FAQ

Birth/Death Records

Ø What are the hours of the Vital Records Office?

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We do NOT close at lunch.

Ø How can I pay for the birth or death certificate?

We take cash or money order. Personal checks and credit cards are not acceptable.

Ø How long does it take to obtain the document?

If you come to the Vital Records office, you will get it while you wait - usually less than ½ hour. If you mail in your request, we return documents within five to ten working days.

Ø If I was not born in Fort Wayne or Allen County can I obtain my birth certificate at your office?

No, you must go to the county where you were born. We DO have addresses and most phone numbers for other counties and states.

Ø How long after the birth of my child must I wait to obtain the legal copy of my child's birth certificate?

Usually within four to five weeks.

Ø If there is an error on my birth certificate, how can that be corrected?

Since each record is different, it is difficult to give advice without looking at the particular situation. You should come to the Vital Records office so that we can give you information on how best to proceed.

Ø How do I obtain a death certificate?

If the death occurred in Fort Wayne or Allen County, you may obtain certified copies from our office. You must have at least the month and year of death and a personal or property interest in the record.

Community Health Nursing

Ø Do you offer immunizations for people who will be traveling to foreign countries?

We offer Hepatitis B for adults. It is a three-shot series for $27.25 per shot. We also have Menactra, if required, at $82 per dose. All other travel vaccines are referred to Dr. Philip Johnson or Infectious Disease Associates.

Ø Do you do titers for measles?

No, you would need to go a laboratory.

Ø Where can I get my child tested for lead poisoning?

Call the Community Health Nursing Division at 449-7514 for screening dates and times.

Ø Does my child qualify for the Menactra vaccine?

Children qualify if:

11 to 12 years of age

15 years of age and a newly entering freshman in high school

High school graduate, entering college and living in a dorm

Emergency Preparedness

Ø What is an emergency and how can I be prepared?

An emergency - be it a natural disaster such as a flood or winter storm, a power outage or a terrorist act -- can occur quickly and without warning.

Two actions that you can take to become better prepared to protect yourself and your family are to develop an emergency plan and prepare a portable cache of emergency supplies that can be used at home or at work.

Emergencies may strike when you and your family members are away from home, so learn about plans at your workplace, or anywhere else you and your family spend time.

Contact your utility company if anyone in your household uses life-sustaining equipment such as a kidney dialysis machine or respirator. Your utility can advise you on how to prepare for power outages.

Ø How can I develop an emergency plan for my family?

To create a household emergency plan, do the following:

Meet with your family members and discuss the dangers of possible emergency events including fire, severe weather, hazardous spills, and terrorism.

Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency. Know how to contact all family members at all times. Think 24/7 and 365.

Draw a floor plan of your home. If possible, mark two escape routes from each room.

Select two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when most adults are at work and children are at school).

Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as your "emergency family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Make sure all family members have the correct phone number. It is often easier to call out-of-town during an emergency than within the affected area.

Post emergency contact numbers near all telephones. Include local police, fire and health departments, poison control, your children's schools, doctors, child/senior care providers and insurance agents.

Have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures.

Keep family records in a waterproof and fireproof safe.

Have emergency supplies on hand.

Teach adults how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches. If for any reason you do turn off natural gas service to your home, call your natural gas utility to restore service. DO NOT attempt to restore gas service yourself.

Make arrangements for your pets. Most shelters do not allow pets. Prior to an emergency, contact your county or local emergency management office and ask them where you could leave your pet. Have ID, collar, leash and proof of vaccination for all pets. Have current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

Ø What type of emergency supplies will I need?

Often during an emergency, electricity, water, heat, air conditioning or telephone services may not work. Be prepared to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. Use the checklist below to help you prepare for what you and your family will need.

Consider two kits. In one put everything you will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to evacuate.

Food and Water

Bottled Water - one gallon per person per day.

Ready-to-eat canned foods - vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, fish, poultry, pasta, soup, juice.

Milk - powdered, canned or shelf-stable brick pack.

High energy foods- peanut butter, jelly, nuts, dried meats (for example, jerky), granola, trail mix.

Staples - sugar, salt, pepper, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa.

Instant and small children's needs - baby food, formula, disposable diapers.

Specialty food - for elderly or people on special diets.

Pet food (if needed).

Health and Hygiene Supplies

Prescription medication - at least one week's supply.

First aid kit.

Premoistened hand wipes - premoistened towlettes or baby wipes.

Disinfectant no-rinse hand soap.

Toiletries.

A list of family physicians, important medical information, and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

Personal Supplies

A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes for each family member.

Sleeping bags, bedding or blankets for each family member.

An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (be sure to check the expiration dates).

Identification, credit cards/traveler’s checks/cash, and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information.

Household Supplies and Equipment

One gallon liquid chlorine bleach.

