City of Pittsfield Health Department Opens Lab
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Mayor James M. Ruberto announced that the City of Pittsfield Health Department has created and implemented a comprehensive bacterial laboratory sampling program in an attempt to reduce foodborne and waterborne associated illnesses in the community.“With Jim Wilusz’s forward thinking initiatives, Pittsfield has the second municipal owned bacterial laboratory in Berkshire County, right behind the Tri-Town Health Dept.,” said Mayor Ruberto. “The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and visitors is one of our top priorities and this lab will assist in keeping everyone protected.”
According to the City’s Health Director, James J. Wilusz, “this is the first time that the Health Department has had a sampling program. The Health Department will not only offer additional professional services to the business sector, but it will reduce the overall financial burden to the City by collecting and analyzing samples within the Department rather than contracting for services.
The sampling program will include collecting, sampling, and analyzing restaurant ice and dispensers, public and semi-public pools, public beaches, and private wells. As part of the program, businesses will be able to confirm that no bacteria is present ensuring water quality standards are met.
“Creating a bacterial laboratory program strengthens public health and safety in the City and at the same time protecting the business and their consumers”. He further explains that offering an affordable and sustainable program while building a partnership with the business community by reducing potential illnesses is the main goal and, “that education and prevention programs similar to this initiative is the key to a healthy and safe community.”
For more information on the Health Department bacterial sampling program, please email lab@pittsfieldch.com or visit the website www.pittsfield.com.
