By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Carol Chamberlain has one of the most important jobs in Lawrence Township, but most residents do not know her.
But in her position as the Lawrence Township Health Officer, Ms. Chamberlain is the one responsible for ensuring that restaurants are inspected and immunization records are reviewed to ensure that children receive vaccinations.
Ms. Chamberlain’s office also is responsible for making certain that public health nuisances such as overgrown weeds, insects and rodents are brought under control, and investigations of outbreaks of respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal illnesses are conducted.
And as the head of the Lawrence Township Health Department, Ms. Chamberlain also sees to it that the department arranges for flu shots to be made available to senior citizens, and that blood sugar and blood pressure screenings are offered at the Municipal Building and at the Senior Center.
For her contributions, Ms. Chamberlain was presented with the Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association’s first Woman of Excellence Award Monday night. The event was held at Willis Greenhouses on Lawrence Road.
“We are here to honor one of the most important people in Lawrence Township,” said Teresita Bastides-Heron, who represented GEPNA. She noted that March 8 was “International Women’s Day.”
Mercer County Freeholder Pat Colavita presented Ms. Chamberlain with a proclamation on behalf of the Mercer County Board of Freeholders. Mr. Colavita grew up in the Eldridge Park neighbohood.
“Where would be we (without Ms. Chamberlain)? We’d all be sick,” Mr. Colavita said. “I am talking to the most important person in Lawrence Township. You have been an integral part of the community. You do a great job. People feel safe around here because of your knowledge and how you approach things.”
Ms. Chamberlain joined the Lawrence Township Health Department in 1985 as an inspector trainee, soon after earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Cook College of Rutgers University, Mr. Colavita said. She earned a master’s degree in health education in 1992 from The College of New Jersey.
Ms. Chamberlain became the Lawrence Township health officer in 1993, he said. She works with the staff to promote and protect the health of the community through disease prevention activities, health education and health promotion programs, inspections and enforcement of public health law.
She is the chairman of the Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance, and the staff liaison to the township Health Advisory Board. She serves on the township Public Safety Advisory Committee and belongs to the Mercer County Health Officers Association, the New Jersey Health Officers Association and serves as the vice president of the Greater Mercer Public Health Partnership.
Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun told the attendees Monday that when he received a phone call from Ms. Bastides-Heron to inform him of the honor for Ms. Chamberlain, “I thought it was a great selection. She is deserving of the award.”
Mr. Krawczun said that Ms. Chamberlain has demonstrated the “utmost professionalism” and has a great deal of knowledge. She often goes beyond the call of duty. Whether it is handling the possible spread of ebola or issuing a “boil water advisory” for contaminated water, Ms. Chamberlain is always working quietly behind the scenes, he said.
“She takes her duties very seriously,” Mr. Krawczun said.
Ms. Chamberlain told the attendees that she was surprised and grateful that they attended the event. She also praised the Health Department’s five-member staff for getting the work done and administering the vaccinations and taking care of the animal population through the animal control officer.
“I am fortunate to have all of them,” Ms. Chamberlain said.
