Last reviewed 2026. This guide is for the St. Joseph County Department of Health in South Bend, Indiana. It uses the official Indiana local health department pages and county directory details to separate main office help, immunizations, Vital Records, Environmental Health, food services, septic systems, TB, rabies, naloxone, lead and community health worker programs.
St. Joseph County Department of Health phone numbers, South Bend office and service shortcuts
If you searched for St. Joseph County Health Department, you likely need the South Bend county health office, not a hospital or a private clinic. This page shows the right phone option for immunizations, birth certificates, death certificates, Environmental Health, food complaints, septic permits, TB, rabies, lead help, naloxone, community health workers and public records.
If you are calling after hours and are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. The health department phone line is for public health business, records, permits and program routing. It is not an emergency room, ambulance service, hospital patient portal or private doctor office.
- Official agency
- St. Joseph County Department of Health, Indiana
- Official website
- https://www.in.gov/localhealth/stjosephcounty/
- Address
- 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, County-City Building, South Bend, IN 46601
- Main phone
- 574-235-9750; main fax 574-235-9960
- Office floors
- Located on the 8th and 9th floors of the County-City Building. Environmental Health is listed on the 8th floor.
- Business hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Business transactions are accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Vital Records
- Call 574-235-9750 and select option 3. Starting January 6, 2026, the department begins issuing out-of-county death certificates.
- Environmental Health
- Call 574-235-9750 and select option 6. Environmental Health fax is 574-235-9497.
Quick answer: what St. Joseph County Department of Health can help with
The St. Joseph County Department of Health serves residents of St. Joseph County, Indiana, including South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Osceola, Walkerton, New Carlisle, North Liberty, Lakeville, Roseland, Indian Village and unincorporated county areas. The main number is 574-235-9750. The office is in the County-City Building at 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601.
The department’s public pages route users to Vital Records, immunizations, Environmental Health, food services, pool program, septic systems, well drilling, solid waste, lead, rabies, TB, maternal and infant health, chronic disease education, naloxone, community health workers, emergency response and public records. Some services are direct health department services, while others are referrals, permits, education, inspection programs or partner-location routing.
Use Vital Records option 3
For birth and death certificate questions, call 574-235-9750 and select option 3. Long-form birth certificates must be obtained from the Indiana Department of Health.
Use immunizations scheduling
For immunizations, appointment availability, travel vaccines, RSV vaccines or lead testing, call the main number and follow the immunization instructions. Bring records, ID and insurance card if applicable.
Use Environmental Health option 6
For septic, wells, food service, pool permits, body piercing, tattoo, vectors, solid waste, property transfers and other environmental topics, use option 6.
St. Joseph County Health Department phone numbers and options
Most public services start with the same main number, but the option or extension matters. Use the table below to avoid being transferred between units.
| Need | Correct phone or route | What to say first |
|---|---|---|
| Main Department of Health office | 574-235-9750; fax 574-235-9960 | Say the unit you need: Vital Records, immunizations, Environmental Health, food complaint, septic, TB, rabies, lead or public records. |
| Vital Records | 574-235-9750, option 3 | Say whether you need a birth certificate, death certificate, genealogy record, paternity appointment, notary or out-of-county death certificate. |
| Environmental Health | 574-235-9750, option 6; fax 574-235-9497 | Say whether the issue is food, pool, septic, well, property transfer, lead, pests, tattoo, massage, burning, solid waste or public records. |
| Tuberculosis forms, referrals or questions | 574-235-9750, option 7 or extension 7946 | Explain whether this is TB testing, referral, active case follow-up, treatment support, sputum collection or provider question. |
| Travel vaccines | 574-235-9750, option 4 | Give the destination, travel date, vaccine history and whether you need availability confirmed. |
| RSV vaccine or lead testing availability | 574-235-9750, option 4 | Ask for current availability before visiting or scheduling. |
| General immunizations | 574-235-9750; appointments strongly recommended | Say whether the vaccines are for a child, adult, school, travel, COVID-19, RSV or records update. |
| STI testing | Use listed community STI testing locations, not the SJCDoH clinic | The official page states SJCDoH does not offer STI testing at its clinic. Use the listed STI/HIV testing partner locations. |
| Rabies, bats or animal bite questions | 574-235-9750, extensions 7947, 7944 or 7902 | Say whether this is a bat encounter, bite, scratch, rabies testing question or animal bite reporting concern. |
| Naloxone or Mental Health First Aid training | Health Promotion Specialist phone 574-302-6258 | Ask about free naloxone training, opioid education, public access naloxone cabinets or Mental Health First Aid training. |
| Chronic disease prevention education | Health Promotion Specialist phone 574-876-1999 | Ask about presentations on hypertension, diabetes, nutrition or fall prevention. |
| Maternal and infant health initiatives | Office 574-235-9750, extension 7969; maternal/infant cell 574-250-8680 | Ask about EMBER, safe sleep, perinatal lead, car seat checks or maternal and infant education. |
| Emergency after hours | 911 | Use 911 for life-threatening emergency needs, not the routine health department line. |
Best calling strategy
Start with one clear sentence: “I need a birth certificate,” “I need a septic permit,” “I want to make a food complaint,” “I need travel vaccines,” “I have a bat encounter question,” or “I need TB referral help.” The department has many units, and naming the correct unit first usually gets you routed faster.
