Harford Health Dept Budget Cuts Result In Birth & Death Certificate Service Changes

From the Harford County Health Department:

Bel Air, MD – November 30, 2009 – The Harford County Health Department wishes to inform the public that, effective December 1, 2009, birth and death certificates will be issued only on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 12:00 noon. This service will continue to be provided at their administrative offices located at 120 Hays Street in Bel Air.

The cost for this service remains $20.00, payable by cash or credit card only. Personal checks will no longer be accepted

Health Officer Susan Kelly states, “Reductions in services are an unfortunate but inevitable result of the severe budget cuts the Health Department has sustained in recent months,” noting that the vacated position of a retired employee who used to staff this service must remain unfilled. “The Health Department sincerely regrets any inconvenience to the public that this may cause.”

The Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also continues to issue certified copies of birth and death certificates in person or by mail. That office, located at Reisterstown Road at the Reisterstown Road Plaza in Baltimore is open from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except on designated State holidays and can be reached by telephone toll-free at 1-800-832-3277.

For additional information, visit the Harford County Health Department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com or call 410-612-1781.