading. Analysis of water samples taken on September 15, 2023, indicate that cyanobacteria levels are now within acceptable limits.
The Manchester Health Department announced today that the public beach at Crystal Lake is closed to wading or swimming due to elevated levels of cyanobacteria. The elevated cyanobacteria levels were identified in water samples taken on September 7, 2023.
The State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services will be re-sampling the area as soon as Thursday, September 14, 2023 and results from those samples are expected on September 14th. Once cyanobacteria levels are found to be acceptable, the public beach will be re-opened for wading and swimming. The Department will issue a press release when the new results are available.
From August 14, 2023 through October 2, 2023, the disinfectant in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine. During this time, you may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of your drinking water.
Periodically, Manchester Water Works (MWW) switches disinfectants from chloramine back to chlorine to clean our water distribution system and improve water quality. During the temporary switch, MWW will also conduct selective hydrant flushing to enhance water quality. This program is a common practice for many U.S. water systems that normally use chloramine throughout the year.
MWW routinely collects and tests water samples to monitor for chloramine and chlorine levels throughout the city and will continue to do so during this period. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the safe use of chlorine and chloramine.
To reduce the taste or smell of chlorine, MWW recommends:
- Run the cold water tap for two minutes. Run it for five to 10 minutes when water is not used for several hours.
- Refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher. Within a few hours, the chlorine taste and odor will disappear.
- Some filters may reduce the chlorine taste and smell. MWW recommends using devices that are installed at your faucet tap or pitcher-style filters. Use a filter certified to meet NSF standards and replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
Individuals and business owners who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. Most methods for removing chloramine from tap water are effective in removing chlorine. Individuals with special health concerns should consult a health care provider on the use of tap water.
For more information, please review our FAQ on our website:
https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Water-Works
Or contact the MWW Laboratory at (603) 792-2855 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
The National Weather Service, Grey, ME has issued a Heat Advisory that includes the City of Manchester, effective from 11 AM to 8 PM Thursday, July 27, and again 11 AM to 8 PM Friday, July 28. Hot and humid conditions are forecasted with heat indices in the mid 90’s both days. Additionally, a Flood Watch is in effect Thursday afternoon through evening.
A storm system will approach the region bringing a chance of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall. There is the potential for storms to persist over the same area for a period of time while producing torrential rainfall. With wet ground conditions already in place, runoff will be rapid and capable of producing flash flooding, as well as flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas, streams, and rivers. For the most up to date forecast information visit www.weather.gov/gray.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published resources for people who have experienced flooding in their home or property.
Flood waters in the home may contain a variety of contaminants and you should limit your contact with it. Wearing proper protection is recommended during any cleanup activity. When cleaning it is advised that you wear the following: An N-95 respirator (available at most hardware stores), eye-protection, gloves, long sleeves pants and shirts, and boots or work shoes.
After flooding, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Clean and dry hard surfaces and consider throwing away any anything that was wet with flood water and cannot be cleaned or has been wet for more than 48 hours.
Standing water on property also has the potential to allow for mosquitos to breed which can sharply increase in numbers after flooding. Get rid of standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, non-operating pools, or any other containers.
Learn more here: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding
Septic Systems:
High waters in lakes, ponds, and rivers can flood septic systems on shoreland and adjacent properties. This can cause sewage to back-up into the house or to discharge untreated to the surface water.
Guidance for currently flooded septic systems
If the entire septic system (the septic tank and the leach field) are fully inundated, the homeowner should not use the system. Sewage can back-up into the house and cause unsanitary conditions or discharge untreated waste to the surface water. In this situation, the homeowner can:
• Leave the structure vacant, if it is not a primary home.
• Use the sanitary facilities at another house, office, gym, restaurant, etc.
• Arrange for a port-a-potty.
If the leach field is inundated but the septic tank is not under water, the homeowner can continue to use the septic tank as a holding tank. They would have to hire a septic hauler to pump out the tank regularly to prevent discharges to the leach field. For a typical 4-bedroom home, that would mean pumping every 2 days. If the homeowner is able to conserve water, they might be able to go a week between pump outs. Conversely, pump outs might have to occur daily for short-term rentals where many people are staying in one house.
If the system is washed out or otherwise damaged by flood waters, the homeowner should not use the system. If the tank is still in place, the owner can plug the outlet and use it as a holding tank. Homeowners should contact a licensed septic system designer to develop a replacement plan for the damaged system. Flood insurance or homeowner insurance may pay for repairs to damaged systems depending on the terms of the policy.
Guidance for after the flood waters recede
For a septic system that is state-approved, we expect it to work again once it dries out. It could take up to 2 weeks after the flooding for the leach field to dry out, because groundwater recedes slower than surface waters. Homeowners should follow the advice provided above until the groundwater levels return to normal. Owners can ask for an evaluation of their system by a licensed designer if they are concerned about the condition of their system.
For systems that are not state-approved or are old, grandfathered systems, homeowners should have the system evaluated by a licensed designer before using it again. The system may not have enough separation from the groundwater and surface waters to adequately treat the waste. The tanks may be old and unsealed.