Have the right details ready. For records, have the full legal name, date, relationship and ID. For Environmental Health, have the address, business name or property parcel details. For immunizations, bring the most recent vaccine record, ID and insurance card if applicable.
Office address, hours and map
The St. Joseph County Department of Health is located in the County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601. County directory details list the Department of Health on the 8th and 9th floors. Environmental Health is listed on the 8th floor.
Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Business transactions are gladly accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.. If you need a time-sensitive certificate, permit, payment, application or records request, do not arrive close to closing.
Use the County-City Building for
- Health Department business and public health routing.
- Vital Records questions and certificate access.
- Environmental Health business and permit routing.
- Food, pool, septic, well and environmental documents.
- Public records and department contact routing.
Call before visiting if you need
- Immunization appointment availability.
- Travel vaccines, RSV vaccine or lead testing.
- Paternity appointment.
- Septic, property transfer or permit documents.
- Rabies testing instructions after a bat encounter.
Birth certificates, death certificates and Vital Records
Vital Records can be reached by calling 574-235-9750 and selecting option 3. The department’s Vital Records page lists birth and death certificates, genealogy, paternity and notary information. Birth and death certificates may be mailed using the official request and pay online route, and online ordering through VitalChek is listed for overnight UPS delivery.
Long-form birth certificates can only be obtained from the Indiana Department of Health. The St. Joseph County Vital Records page says to visit the Indiana Department of Health website or call 1-800-382-9480 for long-form birth certificates. The same page also states that starting January 6, 2026, St. Joseph County begins issuing out-of-county death certificates.
| Vital Records need | Correct route | Documents or warning |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Call 574-235-9750, option 3, or use official certificate request routes. | Download the required application. Bring valid state ID and proof of relationship or direct interest such as court order, parent, grandparent or sibling over age 18. |
| Long-form birth certificate | Indiana Department of Health | St. Joseph County says long-form birth certificates can only be obtained from IDOH or by calling 1-800-382-9480. |
| Death certificate | Call 574-235-9750, option 3, or use official certificate request routes. | Starting January 6, 2026, the county begins issuing out-of-county death certificates. |
| Paternity | In office and by appointment only | Both parents must be present with government-issued ID such as state ID, driver’s license, passport or military ID. |
| Genealogy | Use the genealogy application route on the Vital Records page. | Call option 3 for more details before mailing or visiting. |
Do not assume every certificate type is handled the same way. Long-form birth certificates are a state-level Indiana Department of Health route, and paternity is appointment-only with both parents present. If the certificate has a special record type, call option 3 before you pay or mail documents.
Immunizations, travel vaccines, RSV vaccine and lead testing
The Immunizations page advises residents to confirm vaccine coverage with their insurance company before receiving vaccines because some insurance companies do not pay for all recommended vaccines. It also says appointments are strongly recommended and that the health department offers immunizations for infants through adulthood.
For travel vaccines, call the clinic to schedule and ensure availability at 574-235-9750, option 4. For RSV vaccines or to schedule lead testing, call for availability at 574-235-9750, option 4. For general immunizations, bring your most recent immunization record, ID and insurance card if applicable.
For child, school or adult shots
- Schedule through the official appointment route when available.
- Bring the most recent vaccine record.
- Bring ID and insurance card if applicable.
- Ask whether your insurance covers the vaccine.
