Join Mike Vincelli for upcoming trainings in Stop the Bleed and Hands only CPR techniques on Tuesday, Oct. 20th at the AHD office at 180 Bayberry Lane in Westport. Please register by emailing mvincelli@aspetuckhd.org. Stop the Bleed will be offered 6PM-7PM and Hands Only CPR will be offered 7PM-8PM. Training is free and open to the public.
Author: Kerri Hagan
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Health District closed for Columbus Day on Oct. 12th
Our offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th for Columbus Day.
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Seasonal flu shots available!
Cold and flu season is here! If you’d like a seasonal influenza vaccine, call our Community Health nurse to schedule and learn more at 203.227.6611. Both the standard and high dose (recommended for 65+) are available. AHD also offers Flumist for children ages 3-18. Child must be at least 33 lbs.
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Food Establishments: Guidance for reopening after a storm/power outage
Connecticut’s Department of Public Health reminds local food establishments to use follow reopening guidelines should the establishment experience power outages following a storm event. Click here to read the document.
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Health District observes Labor Day
In observation of Labor Day, AHD’s office will close at 1:00PM on Friday, Sept. 4th and be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend!
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“Stop the Bleed” on July 23rd
Join us on July 23rd at 7:00PM for a “Stop the Bleed” training session at the Health District. Learn tips and techniques for emergency situations. Session is free of charge and open to all. Please email mvincelli@aspetuckhd.org to learn more and reserve your slot.
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AHD website recognized
The Aspetuck Health District website redesign has been honored with a Silver Award of Distinction from the 32nd Annual Communicator Awards. Congratulations and thank you to our website design partner, Daydream Communications! To learn more, click here.
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Beach water testing resumes May 18th
The 2026 beach water testing season begins on May 18th, with enhanced testing and reporting protocols. The improved process builds upon the State of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidelines for Monitoring Swimming Water and Closure Protocol, and now includes additional beach water samples and more efficient resampling, aimed at ensuring public health and safe swimming conditions.
The Health District will collect samples from approved marine swimming areas every Monday morning, including Compo Beach and Burying Hill in Westport. These samples are submitted to Connecticut’s Department of Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill, CT for analysis. If bacteria levels are high, the water will be closed for swimming and other water activities, and the water will be immediately resampled and sent to the City of Stamford Laboratory for analysis. This will decrease turnaround time and enable officials to lift closures faster than in previous years. Any swimming closure announcements will be posted both on the Health District and the Town of Westport’s websites.
“Safety is our top priority. Beach water is sampled weekly during the season to monitor harmful bacteria or the potential presence of pathogens. These tests help us decide when to close waters for swimming and other water activities, to reduce the risk of illnesses like gastrointestinal distress, skin rashes, or ear infection.” said Luci Bango, Director of Health for the Aspetuck Health District. “Water monitoring enables us to proactively address concerns. That way residents can make informed decisions when it comes to their personal health and safety.”
Each summer, during times of excessive heat or heavy rainfall, elevated bacterial levels in water bodies can occur. Closures are posted when bacteria levels exceed state standards. Children, people with compromised immune systems, or those with open wounds, should always use caution. Testing natural bodies of water provides a “snapshot” in time and conditions change as tides, temperature, swimming load and wildlife contribute to increased bacterial levels.As a reminder, all other areas and beach activities, including the concession stand remain open for residents’ enjoyment during water closures.
For additional information on water testing, swimming closures, and beach-related illness, click here. -
State Reports Tick Activity High
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) scientists are reporting that tick activity is already very high this season. Tick samples sent to the CAES lab are testing positive for Lyme disease at a higher than average rate. Residents who spend time outside should take precautions. Residents are encouraged to submit ticks removed from their bodies to the laboratory for species identification and testing. According to CAES, the most common species of tick around the state are black-legged “deer” ticks and American dog ticks, but invasive lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and longhorned ticks are also present. Read the press release from the Tick Testing Program at CAES here. The Health District will identify species and submit ticks to the CAES lab. Click here for more information about our service and a tick submission form.
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Buying a Home with Septic? Things to Know
When purchasing a home with a septic system, prospective buyers can have many questions. What does the existing septic system consist of? Is it working properly? How long will it last? If it fails, how much will a replacement system cost? Connecticut Department of Public health put together this a Fact Sheet to guide prospective buyers in making informed decisions regarding the potential problems and costs associated with a property’s septic system. Learn more here.