Applications for health block grants start Jan. 2

MIDDLETOWN — The city health department will be accepting applications for public health block grant funding beginning Jan. 2.

Any nonprofit, social service or health agency providing services in Middletown for city residents is eligible to apply, according to a press release. Applications, available on the city’s website at middletownct.gov, are due Feb. 28 by 4:30 p.m.

For information, call Salvatore Nesci, public health manager, at 860-638-4966 or email sal.nesci@middletownct.gov.

In other news from the health office, the city has received a grant from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Association of Food and Drug Officials for the second time. Monies will be used to reduce the risk of foodborne illness within the community, according to the release.

The department received $3,000 to continue its current programs, which help educate the public about proper food safety practices and provide training to local food establishments to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, according to Middletown Health Director Joseph A. Havlicek.

Havlicek said in the press release that his department was awarded $2,500 last year to provide information to the public on food safety through informational booths and educational materials. A portion was also used for training and consultation to restaurants and the local food service industry to ensure compliance with the FDA Model Food Code, which Connecticut adopted in July.

“We are very pleased that the FDA has recognized our efforts, because this was highly competitive process,” Havlicek said in a prepared statement. “This additional funding will not only allow our department not to continue our current training, educational and outreach efforts, but improve and expand them,” he added.