Battery-powered radio or TV.

Flashlights.

Extra fresh batteries for radio, TV and flashlights.

Manual can opener.

Plastic bags - zip sealing, garbage.

Fire extinguisher (small canister A-B-C type).

HIV/STD Prevention

Ø     Where can I get tested for HIV or STDs?
Testing for STD, HIV and Hepatitis is available Monday through Friday by appointment at the STD Clinic on the fifth floor of the City County Building, 1 E. Main St.

Testing for HIV and Hepatitis is are also available at various public locations and can be found by clicking here.

For an appointment at the clinic or help locating a testing site please call (260) 449-7504.

Ø     How much does it cost?

Our services are free but donations are appreciated.

Ø     Is the HIV/STD test kept confidential?

Yes, your information is kept confidential. We will not release your information to any agency or individual without your consent.

Ø     Can I still have an STD if I don't have any symptoms?

Yes, often times there are no symptoms of an STD.

Ø     What do I do if my partner has a positive test?

You need to schedule an appointment for testing and treatment as soon as possible. It is very important that you mention to your medical provider that you have been in contact with an STD. Do not have sex until both you and your partner have completed your treatment.

Ø     Do I have to bring my parents?

No, parental permission is not required for our services.

Ø     Can I get an HIV test in the evening?

Yes, please refer to the HIV testing sites link above for details about evening testing sites.

Ø     Where can I go if I don't have insurance?

All services at our clinic and testing sites are free.

Ø     Do you have condoms?

Yes, free condoms are available any time during clinic hours.

Ø     Can I get a pregnancy test in the clinic?

Pregnancy screening is not a service we offer.

Ø     If I was exposed to HIV a month ago, how long until it shows up on a test?

It could take up to three months from the time you are exposed to show on a test.

Ø     Is it against the law to have sex if you have HIV?

No, however it is against the law to have sex or share needles without telling your partner that you are HIV positive. If you tell the person you are about to have sex or share needles with that you have HIV and they agree to continue with the activity, you are not breaking any laws.

Ø     What should I do if I have symptoms?

You should call for an appointment as soon as possible. Be sure to mention that you are having symptoms when you schedule the appointment.

Ø     Can I have HIV for years and not know it?

Yes, symptoms often take 7 to 10 years to show up. HIV is detectable on a test three months after exposure.

Ø     How long can I have an STD without knowing?

There are often no symptoms of an STD which means you can have one for long period of time without knowing it. If symptoms are present they usually show shortly (typically from a few days to a month) after exposure.

Ø     What do I do if I test positive?

Follow through with your medical providers instructions including taking all medicine and abstaining from sex for the specified amount of time. It is also very important that your sex and/or needle sharing partners are informed of the contact and receive testing and any treatment that are needed.

Ø     Can I still be treated for STDs if I am pregnant?

Yes, there are treatments available that are safe during pregnancy for most STD’s. It is important to let your provider know if you are or may be pregnant so that a safe treatment is provided.

Ø     What do I do if I am having symptoms and I need to make an appointment but there are no appointments available?

If you are concerned about symptoms you are having, call the clinic and ask to speak with one of the nurses so that a plan can be made to best meet your needs based on the symptoms you are having.

Ø     What sexually transmitted diseases do you test for in your clinic?

The STD Clinic tests for the following sexually transmitted diseases: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas (females only), Herpes, Hepatitis, Syphilis and HIV.

Ø     What are some things that I should be aware of when I make an appointment at the STD clinic?

In order for testing to be accurate, you should not have taken any antibiotics in the last four weeks. When scheduling your appointment, please let the scheduler know if you have had any antibiotics.

For females, you should not be on your menstrual cycle (period) when you come to the clinic for testing. If you are, you will have to come back to the clinic at a later time for testing.

When you come to the STD Clinic for your appointment, it is best to arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to fill out your paperwork.

Infectious Disease Center

Ø   What is the most important thing I can do to protect myself and my family from communicable diseases?

Handwashing! Handwashing! Handwashing!

Handwashing is the best way to prevent the    spread of infection and it costs less than a penny.

When should you wash:

Before, during and after preparing

Before you eat

After you use the restroom

After handling animals and animal waste

Wash more often when someone in your home is sick.

How should you wash your hands?

Dispense paper towel.

2^nd Wet you hands and apply soap.

Rub your hands together, scrubbing all surfaces.

Continue this for 15 seconds

Rinse well and dry with a paper towel.

Turn off the faucet with a paper towel.

Ø   Can I get TB from someone with a positive skin test?

It depends . . .

Tuberculosis is passed from one person to another only through sharing the same air with someone who is actually sick with TB disease. This is commonly referred to as “airborne” transmission.