- Do not wait until the day before a school, travel or work deadline.
For travel or special vaccines
- Call 574-235-9750, option 4.
- Give your destination and travel date.
- Ask whether the vaccine is available.
- Ask whether more than one dose is needed.
- Confirm cost and insurance coverage before the visit.
Open official Immunizations page.
Tuberculosis and Public Health Nursing
For tuberculosis forms, referrals or questions, call 574-235-9750 and select option 7 or use extension 7946. The TB program provides education, supports treatment adherence, including directly observed therapy, coordinates care when needed, and collects sputum to send to the state lab for active and suspected active cases.
Call TB services if
- You were referred for TB screening.
- You have a provider referral or form question.
- You have a possible exposure concern.
- You need treatment adherence support.
- You need sputum collection or follow-up instructions.
Explain the reason clearly
- Work or school screening.
- Healthcare or shelter requirement.
- Known exposure.
- Provider referral.
- Active or suspected active TB follow-up.
STI and HIV testing routing
The official STI/HIV testing page states that the St. Joseph County Department of Health does not offer STI testing at its clinic. This is important because many users search “St. Joseph County Health Department STD testing” and expect the county clinic to test on site.
Use the official STI/HIV Testing Clinic Locations page to find listed partner locations. If symptoms are severe, if you have urgent exposure concerns, or if you need immediate medical care, use a medical provider, urgent care, emergency department or appropriate clinical service rather than waiting for a routine public health page.
Because SJCDoH says it does not offer STI testing at its clinic, check the current listed STI/HIV partner locations before going to the County-City Building. Call the partner clinic directly for testing hours, cost, walk-in rules and confidentiality questions.
Open STI/HIV Testing Clinic Locations.
Rabies, bat encounters and animal bites
The rabies page warns that bat bites can be hard to detect, especially if someone was asleep. If you discover a bat in your home and are unsure whether anyone was bitten or had close contact, the page recommends consulting a physician for evaluation. If a bat can be captured safely, it should be submitted for rabies testing with the head intact.
The department does not capture or euthanize animals. For bat encounters in South Bend, contact the South Bend Animal Resource Center at 574-235-9303. For bat encounters in St. Joseph County outside South Bend, contact the St. Joseph County Humane Society at 574-255-4726. For health department questions, call 574-235-9750, extension 7947, 7944 or 7902.
| Rabies or animal issue | Correct route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Bat inside a South Bend home | South Bend Animal Resource Center, 574-235-9303 | Do not release the bat until rabies testing needs are clear. |
| Bat encounter in St. Joseph County outside South Bend | St. Joseph County Humane Society, 574-255-4726 | Ask about capture, submission and safety instructions. |
| Health department rabies questions | 574-235-9750, extensions 7947, 7944 or 7902 | Use for public health questions and concerns after a bite, scratch or bat encounter. |
| Serious injury or emergency | 911 or emergency medical care | Public health reporting does not replace wound care or emergency treatment. |
Open rabies, bat encounters and animal bites guidance.
Food services, food complaints and temporary events
The Food Unit enforces Indiana retail food sanitation requirements, certified food protection manager requirements, civil penalty schedules and local county food establishment rules. The official page states that St. Joseph County has about 1,600 permitted establishments that receive routine unannounced inspections throughout the year.
Food vendors at temporary events, such as fairs, can also receive inspections during the event. During foodborne illness outbreak investigations, the Food Unit collaborates with nursing, epidemiology and the Indiana Department of Health field epidemiologist. For other non-foodborne complaints, the page says investigation is completed when the complainant provides the date and time of the visit to the retail food establishment.
Make a stronger food complaint
- Write the establishment name and exact address.
- Record the date and time of the visit.
- Describe the food, symptom timing or unsafe condition.
- Save receipts or photos if relevant.
- Use the official possible foodborne illness complaint route when illness is involved.
Food business questions
- Review food service documents before opening.
- Check forms and permits.
- Ask about temporary event requirements early.
- Review pool program rules if the facility also has a pool or spa.
- Use Environmental Health option 6 for routing.
