Bergen County Department of Health Wins 2024 NJ Clean Communities County Program Award
Hackensack, NJ — Bergen County Board of Commissioners and County Executive Jim Tedesco are proud to announce that the County of Bergen was selected as the recipient of the 2024 NJ Clean Communities County Award from the NJ Clean Communities Council.
Representatives from the County’s Department of Health Services attended the 19th Annual New Jersey Clean Communities Awards reception in Atlantic City on Thursday, March 7th to accept the award.
This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional efforts of Bergen County's Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health, in combatting litter and fostering community education. Their dedication and tangible results underscore Bergen County's commitment to advancing the Clean Communities mission.
"We are honored to receive the 2024 NJ Clean Communities County Program Award. This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication of our Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health, and underscores Bergen County's commitment to creating a cleaner, greener environment for our residents,” said Commissioner Tracy Zur.
"The County is honored to receive the 2024 NJ Clean Communities County Program Award from the NJ Clean Communities Council and we deeply appreciate their recognition the incredible work done every day by our Division of Environmental Health,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Bergen County's proactive involvement in various litter abatement initiatives and educational campaigns sets a high standard for excellence and these initiatives serve as a blueprint for comprehensive and effective programs, significantly contributing to the broader Clean Communities objectives.”
Bergen County's Clean Communities Program utilizes a multifaceted approach, comprising cleanup, enforcement, and education efforts. Key components include engaging young people in cleanup activities through the Summer Work Crew Initiative, supporting community groups with the Mini Grant Program resulting in substantial waste collection, collaborating with the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program to clean hard-to-reach areas, and conducting extensive educational outreach on litter reduction and environmental stewardship. These initiatives, spanning over three decades, aim to foster a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents, with recent additions like the Environmental Stewardship Essay contest targeting middle school students for increased engagement in conservation efforts.
The Bergen County Board of Commissioners extends sincere appreciation to the NJ Clean Communities Council and eagerly anticipates celebrating this accomplishment and ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Photo Caption: The Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health received certificates of commendation from the Board of Commissioners and Bergen County Executive at the March 13, 2024 Public Work Session. Photographed from left to right: Top Row: Commissioner Tracy Zur, Commissioner Steven Tanelli, Commissioner Tom Sullivan, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Tom Longo. Bottom Row: Touray Holland, Patrick Tuohey, Riley Hall, Vice Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss, Linda Morehouse, Laura Jean Checki, Morgan Seidler, Winifred Asa-Awuku, Connor Laubsch.