To find a licensed septic system designer in your area, please go to NHDES Subsurface One Stop at htps://www4.des.state.nh.us/SSBOneStop/.
Questions about permitting for replacement systems should be directed to NHDES at 603-271-3501, Reviewer of the Day.
Questions about pump outs and port-a-potties should be directed to NHDES at 603-271-2818, Wade Pelham, Sludge and Septage Coordinator.
Please view the attached press released regarding the closure of Crystal Lake on 7/6/23. New water samples were taken at Crystal Lake on 7/6/23. Updated water results may be viewed here, when available.
Crystal Lake Closed - Press Release
Southern New Hampshire Services (SNHS) Releases 2023 Summer Food Program Schedule! See their flyer below for a schedule of available FREE FOOD for all children aged 18 and under.
2023 SNHS Summer Food Program
During the summer, the Manchester Health Department routinely samples water from public beaches and multiple points along the Merrimack and Piscataquog rivers. These results are then posted weekly on the Health Department's Water Quality page. Testing will continue until Labor Day.
NH DHHS Advises Consumers of Recall of lef Farms Packaged Salad Greens Sold at Market Basket and Hannaford Stores
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is advising consumers not to consume a specific lot (lot number SP10723-1RGH1) of the lef Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens ("best by" date 5/5/23), produced in its Loudon, New Hampshire greenhouse, as they have the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157 bacteria. The product comes in a 4-oz, clear, plastic clamshell container.
The recall was initiated after a sample tested by the DHHS Public Health Laboratory tested positive for E. coli O157. No illnesses have been reported to date. lef Farms “Spice” is the only product impacted to date and affected retailers include Hannaford and Market Basket. DHHS and the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets and Food are working collaboratively with the company to determine the root cause of the contamination.
“As E. coli O157 bacteria can cause serious illness, it is best to throw out any potentially contaminated food rather than risk infection,” said Tricia Tilley, Director of Public Health Services. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell.”
Consumers who have purchased the affected lef Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8:00am-7:00pm EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.
Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can cause illness. E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, the very young, and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider. Anyone in New Hampshire diagnosed as having an illness related to E. coli O157 is also urged to contact the DHHS Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Public Information Office
603-271-9389 or pio@dhhs.nh.gov
Read the PDF here: Recall of lef Farms Packaged Salad Greens DHHS Press Release
Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) advises consumers to check if they have two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour. General Mills has announced a recall for Gold Medal all purpose flour with “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis, which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with local and state partners, are investigating an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections linked to Gold Medal brand flour. There have been thirteen total illnesses with 3 hospitalizations. There are no New Hampshire cases associated with this outbreak at this time.
This recall affects two date codes of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour in the five- and ten pound bags and two date codes of Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose Flour in the two- and five-pound bags. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.
Guidance from the FDA and CDC warns that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. Salmonella Infantis is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.
This voluntary recall includes the following code dates currently in stores or consumers’ pantries, all with “Better if Used by” dates of 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024:
|
Product
|
Package UPC
|
|
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 5LB Flour
|
000-16000-19610
|
|
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 10LB Flour
|
000-16000-19580
|
|
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 2LB Flour
|
000-16000-10710
|
|
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 5LB Flour
|
000-16000-10610
|
Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103. Consumers who no longer have the flour package and are uncertain if their flour is part of the recall are advised to discard it as it may be a recalled lot.
Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps usually 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the patient is treated promptly with antibiotics.
The DHHS Division of Public Health Services continues to follow this outbreak closely, including investigation of any reported cases in close coordination with the CDC and the FDA, and will provide updates as they become available. For further information visit the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-flour-april-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery or to report a suspected illness associated with this investigation contact the DPHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.
View PDF here: PRESS RELEASE: Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contaminationnts
In an effort to help curb the number of Manchester residents having limited access to fresh, healthy foods, the City of Manchester Health Department (MHD) in partnership with the Manchester Food Collaborative, has released its 2023 Manchester Healthy Food Access Plan (HFAP).
According to the 2022 Greater Manchester Community Health Needs Assessment, more than ten percent of Manchester residents had trouble getting access to food in the last three years, and 44% of Manchester school aged children qualify for free or reduced price school lunches. Manchester Health Department Supervisor, Elaine Michaud, says it is “very important to address health conditions such as obesity and diabetes, lack of access to fresh fruit s and vegetables, and improving access to those foods in high poverty neighborhoods.”
Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig says we are improving the well being for many in need, “Increased access to healthy foods and proper nutrition contributes to the overall health of our community and will improve the quality of life for our residents. I’m thankful for the Health Department’s proactive approach to decreasing food insecurity, especially for our youth.”