Someone with a positive skin test who is sick with TB would likely have any combination of the following symptoms of TB:

Weakness

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Chills

Fever

Night sweats

Cough

Coughing up blood

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

A person who has a positive skin test, a normal chest x-ray, and no symptoms of TB has latent TB infection. This is not a contagious infection and you can’t catch TB from this person. An individual with this infection can be treated with an antibiotic which should prevent them from ever becoming sick with TB disease.

Ø   Where can I get a TB skin test or chest x-ray for school, work, foster parent requirements, etc., and why doesn't the health department offer this anymore?

The Department of Health no longer offers TB skin tests as a routine service to the public. As the community’s only program dedicated to the surveillance of TB and treatment of individuals with active and latent TB infection, resources have been allocated to reach the highest priority activities related to TB Control and Prevention as determined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listed below in descending order are the top 3 priorities:

Identify and treat all persons with active TB disease.
Identify contacts to persons with active, infectious TB; evaluate and offer therapy as appropriate.
Test high-priority groups for latent TB infections and offer therapy as appropriate.

Routine skin testing for TB for educational, residential, or professional purposes does not fall into any of the highest priority activities for TB Control and Prevention.

Allen County is fortunate to have a system of health care providers who can provide routine TB screening services including TB skin tests and chest x-rays to those in need of a for “requirement” purposes. Please click here for a list of providers offering TB skin testing services to the public.

Laboratory

Ø Do I have to be a resident of Allen County to have my water tested by your lab?

No.

Ø What all do you test for?

The test we perform detects coliform bacteria only. This is the standard test to see if the water is safe to drink.

Ø What are coliform bacteria?

Coliform bacteria are germs found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and, therefore, occur in sewage, soil, surface water and vegetation.

Ø What if I want it tested for other things, like nitrates, pesticides or copper?

The labs that test for these things can be found in the Yellow Pages under LABORATORIES-TESTING. You can also go to www.watercheck.com or call 1-800-458-3330 for National Testing Laboratory, Ltd.

Ø How much does it cost to have my water tested?

The cost is $18.

Ø Can I bring my water in a bottle that I’ve “sterilized” myself at home?

No. The sample must be collected in a bottle that we provide at the time you pay for the test. Sterile bottles from other certified labs are also acceptable.

Ø When can I drop off my sample?

The laboratory is open daily 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.. We do not accept samples on Fridays (or the day before government holidays). Please note: After you have collected the sample, it must be returned to the lab within 30 hours. Refrigerate it overnight if a delay is necessary.

Ø How long does the test take?

The test takes 24 hours from the time the sample is put up. Usually, the sample is tested the day it is received. Samples received after 2 p.m. may not be tested until the following morning.

Ø Can you fax the results to me?

No. We provide an envelope that we ask you to self-address and stamp so that we can mail the results. If you would rather pick up the results in person, that’s fine too.

Ø How do you get rid of coliform bacteria from the well water?

Chlorination of the well and water pipes is a common and usually effective method to disinfect the water supply.

Ø Can I chlorinate the well myself?

Yes, but it is not easy to do. For complete directions, go to www.in.gov/idem (Drinking Water Branch). If you choose to have it done by a professional, some businesses to consider are listed in the Yellow Pages under WATER WELL DRILLING & SERVICE.

Ø What if my water is “City” water?

You can contact the Water Filtration Plant at (260) 427-1254.

Ø Whom should I contact if my water is cloudy and/or discolored? Is it safe to drink?

If your water is from a private utility, the regulatory agency to call is the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, (317) 308-3282. Private utilities must comply with EPA limits for primary drinking water standards. Cloudy and/or discolored water is a secondary water quality characteristic which is a non-enforceable federal guideline.

Ø How long can I store bottled water?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not established a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly. For answers to questions regarding bottled water visit www.bottledwater.org/public/faqs.htm

Ø While dining out, I found an object in my food. Can you test it for me?

Foreign or unidentified objects found in food from a public restaurant may be identified/and or analyzed at the health department laboratory. Please contact the Food and Consumer Protection Division (449-7562) before submitting a sample.

Ø Do you offer paternity tests? Where can I get one?

The Department of Health laboratory does not perform paternity tests. Several sites that offer paternity testing can be found in the Yellow Pages under Paternity Testing & Services. You may also contact your family doctor or the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (449-4027).

Lead Poisoning Prevention

Ø     What is childhood lead poisoning?

Childhood lead poisoning is the number one environmental health threat to children in the United States and Allen County today. It is a preventable disease that affects thousands of young children whose brains and bodies are developing at a very rapid rate.

Ø   What causes childhood lead poisoning?

The most common cause of childhood lead poisoning is deteriorating lead-based paint and lead dust found inside older homes. Lead in soil and water may also contribute to a child’s elevated blood lead level.

Lead can also be found in some cultural remedies and cosmetics from other countries. Lead can be found on some consumer products—check the “Lead Recalls” on this website for more information.