Environmental Health: permits, complaints and records
Environmental Health is listed in the County-City Building on the 8th floor at 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend. Call 574-235-9750, option 6. The Environmental Health fax is 574-235-9497. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; business transactions are accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Environmental Health menu includes healthy homes, air quality and burning procedure, lead, massage, pests and vectors, property transfers, septic systems, solid waste disposal, surface water and groundwater, tattoo and body piercing, well drilling and wellhead protection, subdivision information, public notices of petroleum release, food services and pool program documents.
| Environmental need | Best route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Food service permit or complaint | Environmental Health, option 6, or Food Services page | Business name, location, date/time and complaint or permit type. |
| Pool or spa application | Food Services and Pool Program documents | Facility name, address, owner/operator details and application materials. |
| Septic system permit or repair | Septic Systems page and Environmental Health option 6 | Property address, permit type, soil report and contractor/installer information. |
| Property transfer or septic records | Environmental Health property transfer and septic resources | Parcel or address, seller/buyer or requester details, and timeline. |
| Tattoo or body piercing | Tattoo / Body Piercing page | Business type, location, operator details and application questions. |
| Well drilling or groundwater | Well Drilling / Wellhead Protection or Surface Water & Groundwater pages | Property address, well details, water issue and testing or permit question. |
| Pests and vectors | Pests & Vectors page | Location, pest type, standing water details, bite concern or complaint details. |
Septic systems and permits in St. Joseph County
A permit from the Department of Health is required to install, replace or repair a septic system in St. Joseph County. The septic page states that on-site septic systems must be properly designed, installed and maintained to protect groundwater, surface water and resident health. The department also investigates complaints about failed septic systems and improper installation or maintenance.
To apply for a septic permit, a permit application, permit fee and soil report from a certified soil scientist must be submitted. The department reviews the permit and soil report, issues minimum design specifications, reviews the contractor’s design, conducts an on-site inspection and issues the permit when requirements are met. After installation, the septic contractor must call the department 24 hours before the desired final inspection time. The system may be used after the department passes the final inspection.
Do not schedule excavation, closing or occupancy around an assumed septic approval. Septic permits require applications, fees, soil reports, design review, on-site inspection and final inspection. Call 574-235-9750 early if a home purchase, repair, replacement or property transfer depends on septic approval.
Lead, radon, healthy homes and environmental health risks
The department’s site includes healthy homes, lead, radon, air quality and environmental health resources. The homepage links to “Test My Child or Home for Lead” and “Test your home for Radon.” Community Health Workers also support access to resources in childhood lead poisoning prevention, maternal infant health and chronic disease prevention education.
Lead-related help
Use the official lead resources when a child, home, pregnancy or rental concern may involve lead exposure. Lead-related public health routing can involve testing, home risk review, education and community worker support.
Radon and healthy homes
Use the official radon and healthy homes resources for home safety education. Radon and indoor environmental risks are not solved by a routine clinic visit; use the environmental health route.
CARE, naloxone, maternal health and community health workers
The Community, Access, Resources, and Education unit focuses on improving access to essential health services, health education, community engagement and support services related to social drivers of health. It includes chronic disease prevention education, mental health and substance use education, naloxone access, Mental Health First Aid training, maternal and infant health initiatives, EMBER, safe sleep, car seat checks and community health worker connections.
The department states that certified Community Health Workers are licensed insurance navigators and help connect residents to resources in maternal infant health, childhood lead poisoning prevention and chronic disease prevention and education. Naloxone is provided at no cost to anyone in the county, and public access naloxone cabinets are distributed throughout the area.
| CARE program need | Contact or route | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic disease prevention education | 574-876-1999 | Community presentations can cover hypertension, diabetes, nutrition and fall prevention. |
| Naloxone training or Mental Health First Aid | 574-302-6258 | Groups can request opioid education, naloxone training and mental health response education. |
| Maternal and infant health initiatives | 574-235-9750, extension 7969; maternal/infant coordinator cell 574-250-8680 | Resources include EMBER, safe sleep, perinatal lead, car seat checks and education requests. |
| Community Health Worker support | Use the official Community Health Worker page | CHWs connect residents to care and resources, including insurance navigation. |
Open CARE unit and Community Health Workers.
St. Joseph County service area
The St. Joseph County Department of Health serves St. Joseph County, Indiana. That includes South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Osceola, Walkerton, North Liberty, New Carlisle, Lakeville, Roseland, Indian Village, Notre Dame area, Clay Township, Penn Township, Portage Township, Centre Township, German Township, Liberty Township, Madison Township, Olive Township, Union Township and unincorporated county communities. Some services are countywide, while some depend on whether the record, property, permit, complaint or exposure is inside St. Joseph County.