In an effort to improve Manchester residents’ access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, the Manchester Health Department solicited input directly from City residents through surveys and community focus groups. Based on information gathered, and with the help of community partners, including NH Food Bank, NH Hunger Solutions, Families in Transition, Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), Amoskeag Health, Unite Us, and Elliot Health System 23 strategies were identified to improve access to healthy foods for Manchester residents. The strategies fall within the four dimensions of food security, as outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO):
-
Availability (physical availability of food)
-
Access (economic and physical access to food)
-
Utilization (food handling and adequate nutrition)
-
Stability (stability of the three dimensions above over time)
Short term strategies to be implemented within 1 2 years, include:
The plan is part of the Manchester Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Initiative. Michaud says improving access to healthy food is an investment in the health and well being of all community members. “Communities are more likely to thrive when residents have access to healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate foods for themselves an d their families. This Plan is an important step towards improved healthy food access for Manchester’s citizens.”
The complete Healthy Food Access Plan can be found here:
https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Healthy-Food-Access
View press release here: Healthy Food Access Press Release
Starting Saturday, January 7, 2023, and with approval from the Department of Defense (DoD), Manchester children will receive additional dental care they may not otherwise have access to. The City’s school-based oral health program has been around since the 1970s, providing preventative dental care to 600 students per year. However, recent years have seen a challenge in identifying local dental providers who are willing and able to accept uncompensated referrals for students who require more involved dental care.
“This partnership between the NHARNG and Manchester Health Department allows us to expand critical dental service to students in Manchester, ensuring cost is not a barrier to health,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “Our students deserve high-quality, preventative care, and I’m grateful for the support from the NHARNG in providing these services.”
Through the DoD’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program, which pairs military training requirements with community needs, the NHARNG’s Medical Detachment will provide fillings and extractions to children already using the long successful Manchester Oral Health Program.
“The IRT program is a unique way for the Guard to support local communities while gaining valuable, real-world training experience,” said NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities. “There is nothing more fulfilling for our citizen-soldiers than to serve their fellow citizens in their own backyard.”
In the past year, the NH National Guard (NHNG) has supported multiple IRT missions, including a healthcare clinic for Cherokee Nation, Okla., an airlift for the state’s Nature Conservancy, and a construction project for Greenfield State Park.
City of Manchester Health Department Director Anna Thomas who served in the military and the NHARNG, says this collaboration came to fruition after meeting with Col. Richard Oberman, deputy director of the Joint Staff for the NHNG. “For years, we talked about the ways our NHARNG medical assets could serve local communities in New Hampshire. We certainly experienced that benefit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This new venture optimizes the best of both our worlds and assists our City and State’s most valuable resource – our children and families.”
This partnership and the care provided come at no cost to the families, the city or the health department. Future clinic days are being planned on a monthly basis to serve qualifying Manchester students from all 21 public schools through the end of the school year.
See Press Release Below:
MHD Dental Program
The Manchester Health Department’s 2022-2023 Winter Resource Guide is now available.
The Guide includes information on a wide range of resources, including local winter assistance resources, to benefit Manchester residents and families in need. We encourage our community partners to use the Guide as a resource in providing assistance and support to the populations they serve.
The guide can be accessed using the link below or through the Health Department’s website under "Services."
Winter Resource Guide 2022-2023
The Manchester Health Department’s 2022-2023 Winter Resource Guide is now available.
The Guide includes information on a wide range of resources, including local winter assistance resources, to benefit Manchester residents and families in need. We encourage our community partners to use the Guide as a resource in providing assistance and support to the populations they serve.
The guide can be accessed using the link below or through the Health Department’s website under "Services."
Winter Resource Guide 2022-2023
S.A.F.E.
Join University of New Hampshire Extension’s food safety team for a free online S.A.F.E. food handling workshop for food service workers in schools, restaurants, delis, hospitals, nursing homes, camps and other places that prepare and serve food.
The 2-hour S.A.F.E. program reviews critical food safety and sanitation concepts such as personal hygiene, preventing cross contamination, and controlling time and temperature. S.A.F.E. is a great overview for new employees and the perfect refresher course for more experienced staff.
Wednesday, August 24 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 26 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
|
|
|
|
Thursday, November 17 | 9:00am - 11:00am
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
|
|
S.A.F.E. for School Food Service Workers
This class is open to all, but will have a focus on the skills school staff need most.
Wednesday, September 28 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm REGISTER
S.A.F.E. for Food Pantries
This is a free, online, safe food handling workshop for volunteers and managers in food pantries and within the NH Food Bank who only handle pre-packaged food and fresh produce and may handle frozen and refrigerated foods.
Thursday, July 14 | 9:30am - 11:30am
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 15 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 9 | 9:30am - 11:30am
|
REGISTER |
About UNH Cooperative Extension
Extension is at work in every New Hampshire county, making the state's key industries stronger, developing vibrant communities and municipal leaders, fostering healthy families and an informed and engaged citizenry, and keeping the state's natural resources healthy and productive.
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. University of New Hampshire, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and N.H. counties cooperating
The Manchester Health Department has recently become aware of a report of a person falsely representing themselves as an food inspector. Please know that the Manchester Health Department inspectors always wear a city issued photo identification and present it when identifying ourselves to our establishments. We will never ask for, nor will we accept any payments outside of the office, nor do we charge a fee for inspections and services.
If you suspect an imposter, ask to see the individuals identification which has the city seal, their name, and position clearly displayed. When in doubt, contact the Manchester Police Department and the Manchester Health Department.