Ø     Who is most at risk for lead poisoning?

Children under the age of seven are the most at risk because their brains are not fully developed and when lead is absorbed into the blood, it is able to go straight to the brain.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you should have your child screened for lead poisoning:

Is the child between the ages of 1-6 and eligible for or receiving benefits from WIC and/or Medicaid?

Does the child live in or regularly visit a ZIP code determined to be at high risk for lead poisoning? (46802, 46803, 46806, 46807, 46808)

Does the child live in or regularly visit a home or day care center built before 1978 with peeling and/or chipping paint?

Does the child have a sibling or playmate being treated for lead poisoning?

Does the child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead? (Includes home repairs, auto repairs, furniture refinishing, firing ranges, casting lead fishing sinkers, and boat repairs.)

Does the child live near a busy street, an active lead smelter, or other industry likely to release lead?

Does the family use imported or glazed ceramics for food preparation, storage or dinnerware? Are there any home remedies used such as tahanakha?

Does the child have medical findings consistent with lead poisoning? (This includes any developmental delay, speech delay, anemia, hyperactivity, stomach aches, trouble with being potty trained or undiagnosed seizures.)

Ø     What are the consequences of childhood lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning in young children can cause developmental delays, speech delays, anemia, hyperactivity, hearing problems, stomach problems and behavioral problems. Sometimes, adolescents who have been poisoned as young children have a very difficult time in school and are less likely to graduate than children who have not been lead poisoned. Studies suggest that teenagers and adults who were poisoned as children have a greater likelihood to be in trouble with the law later in life.

Ø     What can parents do for their children?

Parents who answer yes to any of the questions listed above need to contact their physician to get a blood lead test for their child.

If you live in a house built before 1978, especially one built before 1960, consider having a lead risk assessment performed at your home. A lead risk assessment must be performed by a licensed lead risk assessor. This risk assessment is meant to find lead hazards in a house that may be coming from deteriorated paint, leaded dust, leaded soil and possibly leaded water. If your child is diagnosed with childhood lead poisoning, the Allen County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program will contact you and come to your house to perform a lead risk assessment for you for free.

Do not try to remove lead-based paint yourself. Removing lead-based paint in an un-safe manner, such as dry-scraping, dry-sanding, abrasive blasting, water blasting, using high-temperature heat guns or using volatile chemical strippers, can make lead hazards in a house much, much worse. Some of the highest dust lead levels we have seen have been in homes where parents did their own renovations and did not do them properly and did not clean up well enough afterwards. Contact the Allen County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 449-8600 for information about contractors in our area who are trained in lead-safe work practices or lead abatement.

Wash your children’s hands frequently throughout the day, especially after they have played outside and before they eat.

Check this website frequently to see if there are any “Lead Recalls” that have been issued recently. Frequently, we receive notification that children’s products such as toys, food and jewelry contain lead and should be taken away from children.

Call the Allen County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (260) 449-8600 for more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention.

Food & Consumer Protection

Ø     What do I need to do to cater out of my home?

You’ll need to speak with our department about the specifics. The Indiana Food Code only allows in-home food preparation under certain conditions. Call the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department at (260) 449-7561 to set up an appointment.

Ø I want to open a new food establishment. What do I need to do?

You’ll need to speak with a member of our Department. They can explain the process for submitting plans and setting up inspections. (There is a document on our webpage called “Guidelines for New Establishments” that may help you.)

Ø I'm going to buy an existing food establishment. What do I need to do?

You’ll need to speak with a member of our Department. They can explain the process for submitting plans and setting up the inspections. It is extremely important to talk to our Department prior to the actual change in ownership – as we can give you an all-inclusive list of how to bring the establishment into compliance. (There is a document on our webpage called “Guidelines for Establishments Changing Ownership" that may help you.)

Ø We are a non-profit organization: do we need a license to sell food at our bake sale?

It depends on how many days per year your organization engages in food sales. If you operate under 30 days per calendar year – then most likely you do not need a permit. You do need to speak with the Food Division Director and submit a copy of your tax exemption certificate, date, and location of your food event.

Ø Where can I get a copy of the Indiana Food Code (410 IAC 7-24) and the Allen County Food and Beverage Ordinance (Title 10, Article 2)?

Both are available for printing from our website. The Food Ordinance can also be picked up at the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, 1 E. Main St., 5^th Floor, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Ø We are going to take part in a festival/fair. What do we need to do?

You’ll need to apply for a Temporary Food Establishment Permit. The cost is $35 for each two consecutive days at the same location. (The application and guidelines are also available on our website).

Ø We have a licensed food establishment. Can we have a cookout/hog roast, etc., outside of the restaurant?

You will need an additional permit to do so. Call the Department to schedule an appointment or have your questions answered.

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