What St. Joseph County Department of Health does not handle
Many searches for the health department are actually for a different agency or service. Use this before calling.
| If you need | Do not use | Correct route |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening medical emergency | Routine health department phone or email | Call 911. |
| Hospital records or private doctor records | County health department records unless the county created the record | Contact the hospital, clinic, doctor or pharmacy that created the record. |
| Long-form birth certificate | County Vital Records only | Use the Indiana Department of Health or call 1-800-382-9480. |
| STI testing at the county clinic | SJCDoH clinic for STI testing | Use the official STI/HIV testing partner locations page. |
| Animal capture or euthanasia | Health department as animal control | Use South Bend Animal Resource Center or St. Joseph County Humane Society depending on location. |
| Building, zoning or tax questions | Health department clinical or Vital Records units | Use the correct county, city, assessor, recorder, building or zoning office. Environmental Health may still be needed for septic or well issues. |
Official St. Joseph County Health Department links
Use these official pages for final verification before visiting, paying, ordering certificates, submitting permit paperwork, reporting a complaint or relying on service availability.
Main contact and office
Records and shots
Public Health Nursing
Environmental Health
Food, pools and permits
St. Joseph County Health Department FAQ
What is the St. Joseph County Health Department phone number?
The main phone number is 574-235-9750. For Vital Records, select option 3. For Environmental Health, select option 6. For TB forms, referrals or questions, select option 7 or use extension 7946.
Where is St. Joseph County Department of Health located?
The department is located at 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, County-City Building, South Bend, IN 46601. The county directory lists the department on the 8th and 9th floors, and Environmental Health is listed on the 8th floor.
What are the St. Joseph County Department of Health hours?
Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.. Business transactions are accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Call before visiting if you need a certificate, permit, immunization or appointment-sensitive service.
How do I get a birth certificate in St. Joseph County?
Call 574-235-9750, option 3, or use the official Vital Records certificate routes. Bring a valid state ID and proof of relationship or direct interest when required. Long-form birth certificates must be obtained from the Indiana Department of Health.
Can St. Joseph County issue out-of-county death certificates?
The official Vital Records page states that starting January 6, 2026, St. Joseph County begins issuing out-of-county death certificates. Call 574-235-9750, option 3 for details.
How do I schedule immunizations?
Use the official immunization appointment route or call 574-235-9750. Appointments are strongly recommended. Bring your most recent immunization record, ID and insurance card if applicable.
Who do I call for travel vaccines?
For travel vaccines, call 574-235-9750 and choose option 4 to schedule and ensure availability. Give your destination, travel date and vaccine history.
Does St. Joseph County Department of Health offer STI testing?
The official STI/HIV testing page states that SJCDoH does not offer STI testing at its clinic. Use the official STI/HIV Testing Clinic Locations page to find listed partner testing locations.
Who do I call for TB questions?
For tuberculosis forms, referrals or questions, call 574-235-9750 and select option 7 or use extension 7946.
Who do I call for Environmental Health?
Call 574-235-9750, option 6. Environmental Health is listed at the County-City Building, 8th floor, 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend. The Environmental Health fax is 574-235-9497.
Who handles septic permits in St. Joseph County?
The Department of Health handles septic system permits. A permit is required to install, replace or repair a septic system. Call 574-235-9750 and use Environmental Health routing for septic questions.
How do I make a food complaint?
Use the official Food Services page and complaint route. For a strong complaint, provide the establishment name, exact location, date and time of the visit, what happened and whether illness occurred.
Who do I call after a bat encounter or animal bite?
For health department rabies questions, call 574-235-9750, extensions 7947, 7944 or 7902. For bat encounters in South Bend, call South Bend Animal Resource Center at 574-235-9303. For county bat encounters outside South Bend, call St. Joseph County Humane Society at 574-255-4726.
Does the health department capture bats or animals?
No. The rabies guidance says the St. Joseph County Department of Health does not capture or euthanize animals. Use the appropriate animal resource or humane society route depending on your location.
Is this the official St. Joseph County Department of Health website?
No. This is an independent directory guide. For official services, hours, records, permits, fees, forms, rabies guidance, immunization scheduling and public health notices, use in.gov/localhealth/stjosephcounty or the official St. Joseph County government directory.